The Chao Phraya runs through Bangkok from north to south, past the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown and the big riverside hotels. The Chao Phraya Express Boat, a public service whose boats are identified by the colour of their flag, travels along it between Nonthaburi and Sathorn Pier, which connects to the BTS. It is often the simplest way to reach the temples of the old city without getting stuck in traffic. Tickets are paid in cash and cost 16 to 35 baht depending on the line (prices checked in October 2026). Cross-river ferries, shuttles to the shopping malls and evening cruises complete the picture.
Highlights
The yellow or orange flag express boat
On weekdays, the orange flag boat (18 baht) calls at almost every pier at rush hour, in the morning and late afternoon. Between 08:10 and 15:40, and all day at weekends and on public holidays, a daytime yellow flag boat replaces it. The yellow (23 baht), green-yellow (16 to 35 baht) and red (32 baht) flags are faster weekday rush-hour lines with fewer stops.
The blue flag tourist boat
It runs daily from about 08:30 to 19:40, every 30 minutes, between Phra Arthit Pier, near Khao San Road, and Sathorn, stopping at the Grand Palace (Tha Chang), Wat Arun, Ratchawong for Chinatown and Iconsiam. It continues to Asiatique from 11:30. A single trip costs 40 baht and a one-day pass 150 baht.
The Tha Tien ↔ Wat Arun cross-river ferry
From Tha Tien Pier, next to Wat Pho, a small ferry crosses the river to Wat Arun in a few minutes. It leaves very frequently during the day and costs a few baht, paid in cash at the turnstile.
The river at sunset
In October the sun sets at around 18:00 behind the Thonburi bank. Wat Arun is then lit up, and the dinner cruise boats, decked out in lights, leave from the Iconsiam, River City and Asiatique piers. There are large boats with a buffet and music, and converted old rice barges, which are smaller and quieter.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Carry small change: express boat tickets are bought in cash at the pier ticket booth or from the conductor on board. Prices checked in October 2026: 18 baht on the orange flag, 23 baht on the yellow, 32 baht on the red and 40 baht on the blue flag. From Sathorn Pier, a paid shuttle runs to Iconsiam from 09:00 to 22:50, and a free shuttle to Asiatique from around 16:00 until 23:30. Several riverside hotels, including the Mandarin Oriental and the Peninsula, run their own free boats, reserved for their guests and visitors. Oriental Pier is closed for renovation. The Royal Barge Procession on the river is scheduled for 6 November 2026. The rehearsals on 2, 8, 15, 21 and 28 October 2026 reduce the express boat service in the morning: check the notices posted at the piers or the Chao Phraya Express Boat Facebook page before setting off.
How to get there
Sathorn Pier (Central Pier), at the foot of Taksin Bridge, Sathorn district, Bangkok. BTS Silom line, Saphan Taksin station, exit 2: the pier is 3 minutes' walk away. The other main piers in the centre are Tha Chang (Grand Palace), Tha Tien (Wat Pho), Ratchawong (Chinatown) and Phra Arthit (Khao San Road).
Opening hours
Nearby
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