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Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya River: Our most recommended tours and activities

Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour

1. Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour

Meet the group at River City Bangkok by 9:00 AM and head to the Emerald Buddha Temple by local transport. Along the way, pass by the amulet market, one of the most famous, historical community markets of Rattanakosin Island. Discover the first stop of Wat Phra Kaew which is commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. It is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.  Explore the Grand Palace which was the official residence of the Kings of Thailand. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.  After the Grand Palace, continue to visit Wat Pho, if you've selected this option. On the way, pass Tha Thien Market, a cultural food market that sells dried, salted seafood and wholesale products. Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho. It is on the list of six temples in Thailand classed as the highest grade of first-class royal temples. Learn about King Rama I who rebuilt the temple complex on an earlier temple site and how it became his main temple where some of his ashes are enshrined. The temple is considered the earliest center for medical public education surrounded by the marble illustrations and inscriptions placed in the temple for public instructions. It has been recognized by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. Most importantly, it is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which is still taught and practiced at the temple today. Complete the list of must-visit temples in Bangkok by continuing your journey to Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. The temple is known for its giant 70-meter tower next to the Chao Phraya River and is decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass surrounded by Chinese porcelain.

Bangkok: River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess

2. Bangkok: River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess

Enjoy an evening dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess, traveling along Bangkok’s main waterway. Experience the magic of the illumination of the city’s temples and other historic monuments. Check-in at the River City shopping complex and board a safe and comfortable cruiser to experience the Chao Phraya River at night. Take in views of both banks of the river from the open-air upper deck. Soak up the atmosphere of the city’s top landmarks and monuments illuminated at night, and tuck into an elegant gourmet buffet dinner of international fare, accompanied by light background music.

Bangkok: Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise

3. Bangkok: Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise

Enjoy a warm welcome onboard and set out on a dinner cruise under the stars. Indulge in a large buffet dinner under candlelight with live music in a romantic atmosphere. Taste the large international buffet with fresh seafood elegantly arranged with appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Enjoy beautiful traditional Thai dancing performances on the cruise as you pass Bangkok's most stunning landmarks.

Bangkok: Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music

4. Bangkok: Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music

Take a river cruise along the Chao Phraya River and see Bangkok light up at night. Listen to live music, see iconic sights, and eat a delicious seafood buffet dinner with both Thai and international foods available. This is a night you won't want to miss. Embark on a luxury dinner cruise from ICONSIAM Shopping Center right by the Chao Phraya River. Sit back, relax, and admire breathtaking views of the Grand Place, Wat Arun Temple, and other famous buildings alongside the river. Enjoy a candlelit dinner with live singers as you savor dishes like sashimi, papaya salad, tom yum goong, pad thai, chicken with cashew nuts, fried fish in sweet and sour sauce, curries, pasta, and a variety of western and Thai desserts. Watch traditional Thai dance performances as your luxury dinner cruise comes to an end and you head back to the meeting point.

Bangkok: Canal Tour by Longtail Boat

5. Bangkok: Canal Tour by Longtail Boat

Enjoy a long tail boat journey in Bangkok. Meet your guide at River City Shopping mall and visit the old city of Thonburi, an independent province until it was merged with Bangkok in 1971. Experience the local way of living, rarely seen from the other side of town. Historically, the Thai capital Bangkok was crisscrossed by klongs (canals), and gained the nickname "Venice of the East". Klongs were used for transportation and for floating markets, but also for sewage disposal. Today, most of the khlongs of Bangkok have been filled in, although the Thonburi side of Bangkok (covering areas west of Chao Phraya River) still retains several of its larger khlongs.

Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Private Tour

6. Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Private Tour

Immerse yourself in local culture on a guided tour to the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple. Travel in a comfortable car and have the option to expand your experience with options that include visits to the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. Journey to the old part of Bangkok and discover Wat Phra Kaew which is commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. It is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.  Explore the Grand Palace which was the official residence of the Kings of Thailand. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is still used for official events. After the Grand Palace, continue to visit Wat Pho, if you've selected this option.  Pass the Tha Thien Market, a food market that sells dried, salted seafood and wholesale products. Travel to Wat Pho by private car, a local Tuk Tuk, or take a scneic stroll there.  Discover the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho (depending on the option you select). It is on the list of six temples in Thailand classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples and has been recognized by UNESCO. Continue your journey to Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). On this trip, you will also get to experience a local shuttle boat which takes you across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun.  Pick to option to visit Wat Arun and see this temple which is famous for its giant tower which is next to the Chao Phraya River, standing 70 meters high. The temple is decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass surrounded by Chinese porcelain. After a fun cultural half-day out at any option selected, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Bangkok safely.

From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus with River Cruise

7. From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus with River Cruise

Embark on a day tour to Ayutthaya by bus and boat. See the ancient capital of Siam and its many temples and historic monuments. Depart from River City Bangkok onboard a luxury boat for a cruise down the Chao Phraya River. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river with the morning atmosphere on the upper deck passing by the Temple of Dawn and The Grand Palace. Enjoy a Thai and international buffet lunch on board. After the cruise, board a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and travel to Ayutthaya province. First, stop to see Wat Lokayasutharam. This temple is known for its giant reclining buddha. Continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which is part of the royal palace complex. It is considered the most important temple of Ayutthaya. Next, visit Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya, one of the oldest of its kind in the province. Fnish your trip at the grand riverside Wat Chaiwattanaram. Marvel at its compelling architectural style, influenced by the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, as you wander around the monumental grounds. Then, hop back on the bus for your transfer back to Bangkok.

Bangkok: Wonderful Pearl Candle Light Dinner Cruise

8. Bangkok: Wonderful Pearl Candle Light Dinner Cruise

At 6:30 PM begin your journey by checking in at the river city pier number one. Board on the cruise at 7:20 PM. The cruise can accommodate up to 1,200 people, is suitable for those with disabilities, and contains important amenities like escalators, automatic doors, a 360-degree deck, a stage, and more.  As the cruise takes off, enjoy a luxury buffet dinner with dishes from Thai, European, Japanese, and other international cuisines. During your meal, spot remarkable sites along the Chao Phraya River including the Temple of Dawn, Kanlayanamitr Temple, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You will be transferred back to the River City around 9:30 PM.

Bangkok: Customized Private Long-Tail Boat Hire with a Guide

9. Bangkok: Customized Private Long-Tail Boat Hire with a Guide

Meet your guide at Tha Maharaj, also known as Maharaj Pier, and depart on a long-tail speedboat journey on the “River of Kings,” the Chao Phraya River. Benefit from a private guide and included travel insurance to ensure your safety is the top priority. Choose between 1, 1.5 or 2-hour tour options, and customize the itinerary based on your interests, as long as it is realistic time-wise and can be adjusted if necessary after meeting your guide. Once the tour is finished, you will be transferred back to the Tha Maharaj Pier. The places you can visit include: • Wat Arun or “Temple of Dawn,” one of Bangkok's most famous temples on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River • Wat Kalayanamit, a prominent local Thai Buddhist temple located next to the river in an area considered one of the most important in Bangkok's history • The Artist's House (Baan Silapin), a 2-floor, L-shaped wooden building famed for its puppet theater • Taling Chan Floating Market (only open on weekends from around 8:30 AM–4 PM) • Wat Hong Rattanaram Temple, a Thai Buddhist temple classified as the second rank of the royal temple • Wat Suwannaram Temple, which was used as the execution ground for Burmese prisoners of war; you can also feed the fish for merit-making here • National Museum of Royal Barges, a former dry dock for barges and warships under the care of the Royal Household and the Royal Thai Navy that now houses barges from the Royal Barge Procession

Bangkok Classical Bicycle Tour

10. Bangkok Classical Bicycle Tour

This 3-hour bike tour of Bangkok is ideal for enthusiastic adventurers and those who want to extend their knowledge of Bangkok to its extensive Chinatown, historic capital of Thonburi and hidden backstreets. Starting in the heart of Chinatown, the 3-hour tour explores the frenetic market environment, winding through narrow streets and alleyways. Your senses will come alive to the sights, sounds, and smells of a vibrant community in motion. We will pass by shop houses selling everything from Buddhist amulets to recycled truck engines. Locals worshiping at hidden temples, ritual paper burnings, and the omnipresent spirit house display evidence of a culture that has been centuries in the making. Cross the Chao Phraya River, with majestic views of the city skyline behind you, and visit Thonburi, the historic third capital of Thailand. Contrasting chaotic Chinatown, peaceful elements of local Thai life abound as you cycle through diverse residential communities. Inquisitive smiles and friendly greetings reinforce the feeling that you have truly left behind the beaten path and are now experiencing the authentic Thailand on this thrilling tour of a Bangkok less well-known.

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What people are saying about Chao Phraya River

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 6,302 reviews

Had great fun doing this tour with York, our helpful tour guide, looking at Bangkok at another angle. The virtual Museum Siam, my first stop was just the right place for families with kids to experience various interactive, funny, creative ways to learn about Thai people & culture. I still remember putting an empty plate on the table and the scanner showed one surprise Thai delicacy with its recipe. Next boat ride was relaxing, got to see nice temples and local houses on the banks, you are protected from the sun with the roof of the long tail boat so it's not too hot for us. I find the wait at the river gates watching them being pulled up and down quite interesting. Our favorite part is the old market by the river with DIY workshop & coffee at the Artist house where I designed & made my own bracelet, there're other options like mask painting, pottery or wooden painting that my kids would love besides catfish feeding . I liked the restaurant York took us to. Overall time well spent.

Had a lovely day on the boat. Had plenty of time to do all the stops I wanted and wander round the locations, it was a great way to see the city and the ferries were very well organized and frequent. Nice to get a map and timetable as well and all felt very easy, would definitely recommend.

Had an amazing tour day around Bangkok :) Our guide Gwen and Mr. Bong were so great, we learned a lot and saw everything at our own pace with the personalised tour. We loved the trip with them, totally recommend to ask for them when you want to visit Bangkok !!

Great tour, well organized. Took a boat trip to the temples and ride in a tuk tuk. Overall was well spent 4.5 hours afternoon. Thank you!

Such a lovely guide! And everything was well organized