Bangkok Canal Tour
See the real Bangkok
One of the best ways to see Bangkok is from the water. You get to see a side of Bangkok that few get to see.
Historically, Bangkok was known as the “Venice of the East” due to its extensive network of canals. While many of these canals have been paved over or replaced with roads, there are still several significant canals remaining in the city. Some estimates suggest there are around 1,500 kilometers (about 930 miles) of canals in Bangkok and its surrounding areas.
These canals, which are locally known as “khlongs.” were historically, the primary mode of transportation for locals in the city before the advent of roads and cars. These canals are still used on a daily basis by the locals for transportation, as well as for tourism purposes, with boat tours allowing visitors to explore the city from a unique perspective.
Where to find a canal boat tour
The best place to pick up a canal boat tour in Bangkok is typically along the Chao Phraya River. This river runs through the heart of Bangkok and is a major transportation artery in the city. You’ll find numerous tour operators and boat services along the riverbanks, particularly near popular landmarks and piers such as Tha Maharaj, Saphan Taksin, and Tha Chang.
These locations are convenient starting points for exploring the canals of Bangkok, as they offer easy access to both the Chao Phraya River and the network of khlongs (canals) that branch out from it. From here, you can board a long-tail boat or a canal tour boat to explore the city’s waterways and experience the unique sights and sounds of Bangkok from a different perspective.
We recommend the Sathorn Pier as it’s easy to get to and there are lots of boats there. It’s also possible to see the the big buddha by the canal when you take a trip from here.
Take the BTS Silom Line to Saphan Taksin and head towards the river keep to the right and you will see the little information desk.
I believe the tours run from around 9:30 to about 3:30-4:00. Bear in mind it gets dark around 6:00 – 6:30pm. You can either have aboat all to yourself or share with others. There is no need to book as there are usually plenty of boats. If you look carefully you may see then waiting on the other side of the river in the shade of the bridge.
Where does the Canal tour go.
Depending upon the length of the tour (we recommend the two hour tour) you will see a large section of the “Thonburi” side of Bangkok.
In 1767, the capital of Thailand (Siam) was moved to Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. In 1782, King Rama I founded the new capital of Bangkok (then known as “Krung Thep”) on the east bank, across from Thonburi, establishing the Chakri Dynasty which still rules Thailand today.
The tour is usually in what is called a long tail boat. This is a thin boat powered by an old car engine with a long “tail” with a propeller on the end. Although they look a big precarious they are very safe and great fun. They are also quite noisy but this won’t ruin the trip.
The tour starts in the Chaophraya River and either heads North or South to a large lock to gain access to the Canal system. Once through the lock you will see the real behind the scenes Bangkok. Keep you eyes out for a large lizards which can often be seen sunbathing on the banks.
You will see what looks like old run down houses that are falling into the canal. People live in these houses and maybe the homes of the very same people who served you in the local 7-11 earlier that day. If you are lucky you will see Water Monitor Lizards some of which are upto six feet long. On our last trip (we’ve done many) we saw three!
Cost: (March 2024) – 700baht per person (1.5hrs), 1000baht per person (2hrs) from the Khlong San Pier other timings and locations may vary.
If you want to see the large Buddha by the canal (Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen) then mention this to the booking agents as some tours that take in Wat Arun don’t feature this. You can see Wat Arun from the standard River boats that go up and down the river (and even stop there) anyway.
The Khlongs are also situated on the West side of the river but are usually busy with boats ferrying people around on a set route. If you get to visit Jim Thompsons House you will see these boats travelling in the Khlong from his garden.
Certain areas of Bangkok are named after these waterways. Klongsan, Klong Ton Sai etc
