Chao Phraya River: Travel Along the Stunning Beauty of Bangkok

Most tourists never think about taking a boat ride through the Chao Phraya River (Mae Nam Chao Phraya) in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), but for those who have, the experience is unlike anything else. Due to the incredible scenery, the Chao Phraya River is often referred to as the 'Venice of the West' for a reason. 

You may think the river Chao Phraya looks beautiful from afar, but you'll find it's much more than a river once you see it in person. The river is one of Bangkok's most impressive and vital places, with its famous floating markets, nearby temples, and palaces. The Chao Phraya River area offers breathtaking views you can enjoy by taking a boat ride or walking along its banks. Getting away from Bangkok's traffic jams is also the best way to get around the city.

To have an excellent time while visiting Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), you should take a cruise on the Chao Phraya River or walk its banks. So what are you waiting for? Let's start to get around!

Amazing Beauty of Chao Phraya River

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) is undoubtedly affluent, with many breathtaking thrills given to it by nature. The Chao Phraya River is one of its priceless wonders, glowing across the city with a jewel that seems never to vanish.

The Chao Phraya River is inherently linked with Krung Thep Maha Nakhon's (Bangkok) identity and its improvement. Cutting across nearly all of its areas, the river serves as the city's main body of water and a tourist attraction in its own right, with many iconic milestones strewn along the banks.

This river is also one of the country's most significant waterways for transport purposes. Many boat services run across these waters, and long-tail boats are famous for river transport and rice barges. Small canals and larger vessels encompassing container ships can also be seen docking at Khlong Toei Port.

A boat tour is also a fantastic way to absorb the many interests on the beautiful Chao Phraya River banks. Historical temples and structures beautifully mix with buildings, modern glass, and steel structures, making a tour down the river a true pleasure.

 Fun Fact!

The Chao Phraya River is the third largest river in Thailand after the Mekong and the Salween.

Places to Visit around the Chao Phraya River

Royal Barges National Museum

The Royal Barges National Museum includes four Royal barges and stores a collection of colorful, ornately decorated historical ones. The long and slender boats are used during the Royal Barges Processions on the Chao Phraya River. These processions have been held for centuries for Royal ceremonies, important Buddhist events, and coronations.

Phra Sumen Fort

When Bangkok was made the new capital of Siam, the King ordered many forts built to protect the city against invaders. Phra Sumen Fort, completed in 1782, remains one of only two. The fort is in Santichai Prakan Park next to Phra Athit pier on the Chao Phraya river bank.

Holy Rosary Church

Holy Rosary Church, another Roman Catholic church built by the Portuguese, is on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Also known as Kanwa church, the Gothic-style cream-colored building features large arched entrances, gilded ceilings, and beautiful large arched windows inlaid with stained glass.

Bang Khun Phrom Palace

Bang Khun Phrom Palace is on the Chao Phraya riverbanks, an exquisite European-style palace constructed at the start of the 20th century. Today, the main building, a beautiful Baroque-style mansion, houses the Bank of Thailand Museum.

Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)

Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market) is not far from Wat Pho, and you will see Bangkok’s largest flower market. Walking past endless rows of flower stalls, visitors will enjoy the variety of colors and smells. Vendors sell orchids, lotus, jasmine, roses, and garlands for temple offerings.

How to Visit the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok?

You can reach the Chao Phraya River by taking the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin on the Silom line. Take Exit 2 and head towards the Central Pier or the Sathorn Bridge Pier. Here, you will start your journey to the Chao Phraya River.

  Did You Know?

The Chao Phraya River is particularly known in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) for its many canals. Having become the stunning beauty of the capital, the river is used as a waterway where many water buses or water taxis called Long Tail navigate daily.

Why Visit the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok?

Exploring the Great History

The Chao Phraya River is also known as the River of Kings. It is set by four major tributaries, including the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan Rivers. It was and still is a significant waterway for the people of Central Thailand. Many people call the banks of the Chao Phraya River their home. 

Others use the river to get to and from work barely every day. For some, it is a way of life and their primary source of income. You can see people's traditional livelihoods while exploring the incredible history by visiting the Chao Phraya River. A few tens of kilometers from its mouth, the Chao Phraya River crosses Bangkok, where popular floating markets were held that could only be found outside the capital, such as Damnoen Saduak.

The cities located along the river are, from its source to the mouth, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), and Samut Prakan. Most of these cities have played a significant historical role.

Sightseeing Tour of the Beautiful Attractions

Some of Bangkok's most notable temptations are on the mighty Chao Phraya River banks. The four must-see attractions easily accessible from the river are Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Be warned, however, that these are tourist hot spots. 

Along the Chao Phraya River, don't forget to view the sunset. You can connect for free from Sathorn Pier to Asiatique Pier. 'ASIATIQUE The Riverfront' rebuilt old warehouses into a tourist attraction and shopping lifestyle. There are restaurants, bars, clothing stores, and souvenir shops. And a giant Ferris Wheel that is considered a landmark where you can go up to see the river at night in a bird's eye view.

Walking Around the River Area

The Chao Phraya River area is among Bangkok’s most beautiful places to see and enjoy while you walk. As in the last centuries, life was centered around the river; many of Bangkok’s historical sites and most beautiful temples are found on the river banks. The river breeze makes the area a little more relaxed than the city.

There is a constant flow of traffic on the river. Barges carrying heavy loads move gradually upstream while people commute to work on the riverboats. Try Thai food in one of the riverside restaurants and watch large schools of catfish waiting to be fed.

An Evening Refreshments 

Sathorn Pier is the easiest way to start your trip because it is a port that can connect to all ship lines and is a connection point to BTS Saphan Taksin. 

Anyone who comes to this area must not miss finding tasty food in the 'Bangrak area,' where there are old restaurants to check in along the Charoen Krung route, including the market next to the mall Robinson with dazzling food in the evening. Those who are a little more diligent can walk to the new creative spaces like TCDC or Warehouse 30.

Exciting Dinner Cruises

Another great way to see these canals, though on the pricier side, is to go on a dinner cruise. You do not have to get on and off a boat; you can sit inside with air conditioning if you can not handle the heat. A few options include the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise, Loy Nava Dinner Cruises, and the Grand Pearl Luxury River Cruise & Dining Experience.

Most cruises start at about 6 pm and last for a few hours. You should expect dinners to start at about $40 for a romantic evening on the Chao Phraya River.

Exploring Around the River 

It is best known in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) for its famous canals (e.g., Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, Khlong Ong Ang, etc.), floating markets, and boat taxis, including the Chao Phraya Express. It is a stunning beauty in the capital and a real experience to test during a stay in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok).

  Trivia!

The Chao Phraya River originates at the confluence of the Ping and Nant Rivers in Nakhon Sawan in the north of the country and flows south to empty into the Gulf of Thailand. Its 372 km in length ranks among the most important rivers in Thailand.

Map & More Information

Chao Phraya River (Mae Nam Chao Phraya) in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) is a great and magical river in Thailand. Golden temples, modern skyscrapers, and wooden houses - all that is reflected by the river. The Bangkok river bus, a cheap and friendly ferry, is the best way to enjoy the river.