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10 Best Boat Tours and Cruises in Bangkok

To see Bangkok in a different way, take a cruise to enjoy the sights of the city. Here are some options for this experience.
10 Best Boat Tours and Cruises in Bangkok

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More about: 10 Best Boat Tours and Cruises in Bangkok

During a cruise through Bangkok, you can visit some of the city's most famous sights, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the Temple of Dawn. The best thing about this type of cruise is that you can also enjoy traditional Thai food and great entertainment on board.

This is undoubtedly one of the best things to see and do in Bangkok because you can sail through different river areas of the city, including the Chao Phraya River, where you can see the Bangkok skyline and the surrounding countryside. I also recommend signing up for a cruise through the canals that cross the city, known as khlongs, where you can see the local neighbourhoods and their floating markets up close.

1. Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya river seen|©Tomorn Boonnok
Chao Phraya river seen|©Tomorn Boonnok

During this cruise on the Chao Phraya River, you will have an incredible experience where you will have the opportunity to take photos of the panoramic views of the city and also see some temples and tourist attractions within the city.

This cruise on the Chao Phraya River is one of the most popular activities in Bangkok, because on board you can enjoy good Thai food, whether you decide to have lunch or dinner on the boat.

In the middle of this tour, you will have the opportunity to see traditional Thai cultural shows. As you see all the temples and other places of interest while sailing down the river, the tour guide will tell you everything you need to know about each one.

It is undoubtedly one of the best cruises in Bangkok because you can see the city from a different perspective, and it is also an activity that you should include even if you are visiting Bangkok for two days or less, thanks to its great tourist appeal.

Details of interest

  • Price: The price may vary depending on the time you decide to do it, the amenities offered, among other things, but at a minimum, you will have to pay around £33 per person for this cruise.
  • Duration: This cruise usually lasts around two hours from departure in Bangkok until it returns.
  • Means of transport: The entire trip is made by tourist boat with enclosed cabins and air conditioning inside, although you will have to make your own way to the meeting point with your tour guide.

Book a dinner cruise in Bangkok

2. Cruise to Koh Kret Island

Path on Koh Kret island|©Uwe Schwarzbach
Path on Koh Kret island|©Uwe Schwarzbach

Another incredible place to visit in Bangkok with the help of a cruise is undoubtedly Koh Kret, a charming island located approximately 20 kilometres from the centre of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River. This island is special thanks to its slow and relaxed pace of life , compared to the bustling city, so it is definitely a good place for a day trip or at least a half-day excursion from Bangkok.

During the trip , you will have the opportunity to see all the tourist attractions that Bangkok has to offer, such as its temples and other tourist sites, viewed from the sea. Once you arrive on Koh Kret Island, you will have the opportunity to learn about its culture, pottery and unique architecture. You can also sample some traditional Thai dishes and buy handmade crafts.

Details of interest

  • Price: To board a cruise of this type, you will have to pay around 110 euros per person, depending on the different services offered and the duration of the excursion.
  • Duration: These cruises are generally half-day trips, so you will complete this tour in approximately 4 hours on average.
  • Transportation: The entire trip is completed by boat and in small groups, although you will have to make your own way there from your accommodation.

Book a tourist boat trip in Bangkok

3. River trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market|©Colin Tsoi
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market|©Colin Tsoi

On this tour, you will visit the traditional floating market located in the suburbs of Bangkok. This type of cruise will take you through the city's river canals to the market , where you can explore the food stalls and view local art in the authentic and vibrant atmosphere that characterises Bangkok.

On this round-trip tour to the floating market, you will be accompanied by a tour guide who will tell you all about this famous place. You can also choose to leave Bangkok very early in the morning to visit the market before the crowds arrive.

Details of interest

  • Price: The trip to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market costs approximately £18 to £24 per person, although these prices may vary depending on the specific characteristics of each trip.
  • Duration: The trip takes around 6 hours to complete.
  • Means of transport: The entire trip is done by rowing boat, and another part by private car.

:::link|text=Book a river excursion to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market|element=pa-58487:::

4. Mae Klong River Cruise

Mae Klong|©Wisawin Chewangkul
Mae Klong|©Wisawin Chewangkul

On this tour of the Mae Klong River, you will enjoy a unique experience, as the trip is surrounded by tropical forests and a unique natural landscape that you will love to photograph. Rice fields and traditional Thai villages are some of the landscapes you can enjoy during this cruise on the Mae Klong River.

You will also be able to visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, including the Amphawa floating market and Wat Bang Kung temple. During this type of cruise, you can also enjoy traditional Thai food and drinks while you enjoy the ride on board the cruise ship, allowing you to sample some Thai cuisine before going on a gastronomic tour in Bangkok.

Details of interest

  • Price: To enjoy this trip, you will have to pay around £75 per person.
  • Duration: This tour can last around 9 hours, as it is a full-day tour. The time may also vary depending on the stops you make along the way.
  • Means of transport: The entire trip is completed by boat, and another part by private vehicle with all the comforts.

Book a tourist boat trip around Bangkok

5. Cruise on the Gulf of Thailand

Gulf of Thailand|©nuielo
Gulf of Thailand|©nuielo

On this trip, you will discover the beautiful landscapes of Thailand's east coast. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to visit and admire the pristine beaches of the Thai coast, as well as see and photograph its mountains covered with tropical forests and even the charming villages on the seashore.

During this type of cruise around the gulf, you will be able to sample some traditional Thai dishes, but you will also have the opportunity to take part in one of the best cooking classes in Bangkok while enjoying the trip on board. In addition, during this tour you will be able to go diving in bright and colourful reefs, all while the guide explains everything you need to know about the gulf and its characteristics.

Details of interest

  • Price: To enjoy this cruise, you will have to pay around £120 per person.
  • Duration: This experience takes around 8 hours to complete.
  • Transportation: The entire tour is completed by boat, and another part by private car with all the amenities.

Book a cooking class in Bangkok

6. Cruise to Koh Samui Island

Koh Samui|©Barbara
Koh Samui|©Barbara

Another incredible island to visit during your trip to Bangkok is undoubtedly Koh Samui. On this cruise, you will board a boat to the popular tourist island located in the Gulf of Thailand.

This is a great outing if you are visiting Bangkok with children, as the island is a peaceful and beautiful place to have fun and , above all, appreciate its natural beauty. It is also a perfect activity to do after taking a tour of Bangkok to see other landscapes.

The cruise makes its way through the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean until it reaches the crystal-clear waters of Koh Samui. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to enjoy incredible seascapes, and you can also sail through the channels between the Thai islands.

Details of interest

  • Price: This type of cruise usually costs around £125 per person.
  • Duration: This trip takes around 8 hours to complete.
  • Means of transport: The entire tour is completed by boat, and another part by car with all the comforts.

7. Cruise on the River Kwai

Cruise on the River Kwai|©Miguel Discart
Cruise on the River Kwai|©Miguel Discart

You're sure to love this exploration of the River Kwai and its surroundings, as you'll be able to visit and photograph the famous River Kwai Bridge. The bridge is located in Thailand, in the province of Kanchanaburi, and visiting it will not only be great fun, but also a great dose of history. The famous bridge over the River Kwai houses the remains of the railway built during World War II by Japanese prisoners of war.

During this tour of the River Kwai Bridge, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the lush landscape around the river while listening to all the interesting details the guide has to share. You will love seeing the landscapes made up of green mountains and open fields. You can also visit the local Buddhist caves to appreciate ancient hand-painted artwork. Without a doubt, this cruise will introduce you to the ancient Thai culture.

Interesting details

  • Price: This tour costs approximately £60 per person.
  • Duration: This experience takes approximately half a day to complete, or around 5 hours.
  • Transportation: The entire tour is completed by boat, although you will have to make your own way to the departure point.

Book a tour of the River Kwai Bridge

8. Ayutthaya bus tour with cruise

Ayutthaya|©randmname
Ayutthaya|©randmname

On this tour, you will visit the ancient city of Ayutthaya and also sail along the river from Bangkok, discovering and enjoying the incredible landscapes along the way. On this tour, which is one of the best excursions to the temples of Ayutthaya, you will not only enjoy the atmosphere on the cruise, but also the history and culture hidden in this town.

During the tour, you will discover the ancient capital of Siam, but first you will have the opportunity to visit a couple of temples, such as Wat Lokayasutharam, which is renowned for its giant reclining Buddha. You will also have the chance to photograph the entire landscape while enjoying different traditional Asian dishes, in this case, Thai cuisine.

Details of interest

  • Price: You will have to pay around 75 euros per person to enjoy this tour.
  • Duration: The tour will last around nine hours, making it a full-day excursion.
  • Transport: The entire tour is conducted by boat and private car with all amenities.

Book an excursion to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

9. Candlelit dinner cruise

Bangkok River Cruise|©Kalboz
Bangkok River Cruise|©Kalboz

On this night tour of the Chao Phraya River, you will have the opportunity to see all of Bangkok's most important temples and attractions from a different perspective after sunset, making this one of the best things to see and do in Bangkok at night.

This is undoubtedly a tour where you can not only enjoy an incredible evening, but also learn about Thai culture along the way. During the tour, you can enjoy different traditional Thai dishes while listening to good music on board and taking incredible photos in the night light and with all the city lights.

Details of interest

  • Price: These types of tours can cost around 50 euros per person.
  • Duration: This trip takes around two hours to complete.
  • Means of transport: The entire tour is conducted by cruise boat, although you will have to make your own way to the departure point.

Book a tourist boat trip around Bangkok

10. Cruise to Ang Thong National Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park|©jelinley
Ang Thong National Marine Park|©jelinley

If there's one cruise you're going to love, it's the one that takes you to see the natural beauty of Thailand, in this case at Ang Thong National Park. This national park is located on the islands of the Andaman Sea and offers breathtaking panoramic views, beautiful coastal landscapes and crystal-clear waters. During this cruise to this location, the tour guide will tell you all about Thailand's coastal landscapes, but at the same time, they will tell you everything you want to know about its culture.

As for fun during the tour, your guide will give you the opportunity to explore the cays and small islands located in the national park, but you can also visit its deserted white beaches. You will even have the opportunity to get off and enjoy a private beach, right after swimming or diving among the reefs of colourful marine life. This is definitely an excursion you should take if you are going to Bangkok for 7 days or more.

Details of interest

  • Price: This tour costs approximately £95 per person.
  • Duration: It will take you around 12 hours to complete this experience.
  • Transportation: The entire tour is completed by boat, and another part by car with all the amenities.

Book a tourist boat trip in Bangkok

What are the advantages of taking a guided cruise in Bangkok vs. renting a boat on my own?

A dinner cruise on the river in Bangkok|©eGuide Travel
A dinner cruise on the river in Bangkok|©eGuide Travel
  • Guided tour
  • You are guaranteed entertainment.
  • You will have a tour guide who will tell you about Thai culture.
  • You can sample Thai cuisine on board.
  • You will have a planned route with the best places to visit.
  • Rented boat
  • You will have to hire entertainment individually
  • You will not have a guide to tell you about Thai culture.
  • You will not be able to eat Thai food, but will have to bring your own food.
  • You will not know exactly which places to visit to make the most of your trip.

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 8881 Reviews
  • H
    H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Perfect to see the city out of the ordinary, I recommend it.
  • S
    S.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Good mix of urban nature and culture with well thought out stops.
  • E
    E.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I really enjoyed it, even though it was a bit wet on the bike.
  • C
    C.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The local guide had some interesting stories that made the tour special.
  • J
    J.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    It was fun and different. Bangkok from the water was a discovery.