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.
Boat Tours and Cruises in Bangkok

Other popular activities in Bangkok

More about: Boat Tours and Cruises in Bangkok

During a Bangkok cruise, you will get to see some of the most famous sights in the city, 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 meals and good entertainment on board.

This is definitely one of the best things to see and do in Bangkok because you can cruise 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 taking a cruise along the canals that criss-cross the city, known as khlongs, where you can get an up-close look at the local neighbourhoods and floating markets.

1. Chao Phraya River Cruise

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

During this Chao Phraya river cruise, you will have an amazing experience where you will have the opportunity to take pictures of the panoramic views of the city and also get to see some temples and tourist attractions within the city.

This Chao Phraya river cruise 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 board the boat.

In the midst of all this sightseeing, you will have the opportunity to see traditional Thai cultural performances. As you see all the temples and other sites of interest as you cruise down the river, the tour guide will tell you everything you need to know about each of them.

It is definitely 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 visit Bangkok in 2 days or less, thanks to its great tourist attraction.

Interesting details

  • Price: The price may vary according to the schedule you decide to do it, the amenities it offers, among other things, but for the minimum, you will have to pay for this cruise, around 37 euros per person.
  • Duration: This cruise usually lasts around two hours from the time it departs in Bangkok, until it arrives back.
  • Means of transport: The whole trip is done by tour 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.
  • Advantages of this option: An international buffet is included, as well as original Thai cuisine. A welcome drink and live music on board is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Extra drinks are not included. Transfer to and from your hotel or accommodation is not included.

Book a Bangkok Dinner Cruise

2. Cruise to Koh Kret Island

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

Another amazing place to see in Bangkok with the help of a cruise is undoubtedly Koh Kret, which is a charming island located approximately 20 kilometres from the centre of Bangkok in the Chao Phraya River. This island is special because of its leisurely and relaxed pace of life compared to the bustling city, so it's definitely a good place to take a day trip from Bangkok for a day or at least half a day.

During the trip you will have the opportunity to see all the tourist attractions Bangkok has to offer, such as temples and other tourist sites, which can be seen from the sea. Once you arrive at Koh Kret Island, you will have the opportunity to learn about its culture, pottery practice and unique architecture. You can also sample some of the traditional Thai dishes and shop for handmade handicrafts.

Interesting details

  • Price: To get on a cruise like this you will have to pay around 110 euros per person, depending on the different services offered or the length of the excursion.
  • Duration: Generally, these cruises are half-day cruises, so you'll be completing this tour in an average of about 4 hours.
  • Means of transport: The whole trip is completed by boat and with small groups, although you will have to arrive on your own from your accommodation.
  • Advantages of this option: Drinks are included. Taxes, fees and handling charges are included. A host and tour guide are also included. There will be around 14 travellers maximum on this type of activity.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Personal expenses, meals and tastings are not included.

Book a Bangkok dinner cruise

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 takes you through the city's waterways to the market, where you can explore the food stalls and browse the local art amidst the authentic and vibrant atmosphere that characterises Bangkok.

On this tour to the floating market and back, you will be accompanied by a tour guide who will talk you through all the details of this famous place. You can also choose to leave Bangkok very early in the morning, so that you can get to the market before the crowds arrive.

Details of interest

  • Price: The ride to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is priced at approximately 20-30 euros per person, although prices may vary according to the specifics of each trip.
  • Duration: It will take you around 6 hours to complete the trip.
  • Means of transport: The whole trip is done by rowing boat, and part of it by private car.
  • Advantages of this option: Bottled water is included. You will always be accompanied by a driver or tour guide. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included. Rowing boat hire is also included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Alcoholic drinks are not offered. Food and drinks are not included.

Book a Bangkok market tour

4. Mae Klong River Cruise

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

On this Mae Klong river cruise, you will have a unique experience, because the ride 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 that you can enjoy during this Mae Klong river cruise.

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

Interesting details

  • Price: To enjoy this ride you will have to pay around 75 euros per person.
  • Duration: This tour can last around 9 hours, because it is a full day tour. Also the time can vary according to the stops you make along the way.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by boat, and another part in a private vehicle with all comforts.
  • Advantages of this option: The transfer to and from the hotel or place of accommodation is included. The tour guide is included. Admission fees to all sites visited and boat fees are also included. You will be offered a lunch of Thai food and a bottle of water.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Gratuities are not included. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included.

Book a food tour of Bangkok

5. Gulf of Thailand Cruise

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

On this trip you will experience the beautiful scenery of Thailand's east coast. During the cruise you will have the opportunity to visit and admire the pristine beaches of the Thai coastline, as well as see and photograph the rainforest-covered mountains and even the charming villages by the sea.

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

Details of interest

  • Price: To enjoy this cruise you will have to pay around 120 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you about 8 hours to complete this experience.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by boat, and another part by private car with all the comforts.
  • Advantages of this option: Pick up and drop off at the hotel is included. The guide and entrance fee to Wat Suwannakhuha is also included. Lunch at a restaurant on Koh Panyi is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Additional meals or special drinks are not included in the price.

Book a cooking class in Bangkok

6. Cruise to Koh Samui Island

Koh Samui|©Barbara
Koh Samui|©Barbara

Another amazing island to visit during your trip to Bangkok is undoubtedly the island of Koh Samui. In this case, on this cruise you will board a boat to the popular tourist island located in the gulf of Thailand.

This is a good trip to do if you are visiting Bangkok with children, because the island is a quiet and beautiful place to have fun and above all to appreciate its natural beauty. It is also a perfect activity to do after participating in a Bangkok city tour to see other sights.

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

Interesting details

  • Price: This type of cruise usually costs around 125 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you about 8 hours to complete this tour.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by boat, and part of it by car with all facilities.
  • Advantages of this option: Pick up and drop off at the hotel or accommodation is included in this tour. Fresh water shower, clean towel, snorkelling equipment and fins are also included. A buffet lunch will be provided on board. Entrance fees to the islands are included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Pets are not allowed, not even assistance pets.

7. River Kwai Cruise

River Kwai Cruise|©Miguel Discart
River Kwai Cruise|©Miguel Discart

No doubt you will love this exploration of the River Kwai and its surroundings because you will 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 leave you with not only a lot of fun, but also a great dose of history. The famous bridge over the River Kwai is home to the remains of the railway built during World War II by Japanese prisoners of war.

During this River Kwai Bridge Tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the lush scenery around the river, while listening to all the interesting details the guide has to give you. You will be delighted to see the scenery which is made up of green mountains and open fields. You can also visit the local Buddhist caves to see ancient handmade paintings. No doubt this cruise will introduce you to a whole ancient Thai culture.

Details of interest

  • Price: This tour costs approximately 60 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you approximately half a day to complete this experience, i.e. around 5 hours.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by boat, although you will have to make your own way to the starting point.
  • Advantages of this option: The tour guide who will take you to this place is included. Entrance fees and transport to Kanchanaburi by air-conditioned van are also included. Basic train fare on the Death Railway track is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Gratuities and personal expenses are not included.

Book a River Kwai Bridge Tour

8. Tour of Ayutthaya by bus and cruises

Ayutthaya|©randmname
Ayutthaya|©randmname

On this tour you will get to see the ancient city of Ayutthaya and also cruise along the river from Bangkok, seeing and enjoying the incredible scenery along the way. On this, which is one of the best Ayutthaya temple tours, you will enjoy not only the atmosphere on the cruise, but also a lot of history and culture that is hidden in this town.

During the tour you will get to see 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' ll also have the chance to take pictures of the scenery, while enjoying a variety of traditional Asian, and in this case Thai, dishes.

Interesting details

  • Price: You will have to pay around 75 euros per person to enjoy this tour.
  • Duration: The ride will last around nine hours, making it a full day tour.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour takes place by boat and private car with all facilities.
  • Advantages of this option: Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle is included. The cruise is also included. The guide and entrance to the temples are included. Buffet lunch and some beverages such as tea, coffee and water are included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Tips are not included. Personal expenses are not included. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Book a tour to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

9. Candlelight Dinner Cruise

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

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

It's definitely a ride where you can enjoy not only an amazing evening, but also learn about Thai culture along the way. During the ride you will be able to enjoy different traditional Thai dishes, while listening to great music on board and have the opportunity to take amazing pictures in the night light and with all the illumination of the city.

Interesting details

  • Price: This type of tour can cost around 50 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you around two hours to complete this tour.
  • Means of transport: The entire tour takes place by cruise ship, although you will have to make your own way to the departure point.
  • Advantages of this option: Dinner buffet on the cruise is included. The tour guide is also included. Live music is provided throughout the tour.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are not included in the price.

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 Ang Thong National Park. This national park is located in the Andaman Sea islands and offers breathtaking panoramic views, beautiful coastal scenery and crystal clear waters. During this cruise to this place, the tour guide will tell you all about the coastal scenery of Thailand, but at the same time, he will tell you everything you want to know about its culture.

As for the fun during the tour, you should know that your guide will give you the opportunity to explore the cays and small islands that are located in the national park, but you will also get to see the white deserted beaches. You'll even have the chance to get off and enjoy a private beach, right after you've gone swimming or snorkelling among the reefs of colourful marine life. It's definitely an excursion you should do if you're going to Bangkok in 7 days or more.

Details of interest

  • Price: This tour costs approximately 110 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you around 12 hours to complete this experience.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by boat, and part of it by car with all facilities.
  • Advantages of this option: Pick up and drop off at the hotel or accommodation is included. Transport by minibus and luxury sailing boat is included. You will be accompanied by a tour guide. You will be offered breakfast and all other meals on board. Snacks will also be provided. You will be provided with snorkelling equipment.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Alcoholic drinks are not included. Not suitable for wheelchair users.

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 to be entertained.
  • You will be accompanied by a tour guide who will tell you about Thai culture.
  • You will be able to taste Thai cuisine on board.
  • You will have a planned route with the best things to see.
  • Chartered boat
  • You will have to rent the entertainment individually
  • You will not have a guide to talk to you about Thai culture
  • You will not be able to eat Thai food, but will have to bring your own food.
  • You won't know exactly which places to visit for a good tour.

Reviews from other travellers

4.8
· 1093 Reviews
  • G
    G.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    We were able to choose from a wide selection of attractions, such as the Jim Thompson Museum and the Temple of Dawn.
  • T
    T.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    We enjoy cultural visits, boat tours and gastronomic experiences, all included in one pass.
  • R
    R.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    It saved us time and money, as we did not have to queue to buy individual tickets.
  • V
    V.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    It was a unique and exciting experience.
  • F
    F.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    With this pass, we were able to choose from a wide variety of attractions and activities, from historical sights to dining experiences.