Start daily at: 8:00 & 9:30 & 11:00 & 12:30 & 14:00 & 15:30 & 16:30 hrs.
Leave the busy streets behind and step into a world of wooden houses, smiling locals, and timeless traditions along Bangkok’s canals.
Hop aboard a traditional Thai long-tail boat and set off on a relaxing journey through Thonburi, the historic part of Bangkok. This area retains a slower pace of life, offering a fascinating contrast to the city’s modern skyscrapers and bustling streets.
During this (approx.) 2-hour canal adventure, you’ll catch glimpses of local life along the waterways.
Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Beyond its glittering temples and luxurious neighborhoods, the city also has areas of poverty and simple canal-side communities. On our tour, you’ll pass some older, more fragile houses that are at the mercy of floods during the rainy season. We want to show travelers a more authentic side of Bangkok, one that reflects local life beyond the postcard-perfect sights. It’s a perspective that many find eye-opening and enriching.
One of the highlights is Khlong Bang Luang, a riverside community dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Lined with old wooden houses and family-run shops, it offers a glimpse of traditional canal-side life. At its heart is Baan Silapin (The Artist’s House), a beautifully restored 200-year-old home serving as a creative space for local artists. A wooden walkway invites a quiet stroll along the canal, making this a true hidden gem.
As the boat continues, you’ll pass Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, an important temple built during the mid-Ayutthaya period. Your boat will pause so you can admire and photograph the enormous golden Buddha from the water, soaring nearly 70 meters high (please note that we do not disembark at this temple).
This tour offers a unique way to explore Bangkok, combining the charm of its canals, the vibrancy of local life, and glimpses of iconic landmarks, all from the comfort of your boat. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a traditional, intimate, and photogenic side of the Thai capital.
Important notes:
- Please note that during the tour, we may experience a wait at one of the water locks, which regulate canal levels. These operate on no fixed schedule and are beyond our control, but they are part of the authentic canal experience.
Meeting point:
The meeting point is at the bus stop directly opposite Elefin Coffee and Bangkok Bank on Maha Rat Road, just south of Wat Pho.
The easiest way to reach the meeting point (and to avoid Bangkok’s heavy road traffic) is by taking the MRT (metro) to Sanam Chai Station. From there, use the 'Museum Siam' exit. The meeting point is just a short 5-minute walk away.
For the location on Google Maps, please click HERE.
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1,668 Comments
5
Siri was amazing. The activity was one of the kind.
Everything was excellent had recommended. Siri was amazing.
I like everything in this activity and anyone comes to Bangkok should do it
4.5
Canal tour
Nice to travel so low and close to the water! The rest stop was really nice and fun to see people sketching in the courtyard.
4.5
Glad we did it but not 5 stars
This tour is really cool. It takes you through a historic neighborhood of Bangkok that used to be capital of the old kingdom which is full of canals and isn’t seen by most tourists. The places you go are somewhat mind blowing just to see how people continue to live. Theres beautiful parts and theres some that are more run down than anything you’ve ever seen.
You should know however that theres a lot of longboats on the water and they close the canals when there’s too many of them because the water level rises until boats leave so our tour started with a 5 minute boat ride across the Chao Phraya river and then a 45 minute wait outside the canal gates crammed along with dozens of other longboats with the accompanying exhaust fumes. Whatever time you wait they try to make up for afterwards but we did spend a long time inhaling humidity and exhaust fumes. Despite that I’m very glad we spent the time to take this tour and would mostly recommend it
5
a good guide
Siri, the guide, is very funny and very talkative. she’s helpful and tries to give everyone a good experience. will def recommend to my friends.
5
A new perspective of Bangkok local life.
Siri was an excellent tour guide. She was very considerate and patient with the group. We would never have seen the local and a colorful side of Bangkok had we not joined this two-hour (in fact, three) guided tour.