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
Great introduction to Bangkok
Siri was a wonderful guide and we really enjoyed our early morning boat tour, because of her great personality and knowledge but also because at 8am things aren’t yet crowded.
If you’re interested in an easy introduction to a part of Bangkok life, I would recommend this tour.
4.5
Interesting side of Bangkok
The longboat is great. Siri was a great guide. Very informative. Went early so not busy on the river. Was not fond of the floating market. Spent too much time there. Would have preferred to spend more time exploring the Chaya River and seeing the temples from the river.
4.5
Interesting canal tour
Very interesting trip. Guide was great and full 2 hour trip through local canals and across main river. Was good value for money.
3.5
Hard water ride.
The guide was very nice and what we saw was informativeth, however, it is a 2 hour trip but 40 minutes was spent waiting for the lock gates to open to allow passage. There were no life jackets on the boat. The seats were without any cushions and so rather uncomfortable after a while.
3
Don’t believe the 5 star reviews.
Why does this tour start the wrong side of some loch gates that enter the canal system? Spent an hour waiting with other boats in the searing heat breathing in diesel fumes waiting to get through the loch. Then sped along at high speed, didn’t stop for the large Buddha, walked past the artist house without going in, back in the boat, sped some more and out! Very little info on what we were seeing, and no water offered. Very poor and disapointed.