The Longtail Boat Canal Cruise offers a unique perspective of Bangkok, often referred to as the “Venice of the East.” While the Chao Phraya River is the main artery, the network of khlongs (canals) in the Thonburi district reveals a quieter, more traditional side of the city. Cruising on a colorful, narrow longtail boat powered by a loud automotive engine is a quintessential Bangkok experience. It allows you to glide past wooden stilt houses, ancient temples, and lush greenery, offering a glimpse into local life that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Where is it located?
The cruise primarily explores the Thonburi side of Bangkok (the west bank of the Chao Phraya River).
- Main Canals: The most popular routes navigate through Khlong Bangkok Noi, Khlong Mon, and Khlong Bang Luang.
- Key Piers: While boats can be chartered from many piers, the main hubs are:
- Sathorn Pier (Central Pier): Connected to the BTS Skytrain (Saphan Taksin station). This is the most convenient starting point for most tourists.
- Tha Chang Pier: Near the Grand Palace.
- Tha Tien Pier: Near Wat Pho.
- River City Bangkok: A popular pier for organized tours.
- IconSiam Pier: Some private tours depart from this luxury mall’s pier.
Where and when to book tickets
You have several options for booking, ranging from on-the-spot negotiation to advance online reservations.
- Online Booking (Recommended): Websites like Klook, GetYourGuide, and Viator offer pre-booked shared and private tours. This saves you from haggling and guarantees a fair price.
- At the Piers: You can walk up to the ticket counters at Sathorn Pier, Tha Chang, or Tha Tien.
- Warning: Be prepared to negotiate if chartering a private boat directly from a boatman. Prices can be inflated for tourists.
- Tour Operators: Reputable local operators like Pandan Tour or Bangkok Canal Tours offer structured itineraries with English-speaking guides.
Cruise ticket options
Prices vary significantly based on whether you choose a public, shared, or private experience.
- Private Charter (approx. 1,500 – 2,500 THB per boat): Rent the entire boat for 1-2 hours. Ideal for families or small groups (up to 6-8 people). You can often customize the route.
- Shared Tour (approx. 500 – 800 THB per person): Join a small group tour. These usually include a guide and specific stops.
- Public Khlong Boats: There are commuter boats (like the Khlong Saen Saep boat), but these are for transport, not sightseeing, and don’t go to the scenic Thonburi canals.
Longtail boat canal cruise timings
- Operating Hours: Longtail boats generally operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
- Duration:
- Standard Tour: 1 to 1.5 hours. This is enough to do a loop of the main Thonburi canals.
- Extended Tour: 2 to 3 hours. Allows for stops at temples, the Artist’s House, or an orchid farm.
Best time to take the Longtail boat canal cruise
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): This is the “Golden Hour.” The temperature is cooler, the light is beautiful for photography, and you might catch the sunset over Wat Arun on your way back to the main river.
- Weekend Mornings: If you want to visit the Taling Chan or Khlong Lat Mayom floating markets (which are only open on weekends), you must go in the morning (around 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM).
- Avoid Mid-Day: The boats are open-air (though usually covered by a canopy), but the midday heat and humidity can be intense on the water.
Frequently asked questions
Are the boats safe?
Yes, generally. Life jackets are provided (and mandatory to have on board). The boats are narrow and can be wobbly when boarding, so take care when stepping in and out.
Can I see a floating market? On a standard 1-hour tour from Sathorn Pier?
No. The famous floating markets (Damnoen Saduak) are far away. However, on weekends, you can extend your boat trip to visit local markets like Taling Chan or Khlong Lat Mayom, which are accessible by boat from Thonburi.
What will I see?
You will see Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) from the water, the Royal Barges Museum, eclectic wooden houses on stilts, locals fishing or washing clothes, and often big monitor lizards sunbathing on the concrete banks.
Is there a guide?
Private charters from the pier usually just include a driver who may speak limited English. If you want historical context, book a specific “Guided Canal Tour” online.
