Chao Phraya River: Our most recommended tours and activities

Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour

1. Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour

Meet the group at River City Bangkok by 9:00 AM and head to the Emerald Buddha Temple by local transport. Along the way, pass by the amulet market, one of the most famous, historical community markets of Rattanakosin Island. Discover the first stop of Wat Phra Kaew which is commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. It is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.  Explore the Grand Palace which was the official residence of the Kings of Thailand. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.  After the Grand Palace, continue to visit Wat Pho, if you've selected this option. On the way, pass Tha Thien Market, a cultural food market that sells dried, salted seafood and wholesale products. Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho. It is on the list of six temples in Thailand classed as the highest grade of first-class royal temples. Learn about King Rama I who rebuilt the temple complex on an earlier temple site and how it became his main temple where some of his ashes are enshrined. The temple is considered the earliest center for medical public education surrounded by the marble illustrations and inscriptions placed in the temple for public instructions. It has been recognized by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. Most importantly, it is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which is still taught and practiced at the temple today. Complete the list of must-visit temples in Bangkok by continuing your journey to Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. The temple is known for its giant 70-meter tower next to the Chao Phraya River and is decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass surrounded by Chinese porcelain.

Bangkok: Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music

2. Bangkok: Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music

Take a river cruise along the Chao Phraya River and see Bangkok light up at night. Listen to live music, see iconic sights, and eat a delicious seafood buffet dinner with both Thai and international foods available. This is a night you won't want to miss. Embark on a luxury dinner cruise from ICONSIAM Shopping Center right by the Chao Phraya River. Sit back, relax, and admire breathtaking views of the Grand Place, Wat Arun Temple, and other famous buildings alongside the river. Enjoy a candlelit dinner with live singers as you savor dishes like sashimi, papaya salad, tom yum goong, pad thai, chicken with cashew nuts, fried fish in sweet and sour sauce, curries, pasta, and a variety of western and Thai desserts. Watch traditional Thai dance performances as your luxury dinner cruise comes to an end and you head back to the meeting point.

Bangkok: River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess

3. Bangkok: River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess

Enjoy an evening dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess, traveling along Bangkok’s main waterway. Experience the magic of the illumination of the city’s temples and other historic monuments. Check-in at Iconsiam shopping center and board a safe and comfortable cruiser to experience the Chao Phraya River at night. Take in views of both banks of the river from the open-air upper deck. Soak up the atmosphere of the city’s top landmarks and monuments illuminated at night, and tuck into an elegant gourmet buffet dinner of international fare, accompanied by light background music.

Bangkok: Chao Phraya River Hop-on Hop-off Boat

4. Bangkok: Chao Phraya River Hop-on Hop-off Boat

Discover the majesty of Bangkok uniquely with a ticket for a hop-on hop-off boat on the Chao Phraya River. Get stunning shots of the city's skyline from the water. Enjoy seeing Bangkok's waterways with a hop-on hop-off boat that operates from 9 AM to 7:15 PM. Skip the traffic and make getting around this busy city a breeze. Chart your own course through the city and see the sights at your own pace. Cruise to 11 piers including Sathorn, Iconsiam, Ratchawongse, Rajinee, Wat Arun, Tha Chang, Tha Maharaj, Prannok, and Phra Arthit. Travel without having to wait for very long, with boats arriving every half hour. Sail along on a well-maintained boat.

Bangkok: Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise

5. Bangkok: Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise

Enjoy a warm welcome onboard and set out on a dinner cruise under the stars. Indulge in a large buffet dinner under candlelight with live music in a romantic atmosphere. Taste the large international buffet with fresh seafood elegantly arranged with appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Enjoy beautiful traditional Thai dancing performances on the cruise as you pass Bangkok's most stunning landmarks.

Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Private Tour

6. Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Private Tour

Immerse yourself in local culture on a guided tour to the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple. Travel in a comfortable car and have the option to expand your experience with options that include visits to the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. Journey to the old part of Bangkok and discover Wat Phra Kaew which is commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. It is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.  Explore the Grand Palace which was the official residence of the Kings of Thailand. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is still used for official events. After the Grand Palace, continue to visit Wat Pho, if you've selected this option.  Pass the Tha Thien Market, a food market that sells dried, salted seafood and wholesale products. Travel to Wat Pho by private car, a local Tuk Tuk, or take a scneic stroll there.  Discover the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho (depending on the option you select). It is on the list of six temples in Thailand classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples and has been recognized by UNESCO. Continue your journey to Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). On this trip, you will also get to experience a local shuttle boat which takes you across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun.  Pick to option to visit Wat Arun and see this temple which is famous for its giant tower which is next to the Chao Phraya River, standing 70 meters high. The temple is decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass surrounded by Chinese porcelain. After a fun cultural half-day out at any option selected, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Bangkok safely.

Bangkok Classical Bicycle Tour

7. Bangkok Classical Bicycle Tour

This 3-hour bike tour of Bangkok is ideal for enthusiastic adventurers and those who want to extend their knowledge of Bangkok to its extensive Chinatown, historic capital of Thonburi and hidden backstreets. Starting in the heart of Chinatown, the 3-hour tour explores the frenetic market environment, winding through narrow streets and alleyways. Your senses will come alive to the sights, sounds, and smells of a vibrant community in motion. We will pass by shop houses selling everything from Buddhist amulets to recycled truck engines. Locals worshiping at hidden temples, ritual paper burnings, and the omnipresent spirit house display evidence of a culture that has been centuries in the making. Cross the Chao Phraya River, with majestic views of the city skyline behind you, and visit Thonburi, the historic third capital of Thailand. Contrasting chaotic Chinatown, peaceful elements of local Thai life abound as you cycle through diverse residential communities. Inquisitive smiles and friendly greetings reinforce the feeling that you have truly left behind the beaten path and are now experiencing the authentic Thailand on this thrilling tour of a Bangkok less well-known.

From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus with River Cruise

8. From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus with River Cruise

Embark on a day tour to Ayutthaya by bus and boat. See the ancient capital of Siam and its many temples and historic monuments. Depart from River City Bangkok onboard a luxury boat for a cruise down the Chao Phraya River. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river with the morning atmosphere on the upper deck passing by the Temple of Dawn and The Grand Palace. Enjoy a Thai and international buffet lunch on board. After the cruise, board a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and travel to Ayutthaya province. First, stop to see Wat Lokayasutharam. This temple is known for its giant reclining buddha. Continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which is part of the royal palace complex. It is considered the most important temple of Ayutthaya. Next, visit Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya, one of the oldest of its kind in the province. Fnish your trip at the grand riverside Wat Chaiwattanaram. Marvel at its compelling architectural style, influenced by the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, as you wander around the monumental grounds. Then, hop back on the bus for your transfer back to Bangkok.

Bangkok: Hop On Hop Off Tuk Tuk & Boat Chao Phraya River

9. Bangkok: Hop On Hop Off Tuk Tuk & Boat Chao Phraya River

Make the most out of your time in Bangkok by getting a 1-day unlimited Hop on Hop off on pass for both Tuk Tuk Hop and Tourist Boat. Jump on the iconic Tuk Tuk and explore the Rattanakosin Island area which is the old Town of Bangkok. Hop on the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat for an exclusive experience along Chao Phraya River, the longest and most important river in Thailand. Travel around Bangkok’s Old Town area in a Tuk Tuk with this unique, fun and flexible hop-on, hop-off tour. These three-wheeled motorized vehicles are the most convenient way of traveling around the city as it zips through the traffic and takes tourists to their favorite attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khaosan Road, China Town, and many more. Together with a Hop-on Hop-off Pass for the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, you will get to experience the scenery from both sides of the river and can easily hop on to ride along the lifeblood of Bangkok, formally known as the Chao Phraya River. Experience a number of tourist attractions scattered around numerous piers along the river from the old Town to the busy central business district of Sathorn. For instance, the National Museum of Royal Barges, Wat Arun, Asiatique The Riverfront, Lhong 1910, and River City. By selecting this tour, you can skip the hassle by avoiding traffic jams and expensive Tuk Tuk prices offered on the streets.

Bangkok: Evening Tour with Wat Arun, Wat Pho & Tuk Tuk Ride

10. Bangkok: Evening Tour with Wat Arun, Wat Pho & Tuk Tuk Ride

Bangkok by day can be hot and sweaty, so why not wait until nighttime falls to explore the city? As the crowds disperse, you’ll get a new view of the Thai capital that many visitors miss. With an action-packed itinerary in store, you’ll start with a leisurely stroll along Maha Rat Road. Learn about the story of Rattanakosin Island and glimpse The Grand Palace from the outside. Next, you’ll visit one of Bangkok’s best-loved attractions Wat Pho, which is home to the magnificent reclining Buddha and a serene ambiance that contrasts with the city's nocturnal buzz. After marveling at the gleaming Buddha, board a ferry and cross the river to head to Wat Arun. This iconic riverside temple, adorned with intricate porcelain and seashell mosaics, stands as a testament to Thailand's rich history and spirituality, offering a tranquil contrast to the city's bustling nightlife. Head back via ferry and take a tuk-tuk ride to experience the vibrant atmosphere in Chinatown. Wander along Yaowarat Road, taking in the buzzing streets, numerous street food stalls, local eateries, and more.

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What people are saying about Chao Phraya River

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 6,984 reviews

I would give more stars, if I could. ********** Steve was our guide, knowledgeable and kind. We had a great time with him. I would make another tour with him anytime. The temples were amazing and we could ask any question. He told us about the history and culture, very informative. He went above and beyond and made our tour unforgetable. Thank you Steve for this day! You are amazing!

a really very successful evening for the whole family from A to Z. The only thing that was bad was the number of toilets on this ship. They are clean, no question about it, but compared to the size of the ship, far too little. But otherwise... I repeat myself, really super nice evening with good entertainment and food. BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO

We had a great time on the tour. Our guide Mr. Peak and the drivers were very friendly and we got to try a lot of tasty food. The pad thai was delicious! It was interesting to hear more about Thai culture and see new places. Highly recommend.

Minnie was a great guide-informative, personable. There was a small glitch with the driver and she handled it seamlessly so it was not a problem to us. I highly recommend her.

Simply put: excellent! You see and experience a lot, in just one day! Many memories to share also with family and friends.