Bangkok River Cruises

River cruises provide a perfect way of seeing a more traditonal side of Bangkok. From the quiet villages that line the canals, to the small communities on small islands upstream, to the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya.  A relaxing and enlightening way to see the city and beyond.

Ayutthaya in its heyday in the 18th century, left European visitors in awe. The city, founded in 1350, was once the most powerful in SE Asia, attracting traders from all the major European powers of the time. It was sacked by the Burmese in 1767, bringing one of the most culturally influential eras in Thai history to an end. The ruins of the former capital now a UNESCO World Heritage site, however, remain impressive.

Located about 2 hours upriver from Bangkok, a river tour provides the best way to experience a part of Thailand that still follows traditional rhythms. Tours go by bus and return by boat or vica versa. Pass by old teak houses on stilts, local people casting fishing nets, heavily laden rice barges on their way upstream. A glimpse of both the past and the present. Calm peaceful, and serene...

Buffet lunch is served on board plus tea and snacks. Extensive outdoor deck space on the boat , ample seating and air-conditioning inside allow you to relax and take in the views. The tour also visits the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.

After the canal tour, step on board an old rice barge for a leisurely cruise along the Bangkok's Chao Phraya river, past some of Bangkok's most famous landmarks along the banks. A perfect way to see the traditional side of Bangkok, especially if you're short on time.

Cruise Bangkok's Chao Phraya river on an old converted teakwood rice barge and enjoy an absolutely magical evening. No windows, no air-conditioning, just the cooling breeze and a candlelit table spread with a great selection of classic Thai dishes, beautifully arranged and presented.

Open air, cool evening breezes and all the historic sights like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Incredibly relaxing after a hard day's shopping or sightseeing. Choose either a Sunset cruise (leaves around 6pm) or the later Evening cruise (leaves around 8pm)

We liked the Loy Nava cruise which has been operating for over 30 years and has perfected the candelit dinner cruise down to a fine art. Great for impressing your partner.

Thonburi Klongs, Wat Arun and Royal Barges Museum - Half Day Tour

Bangkok is changing fast, but if you still want a close up of traditional Thai life, explore some of Bangkok's waterways. The network of canals (klongs) branching out from the main Chao Phraya river still follows an old lifestyle that leaves the modern face of Bangkok behind.

Small interconnecting canals sustain a traditional lifestyle where mobile shops, "floating kitchens" and water taxi services ensure a local pace. While it is not difficult to hire a boat by yourself, a guided tour provides an insight into the lifestyle, rather than just a plain sightseeing trip. Choose a klong tour which stops at some of Bangkok's other places of interest, like the Royal Barges Museum and Wat Arun, or why not combine with a rice barge cruise along the Chao Phraya river. An excellent way to get to know a special part of Bangkok.

Take some time out to see several sides of Thailand. A leisurely cruise along the Chao Phraya river to Ayuthaya - once the centre of Siamese culture and a thriving commerical centre. Sleep on board a converted rice barge and savour the sights and sounds of the river ....