1-Day Bangkok Riverside Itinerary: 6 Places to dine, shop and explore via BKK water taxi!

So you’ve explored Bangkok using BTS, MRT and taxi. What about using the Chao Phraya River water taxi? Never? Then you’re missing out on soooooo much!

I understand it can be confusing and scary, especially if you don’t understand how the Bangkok water taxi system works nor know much Thai (Sawasdee and Kop Khun Kha doesn’t count…)!

However, they’re actually one of the best ways to explore Bangkok – especially since there’s no traffic!

If you’re up for an adventure or would like to explore Bangkok differently, then we highly recommend you to take the water taxi. To get your journey started, we’ve crafted a one-day water taxi itinerary that lets you explore 6 spectacular places along the Chao Phraya River.

Tip: If you find yourself ahead of schedule or wish to squeeze in a visit to the iconic Grand Palace (Tha Maharaj Pier) and Wat Arun (Wat Arun Pier), feel free to rearrange your water taxi itinerary as you’d like!

PS: Take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (operates from 9am to 8.30pm) from the Sathorn Pier to follow this itinerary. We suggest buying a one-day pass (200 baht / USD $6.49 if purchased on-site or 165 baht / USD $5.35 via Klook) as it’s cheaper than buying one-way tickets (60 baht / USD $1.95) for this itinerary.

Read more:

10 romantic riverside hotels in Bangkok for under $100

13 things to do around Bangkok’s riverside including Instagrammable places to eat and markets

34 charming new unique cafes and restaurants in Bangkok that are must-visits!

LHONG 1919 Pier (40 min)

Take the 9am boat from Sathorn Pier and alight at Lhong 1919 Pier at 9:08am.

1. Explore a 19th century Chinese mansion by the river – Lhong 1919 (ล้ง 1919)

Start your morning by uncovering Chinese influence in Bangkok. Though no longer operating as a mansion, its architecture and Chinese mural paintings throughout the complex will remind you of China and is definitely a sight you must see.

Otherwise, you can do some shopping, dine with loved ones or hold a photo session here. You can even pray to Mazu, the god of seafarers, at its shrine if you’re keen!

Lhong 1919 is also a great place to laze around. Sit on one of the benches scattered at its courtyard while you bond with your beloved one and see boats pass by.

ICONSIAM Pier (4 hours)

Take the 9:52am boat from Lhong 1919 Pier and alight at ICONSIAM Pier at 9:56am.

Advertisement

2. Shop and have lunch at Bangkok’s ritziest mall – ICONSIAM

ICONSIAM isn’t just another fancy mall in Bangkok. It’s THE mall to go to if you want the ultimate luxurious mall experience. Why?

• Culture – It has an indoor floating market (aka SookSiam) that sells local food and drinks (e.g. chive dumplings and floral drinks)

• Food – You can dine at famous Thai restaurants without queuing for long (if there’s even any!!)

• Shop – You can go on a shopping spree at mid-tier to high-end brands and buy unique souvenirs (Ferrero Rochers earrings!)

• Attraction – There’s an outdoor water show (with music and lights) and an indoor waterfall you can marvel at

SookSiam is surprisingly affordable, so make sure to try as much local food as you can, and make it an adventure!

Pakklong Taladd Pier (3.5 hours)

Take the 2:04pm boat from ICONSIAM Pier and alight at Pakklong Taladd Pier at 2:16pm.

3. Visit a flower wonderland by the riverside – Pak Klong Market (Flower Market) (30 min)

You might not want to buy any fresh flowers or vegetables, but you’ll definitely enjoy taking pictures or walking around this flower market.

Here, you’ll see various types of flowers for all kinds of occasion – from lotus flowers (used when praying) to flower garlands to rose bouquets. You’ll even find fruit and vegetable stalls here – although not as many as flower stalls.

It’s most animated at night, when flowers and vegetables are getting restocked and buyers are purchasing in bulk. But with Pak Klong Market open all day, you’ll still see people buying and selling flowers during the day (although not as bustling as at night).

4. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon break surrounded by flowers – Floral cafe at Napassorn (1 hour)

With the flower market just 1 minute away (by walk), it’s no surprise there’s a floral-themed cafe nearby. Reward yourself (after walking around for half a day) by taking a break at this instagrammable cafe.

Not only can you take pictures with more flowers, but you’ll also get to eat some delicious baked goodies and refreshing drinks.

Different from the colourful flower market, Floral cafe at Napassorn gives out a more chill and posh vibe due to leaves and dry flowers mainly adorning the cafe. Perfect for those wanting a relaxing yet stylish afternoon tea. 🙂

5. Understand what “Thainess” is at this interactive museum – Museum Siam (1.5 hours)

What is “Thainess”? Is it being born as a Thai national? Or knowing how to speak Thai? At Museum Siam, you’ll discover the essence of “Thainess” through their exhibitions – including their culture, beliefs, activities that Thais partake in and how “Thainess” has evolved throughout the years.

For instance, the iconic McDonalds statue doing a “wai” (a type of Thai greeting) you’ll come across here? That’s a combination of modernity and Thai culture!

You can even interact with some of the exhibitions (e.g. sit in a Thai classroom or dress up in a Thai farmer’s costume).

Tip: Borrow a free audio guide to fully understand the exhibitions. (An ID is needed to borrow it, which will be returned to you after returning the audio guide.)

Asiatique Pier (3 hours)

Take the 5:44pm boat from Pakklong Taladd Pier and alight at Asiatique Pier at 6:10pm.

We suggest staying here for 3 hours before heading back to Sathorn Pier using Asiatique’s free shuttle boat (runs from 4pm to 11:30pm; boat departs every 15 min). But feel free to stay longer if you wish to.

Note: The last train departing from Saphan Taksin BTS station is from 11:47pm. (Check the BTS timetable here)

6. Bustling night market by the river – Asiatique the Waterfront

Don’t know when you’ve reached Asiatique? Easy – you know you’re there once you see bright lights, hoards of people and the giant Ferris Wheel with the “Chang” sign.

For hungry ones, you have a choice of pricey seafood restaurants facing the Chao Phraya River to mid-priced Thai-style shabu-shabu restaurant (MK Restaurant) – and even cheaper priced food stalls.

But if shopping is what you seek, Asiatique the Waterfront sells everything from Naraya bags and Thai snacks to sunglasses, beaded necklaces, Thai boxing gears and more.

While you’re here, don’t miss out on two of Thailand’s most iconic shows, Muay Thai Live and Calypso Cabaret Show. You can also ride on the Ferris Wheel and Merry Go Round or watch a Thai traditional puppet show by Joe Louis, if you have time to spare.

TripCanvas Tip: Sit on one of the benches located along the Waterfront District to relax and experience the beauty of the Chao Phraya River at night.

PS: This night market is definitely on the expensive side, and is more for those who are also looking for local Thai brands. If you’re looking for a more traditional night market experience, this isn’t it.

Exploring Bangkok using water taxis is easier than we expected too! 😀

Take this itinerary with you the next time you go travelling via the Chao Phraya River and get ready to fall in love with Bangkok once again (if you haven’t already)!

Happy adventuring! 😀

Sign up to win fantastic prizes from our partners

Sign up now if you want us to send you an email whenever our partners have something to share with everyone!
FREE air tickets, free stays, free tours or free gifts!

Coming soon! Exclusively on TripCanvas

Name

Email

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

• share on facebook
• twitter
• google+
• linkedin

Advertise with us