Check out this list of the ultimate Bangkok boat tours and river cruises to enjoy one of the best experiences in the city! From visiting ancient temples to floating markets, everything’s better when seen from the water.
Bangkok is mostly renowned for its delicious cuisine and awe-striking temples, but it also features beautiful canals, floating markets, and a river that are the perfect setting for a relaxing cruise.
You can explore Thailand’s capital city in a completely new way by jumping into the River of Kings (not literally! You’ll be taking a boat and marveling at the scenic landscape and popular landmarks from the water. You should definitely include it in your Bangkok itinerary!
Whether you’d like to visit the famous temples, shop at the unique markets, or dine with views of the glimmering Bangkok skyline, you can do it all by boat!
Check out the best Bangkok boat tours and river cruises available, and take your pick!
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book my tours, and I especially recommend them for their incredible cancellation policy. If your travel plans change and you can’t make it to the activity you’d booked, you can get a full refund canceling most experiences up to 24 hours in advance.
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The Very Best Bangkok Boat Tours
➤ The Bangkok’s Temples and Longtail Boat Tour combines a cruise along the River of Kings and gorgeous Bangkok canals, with a visit to some of the most popular temples in the city.
You’ll get to see the famous Emerald Buddha and Reclining Buddha statues at their temples, learn about Buddhism from your guide, and relax as you glide on the waterways to get to these sights.
This tour also includes: Entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Rice Barge Afternoon Cruise is a very relaxing Bangkok river cruise, in which all you have to do is sit back, enjoy the beverages and fresh fruit you’ll be served, and watch the magnificent scenery of Bangkok from your prime location.
You’ll pass by landmarks and take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities along the way.
This boat trip in Bangkok also includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ Bangkok in Motion: City Highlights Tour covers the highlights of the city in three different means of transport: by Skytrain, by tuk-tuk, and by boat.
You’ll begin your day by taking a Skytrain ride to the banks of Chao Phraya River (River of Kings), where you’ll board a boat to the magnificent Grand Palace. You’ll get to see the impressive Emerald and Reclining Buddhas, visit a museum complex, and enjoy some shopping opportunities.
This tour also includes: Departure from your hotel, and all transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Floating Market & Boat Tour
The Mae Klong Market & Floating Market is the perfect Bangkok boat tour to visit the most popular and interesting markets near the city.
You’ll explore the Railway Market and witness the exhilarating moment in which the train approaches on the same tracks where the stalls are located.
This is one of the few Bangkok boat tours with floating market visit, and you’ll ride a boat through it; the best way to shop for fresh produce and practice your haggling skills.
This tour also includes: Transportation, entry fees, and insurance. The tour can be made private. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Bangkok Canal Tour by Longtail Boat
This Longtail Boat Tour Bangkok is a fantastic one-hour experience that allows you to glide along the city’s beautiful and narrow canals.
You’ll get to see Wat Arun from the water, and learn about Thailand’s rich history and customs from your knowledgeable guide.
This Bangkok boat trip also includes: Drinking water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Dinner Cruises in Bangkok
➤ The first Dinner River Cruise takes place aboard Chao Phraya Princess, a luxurious cruise ship. You’ll get to witness Bangkok’s skyline as it lights up at dusk, and enjoy the live entertainment and fantastic views from the open-air deck.
There’s an international buffet with a wide variety of dishes for dinner, and both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
This Bangkok night river cruise also includes: A welcome drink, live music, and hotel transfers from selected locations. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Saffron Luxury Bangkok River Dinner Cruise takes place on the Chao Phraya River, and it’s a luxurious evening boat ride that involves live entertainment, a 4-course meal, and astounding views of the city.
You’ll get to spot several temples and other illuminated landmarks as you sail past them, and sit down for a scrumptious dinner in the cruise’s elegant dining room.
This tour also includes: A welcome cocktail. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Boat Tour in Bangkok
Looking for private Bangkok canal tours? This Customized Longtail Boat Hire allows you to choose the duration of your trip, and includes an expert guide who will take you along the Chao Phraya River, pointing out landmarks as you pass them by.
The itinerary of your Bangkok river boat tour is completely customizable, so it will be up to you which sights to include.
This Bangkok canal tour also includes: Insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Ayutthaya Tour by Boat
Bangkok’s Ayutthaya Boat Tour is a full-day excursion to the UNESCO-listed city of Ayutthaya, one of the most important historical places in Thailand. You’ll explore the fascinating temples and ruins that remain, and then take a boat trip back to Bangkok.
You’ll ride along the glorious Chao Phraya River, also known as River of Kings, and indulge in a buffet lunch onboard.
This river cruise in Bangkok also includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, and entrance fees to the temples. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Food + Boat Tour in Bangkok
For the best dinner + cruise in Bangkok, check out this Chef Designed Food & Boat Tour. You’ll experience the best of Thai cuisine as you taste your way through Nang Loeng Market, and then cruise the beautiful canals, stopping at restaurants and markets to continue sampling delicious food.
This tour also includes: 15 tastings of food and drink, and a foodie guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Bangkok River Cruises FAQ
Absolutely! Exploring Bangkok by boat is one of the best ways to experience the city. I suggest you go on the Temples and River Cruise in Bangkok to explore the city by boat – it’s the perfect introduction to the city.
Yes, you can rent your own longtail boat in Bangkok to explore its canals.
Prices vary depending on the length and type of boat tour you choose, but you can enjoy a short cruise along Bangkok’s canals for less than USD 30, or you can go on an incredible tour that will let you experience the city by boat, tuk tuk and skytrain for around 100 USD.
