Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Step aboard for an approximately 2-hour long-tail boat tour through the canals of Thonburi; Bangkok’s lesser-known, but deeply authentic side. Cruise past stilt houses, waving locals, and hidden temples, and make a stop at the charming riverside community of Khlong Bang Luang, home to the Artist’s House. Along the way, we pass the largest Buddha in Bangkok at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.
This tour shows a different side of Bangkok, far from the glossy tourist spots. You’ll see humble wooden homes perched above the water, revealing the city’s contrasts and the realities of local life.
Please note that during the tour, we may experience a wait at one of the water locks, which regulate canal levels. These operate on no fixed schedule and are beyond our control, but they are part of the authentic canal experience.
For a glimpse into Bangkok’s quieter, more traditional side, this canal tour offers an eye-opening journey through the city’s history and local life.
Maximum 12 people per boat.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our Bangkok canal tour operates rain or shine. Therefore, cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
Bangkok’s traffic is notorious, so we kindly ask all participants to arrive at the meeting point on time. As our tours operate on a group basis, we cannot delay departure. If you’re unable to make it on time, please inform us before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available time slot or day. Please note that a rescheduling fee will apply.
The most convenient way to reach the meeting point, and avoid Bangkok’s often congested road traffic, is by taking the MRT (metro) to Sanam Chai Station. From there, take the 'Museum Siam' exit. The meeting point is just a short 5-minute walk from the station.
The guide can only wait for a MAXIMUM of 10 minutes after the set meeting time. After the 10 minutes grace period, the guide will start with the tour.
Please note that during the tour, we may experience a wait at one of the water locks, which regulate canal levels. These operate on no fixed schedule and are beyond our control, but they are part of the authentic canal experience.
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues, as boarding and disembarking the boat may be difficult due to the lack of stairs at the piers.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English speaking guide
One bottle of drinking water per person
Long-tail boat & boat driver
Gratuities for the boat driver and guide (optional)
Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
As we cross the Chao Phraya River on our way to Thonburi, you’ll catch a beautiful glimpse of Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. This iconic riverside temple is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, with its central Khmer-style prang (tower) rising elegantly above the water, adorned with intricate porcelain mosaics that shimmer in the sunlight. ***** Please note that we will NOT get off at Wat Arun. You will only see it from the river while on our way to Thonburi. *****
As we cruise through the canals of Thonburi, we pass by Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, a historic temple founded during the mid-Ayutthaya period. Located in the Phasi Charoen district, this temple has long been a center of Buddhist learning and meditation. Today, however, it is best known for its enormous seated Buddha statue, which rises dramatically above the surrounding rooftops and is visible from far across the city. The boat will pause here briefly, allowing you to admire and photograph this awe-inspiring statue from the water. At nearly 70 meters tall, equivalent to a 20-story building, and 40 meters wide at its base, it is the tallest Buddha statue in Bangkok. Cast in shimmering gold tones, the statue sits in a calm meditative posture and makes a striking contrast against the skyline. While we don’t disembark at the temple, viewing this colossal image from the quiet of the canal offers a truly unique and memorable perspective.
5,311 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Erik R,
Oct 20, 2025
- Viator
Great way to explore Bangkok by water & the history of the Bangkok/Thai culture. Friendly guide. Little confusing on arriving but someone is outside to greet you
Kristian H,
Oct 20, 2025
- Viator
The time indicated as 2h can easily stretch to 3.5h as the boats have to wait for the flood gates on the other side of the river to open in both directions. The canals do not seem to be used for anything else than tourism and are lined with mostly decrepit buildings. Stops at tourist traps to enable sale of low-grade souvenirs
Claire S,
Oct 19, 2025
- Viator
We had a fantastic time from start to finish! Our tour guide, Bella, was lovely and knowledgeable, but also allowed us to enjoy the scenery. Seeing the giant Buddha and stopping at the Artists centre was the highlight. You can buy special food to feed the fish, the kids loved it! Overall we felt that our visit allowed us to see an authentic part of Bangkok, we highly recommend!
Richard L,
Oct 14, 2025
- Viator
Definitely an experience everyone should have, even if you’ve just got a short time in Bangkok as I did.
Yuval B,
Oct 12, 2025
- Viator
Very poor guidance, boring trip, could have been so much better. You should Upgrad the whole experience
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