Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride
Overview
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.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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. *****
Baan Silapin
Tucked away along the peaceful banks of Khlong Bang Luang (Bang Luang Canal) on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River lies one of Bangkok’s hidden gems: a charming riverside community where time seems to slow down. This historic neighborhood is made up of traditional wooden houses, small local shops, and family-run galleries connected by a wooden walkway that follows the edge of the canal. It offers a rare glimpse into what everyday life in Bangkok used to be like, long before the city’s skyline was dominated by concrete and glass. At the heart of the community is Baan Silapin, or The Artist’s House, a beautifully restored wooden home over 200 years old. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating Thai culture, this house functions as a small art center where visitors can enjoy rotating art exhibitions and handmade crafts. Wandering through the area, you’ll find small shops, cozy riverside cafés, and friendly locals who’ve lived here for generations. Duration of stop 30-40 minutes.
What‘s Included
English speaking guide
One bottle of drinking water per person
Long-tail boat & boat driver
Gratuities for the boat driver and guide (optional)
Options
Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride
Reviews
5,569 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Intro to Old Bangkok
SDpabs,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Yohan, Australian-Thailandes was very friendly, organized in letting us know the itinerary, what to expect and gave helpful and educational information along the trip. It was a nice introduction to old Bangkok and to see it from an angle we wouldn't have seen otherwise. Very interesting to see all of the komodo dragons!
Fantastic tour guide. Me...
Charlotte T,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour guide. Me and my kids had a great afternoon lovely way to see more of Bangkok. Definitely recommend
Not what it says it is.
Belinda M,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00It was not a canal tour. We went to a market and that was the tour. Spent most of the 2 hours waiting for the loch or waiting for the tour to recommence at the market.
Disappointing
michaelmZ7189IP,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Not a great experience overall and over priced, was nice to see some of the canals of Bangkok however. But the loud roar of the engine was unpleasant. When you get to the locks you’re in there with about 10+ other boats, the exhaust fumes are intense and not just for a moment. Perhaps when the river isn’t so high the time in the locks could be more acceptable. The guide was boring and barely said a word, couldn’t wait to get off the boat.
Great trip out with lots to see along the canal.
Robin F,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Neo our guide was excellent, although near the middle and front of the boat it was difficult to hear his explanations about points of interest.
Neo best guide
Timothé M,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect .It’s was a good tour. Neo is a very good and kind guide ! Provide clear explanations. I enjoyed it and I recommend him
Great trip on the canals
KieranBorgeat,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Neo was our guide - polite, great English, knowledgeable. Walk around a traditional style village aimed at tourists was fine, views of the golden Buddha and riverside from the boat were worthwhile.
Loved our Canal Tour in the Longtail Boat - Great experience!
613kathye,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was so positive and had a great sense of humour - he made the experience FUN eventhough the rain started as we were heading back from our destination point at the Artists Market. It was interesting to have to go through the lock to get to the river to see the houses, temples and market. We highly recommend this tour!
Meow is the best!!!
huntert978,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Meow was amazing. She was the best tour guide ever! So knowledgeable, taught us so much, many jokes, taught us some Thai, and so much more. Would recommend this trip to anyone that wants to spend a few hours doing something awesome!
If you have a free morning, this is the best program.
fpkrisz,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Punctual departure, great boat, friendly guide - it was interesting to sail through the canal. I also liked the House of Arts, the big Buddha, and we ate delicious mangoes
From THB 1,150.00
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