Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Transportation
Bangkok

Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier

3.6(73 reviews)

Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in the Wat Arun district, this pier serves as a departure and arrival point for the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat service, connecting visitors to Bangkok's most significant riverside landmarks. The service operates as a hop-on, hop-off river route with numbered stops, making it a practical and affordable way to reach major sites including the Grand Palace and surrounding temples without navigating Bangkok's road traffic.

A day pass, priced at 150 baht per person according to recent visitors, covers unlimited travel along the route and represents one of the more cost-effective ways to move between riverside attractions. Visitors have also used the pier as a starting point for longtail boat tours through Bangkok's network of khlongs, offering a more intimate view of the city's waterways. The sunset hours are particularly popular, with the river reflecting the evening light against the surrounding temple architecture.

As opening hours and schedules are not confirmed on this listing, travellers are advised to arrive early in the day to allow time for multiple stops and to check current timetables directly at the pier on arrival. The pier is located near Wat Arun itself, so combining a stop here with a visit to the Temple of Dawn is a logical and efficient use of time.

What's Near Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier

Top-rated places within walking distance — tap any card for photos, reviews, and directions.

Phra Racha Wang Derm (Thonburi Palace)

Phra Racha Wang Derm (Thonburi Palace)

110 m walk4.6(786)
2 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

A rare glimpse into pre-Bangkok history at the 18th-century palace of King Taksin in Thonburi.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun

140 m walk4.7(45,132)
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Porcelain-covered spires best seen late afternoon, and yes, the midday heat on those grounds is brutal.

Wat Arun Viewing Point

Wat Arun Viewing Point

180 m walk4.6(680)
89 Thanon Maha Rat, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

A riverside vantage point on Thanon Maha Rat offering striking views across the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun's iconic spires.

Public View Point

Public View Point

190 m walk4.7(551)
44 Thanon Maha Rat, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

A free riverside viewpoint facing Wat Arun, best known for its stunning sunset views over the Chao Phraya.

RONGROS

RONGROS

220 m walk4.7(4,838)
392/16 Thanon Maha Rat, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Book a month ahead for a riverside table, or don't bother, because the Wat Arun view is the whole point.

Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School

Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School

270 m walk4.5(416)
392, 33-34 Thanon Maha Rat, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon

The birthplace of nuad thai, and still the place to learn what a proper Thai massage actually feels like.

Experience hints

Pair your visit. After Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

I took a sunset lake cruise in Bangkok last summer, and it ended up being one of the most unforgettable highlights of my trip. As the boat drifted along the Chao Phraya River, the warm evening breeze and the slowly changing sky created an atmosphere that felt both peaceful and magical. Passing by Wat Arun at sunset was the moment that truly took my breath away. The temple’s iconic spires glowed beautifully in the last light of the day, casting shimmering reflections across the water. Watching the transition from golden sunset to the temple’s nighttime illumination felt like witnessing a live piece of art. The entire cruise was calming, scenic, and wonderfully immersive. Every turn on the river revealed another mesmerizing view, and I found myself wishing it would last even longer. If you’re visiting Bangkok and want a serene, unforgettable way to experience the city’s beauty, a sunset cruise by Wat Arun is absolutely worth it—especially in the summer.

Nice boat.! we explore the river area with a a day pass..cheapest way to do it.

150bt per person takes you to palace and temples with numbered drop offs on way up river hop on hop off

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 73 reviews on Google.

Also Popular in Bangkok

Chatuchak Weekend Market
Featured

Chatuchak Weekend Market

4.4(56,311)
Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

Go at six in the morning, before the heat turns 15,000 stalls into an endurance test.

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.7(43,722)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

4.6(79,769)
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.

centralwOrld

centralwOrld

4.5(78,378)
999/9 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

Vast, air-conditioned and genuinely easy to navigate, with a top-floor food scene worth the trip alone.

Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier worth visiting?

Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier holds a 3.6★ rating from 73 Google reviews. Reviews are mixed, so check recent visitor feedback above to see if it fits your plans.

What are the opening hours of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier?

Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier is typically open 09:00-21:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier?

The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).

Where is Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier located?

Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier is at 2, Wat Arun Pier 1 and Pier, 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).

Location Info

2, Wat Arun Pier 1 and Pier, 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand02 024 1342www.chaophrayatouristboat.com/
Opening Hours
Monday09:00-21:00
Tuesday09:00-21:00
Wednesday09:00-21:00
Thursday09:00-21:00
Friday09:00-21:00
Saturday09:00-21:00
Sunday09:00-21:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: April – May (peak heat)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)

Crowds

Very High

Peak: December & January

Getting there

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.

Getting around

  • BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
  • MRT Metro (underground)
  • Airport Rail Link (ARL)
  • Chao Phraya Express Boat
  • Grab (ride-hailing app)
  • Metered taxis — always use the meter

Book trains, buses & ferries across Thailand

Compare the sleeper train, VIP buses, ferries, and budget flights side by side — live seat availability and instant e-tickets, in English.

Check schedules on 12Go

Sponsored link — we may earn a small commission when you book, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Where to stay near Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Wat Arun Pier

Find hotels in Bangkok on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Compare prices across sites
  • Filter for free cancellation
  • Secure checkout on the partner site

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Tips for Visiting Transportation

Take the Sleeper Train at Least Once

The Bangkok-to-Chiang Mai overnight train in a second-class sleeper berth is a bucket-list experience. Book at least a week ahead via 12Go.asia or at Hua Lamphong station. Upper berths are cheaper and have more headroom; lower berths have a window.

Use Grab Everywhere

Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia and works across Thailand for cars, motorbike taxis, and even tuk-tuks in some cities. It eliminates haggling and provides fare estimates upfront. Load a Thai SIM or use eSIM to stay connected.

Rent Scooters Carefully

Always photograph the scooter's existing damage before riding off, and keep your passport — give a photocopy instead (some shops insist on the original; avoid these). Wear a helmet; police fine 500 THB for no helmet and accidents without one void insurance.

Similar Transportation Across Thailand

Bali Hai Pier

Bali Hai Pier

4.4(14,917)
ถนน พัทยาใต้ Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Take the 30-baht ferry, not the speedboat, unless you fancy paying for a tuk-tuk at the other end.

Samui Airport

Samui Airport

4.6(7,482)
99, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

An open-air terminal with thatched roofs and trams to the gates, more resort than airport.

Ao Ton Sai Pier

Ao Ton Sai Pier

4.4(5,890)
Moo 7, Phi Phi Island Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand

Every trip to Phi Phi starts and ends here, so plan around the boats rather than hoping for the best.

Krabi International Airport

Krabi International Airport

3.8(5,624)
133 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Nuea Khlong, Amphoe Nuea Khlong, Chang Wat Krabi 81130, Thailand

Small, clean and calm, but the check-in queues can eat an hour you didn't budget for.