Tha Tien Pier
Tha Tien is the Chao Phraya pier beside Wat Pho, and the point where most Old City itineraries pivot from one bank of the river to the other. Two services run from here: the Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) stops at the main jetty, and a separate cross-river ferry shuttles to Wat Arun every few minutes for a handful of baht — the fastest and cheapest way to reach the Temple of Dawn. The lane behind the pier holds a cluster of cafés and Thai restaurants that serve temple visitors, which makes it the natural lunch stop between Wat Pho and Wat Arun. The pier is a 3-minute walk from Wat Pho's Maha Rat Road gate and around 10 minutes from the Grand Palace, and Sanam Chai MRT station is 5 minutes east. Between the boats and the MRT, Tha Tien is the one transport hub that covers the whole temple district without a taxi. Good to know: the cross-river ferry and the express boat use different jetties — follow the signs for Wat Arun for the short crossing. Express boats fill after 16:00 and the last services run in the early evening, so check the boards at the pier before planning a late return. Ticket booths take cash only.
What's Near Tha Tien Pier
Top-rated places within walking distance — tap any card for photos, reviews, and directions.
Pad Thai Kratong Thong by ama
Beloved pad thai spot near Wat Pho, serving generous, well-seasoned Thai classics at budget prices daily until 5:30 PM.
THE SIXTH 6th
Authentic Thai and Asian fusion spot near Bangkok's temples, praised for fresh flavours and homely charm.
Nusara
Nusara is chef Thitid 'Ton' Tassanakajohn's love letter to his grandmother's cooking — a jewel-box dining room across from Wat Pho where refined tasting menus rework Thai family recipes with top-shelf ingredients.
Wat Arun Viewing Point
A riverside vantage point on Thanon Maha Rat offering striking views across the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun's iconic spires.
The Reclining Buddha
Bangkok's iconic royal temple shelters a 46-metre gold-leaf Reclining Buddha with intricately inlaid feet.
Public View Point
A free riverside viewpoint facing Wat Arun, best known for its stunning sunset views over the Chao Phraya.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Tha Tien Pier, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market
A sprawling open-air weekend market with 15,000+ stalls across 35 acres, selling everything imaginable.
Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.
The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.
centralwOrld
One of Bangkok's largest shopping complexes, offering premium retail, dining, and entertainment in the city's heart.
Tha Tien Pier: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tha Tien Pier worth visiting?
Tha Tien Pier holds a 4.4★ rating from 604 Google reviews — a strong rating for transportation in Bangkok.
When is the best time to visit Tha Tien 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 Tha Tien Pier located?
Tha Tien Pier is at PFWR+93X, Thanon Thai Wang, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
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
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
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Where to stay near Tha Tien Pier
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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
Pattaya's main departure pier for ferries and speedboats to Koh Larn and nearby islands.
Samui Airport
Koh Samui's open-air island airport feels more like a tropical resort than a transit hub.
Krabi International Airport
Krabi's compact international gateway serving both domestic and international flights with clean facilities.
Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport
Chiang Rai's compact international airport offering domestic and international flights with a calm, easy-to-navigate experience.
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.
Sponsored link — we may earn a small commission when you book, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Where to stay near Tha Tien 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
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
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
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