Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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. *****
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Bangkok’s traffic can be heavily congested. As our tours run on a group basis, we can wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After this grace period, the guide will begin the tour. If you cannot make it on time, please let us know before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available time slot or day, though a rescheduling fee will apply. No refund will be provided in case of late arrival.
- Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time are eligible for a full refund. For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
- Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
- 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.
Reviews(6,554)
A great couple of hours, very professional outfit. Bella is a knowledgeable guide and the 'driver' very skilled. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
Great tour through the Bangkok canals. It’s always great to see how differently we all live across the globe.
Thank you so much for the great review! We completely agree—one of the best parts of traveling is getting to experience how people live in different parts of the world. The local life along the Bangkok canals is truly special, and we are so glad we could share that unique glimpse of daily life with you. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure in the future!
really nice tour guide, welcoming
Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely review. We really pride ourselves on having friendly and welcoming guides, so it's wonderful to hear that reflected in your experience! Thanks for choosing to travel with us, and we hope to welcome you back soon.
Great experience to see the wildlife in the canals. Neo was a great and very knowledgeable tour guide
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had a great experience exploring the canals and getting to see the wildlife—it is always such a fun and unique part of the trip. We also completely agree that Neo is a fantastic guide. We are so happy that his knowledge helped make your adventure even more special, and we will definitely pass your kind words along to him! Thank you for exploring with us, and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon.
Tour guide Theo was awesome. Very informative and patient. If you get the chance, definitely do this tour.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. We completely agree that Neo is a fantastic guide, and we are so happy that his knowledge and patience really stood out during your trip. We will be sure to share your lovely feedback with him. Thanks for choosing to travel with us, and we look forward to seeing you again on your next adventure!
Johann was a top notch guide, engaging, easy to hear and understand and the sites were as expected .
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Johann's engaging style and clear explanations helped make your canal tour so enjoyable. It's wonderful to know the sights lived up to your expectations. Your kind feedback means a great deal to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Bangkok in the future.
Nice way to see many sites along the canal. It was interesting to review the contrast of temples and Buddhist statues along with the personal residences on the canal. We also stopped at one location to walk around and see some of the sites there.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed exploring Bangkok from the canals and discovering the unique blend of historic temples, local communities, and riverside life. It's wonderful that you also enjoyed the stop along the way to experience the area up close. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable journey in Thailand.
Our tour guide was lovely - was lovely to see a different side of Bangkok . Throughly enjoyed exploring canals and market at the artists house
Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring Bangkok's canals and discovering a different side of the city. It's wonderful to know that you had a great time visiting the Artist's House and that our guide helped make your experience even more enjoyable. Thank you for choosing to travel with us. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in Thailand soon!
Great tour very friendly and knowledgeable
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed the canal tour and found your guide friendly and knowledgeable. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in Bangkok soon!
Great family trip. Really fun and informative. Comfortable boat, felt safe. Ideal for families, children enjoyed I particular - especially feeding the fish.
Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear that your family had such an enjoyable time on the canal tour. It's especially wonderful to know that the children loved the experience, particularly feeding the fish—a favorite activity for many young travelers. We're glad you found the boat comfortable, the journey informative, and the overall experience family-friendly. Thank you for choosing to explore Bangkok with us.
