Bangkok Rivers, Canals and Klongs Guide

Important points about waterways in Bangkok

Bangkok’s waterways are divided into 3 parts:

1. The main Chao Phraya River
2. Klong Saen Saeb – cuts across Bangkok city from east to west
3. Klongs of Thonburi – a network of canals on the opposite side of the river

There are 6 main types of boats:

1. River taxis (also called Express Boats)
2. Long-tail boats
3. River-crossing ferry
4. Canal boats
5. Private river cruise
6. Hotel shuttle boats

There are 5 types of Express Boat River Taxis:

1. No flag (Local Line) – stops at every Pier
2. Blue Flag Line (tourist boat) – stops whenever you want
3. Orange Flag Line – stops at the main piers
4. Yellow Flag Line – large express boat for commuters
5. Green Flag Line – express boat for commuters

Long-tail boats are like tuk-tuks on water. These narrow yellow boats can be rented privately. You can negotiate the cost with the driver, but we highly recommend booking a tour for convenience.

Sathorn Central Pier is directly in front of Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain Station, providing shuttles from riverside to the rest of the city.