Using the express boats

[reader]

 

From Asia One

 

When it comes to getting around Bangkok, we usually think of taxis, tuk-tuks, and skytrains. But there's another way to travel that doesn't involve gridlock or large crowds. It's boats.

 

The Chao Phraya Express Boat system is reliable and efficient - the boats run on a fixed schedule, and all piers along the river are clearly marked in English and Thai.

 

Here's our pick of the most interesting pier stops found along the scenic 21km route.

 

Continues with pics

http://www.asiaone.com/travel/hop-boat-get-these-bangkok-attractions

[vinapu]

avoiding gridlock , yes , but crowds - not always, sometimes boats are very crowded  but never to a point of this being dangerous I haste to say.

 

Good alternative is Tourist boat taking all stops mentioned in an article above but bypassing less relevant ones. More costly at 50 baht per trip vs. aprox 15 on regular boat but never crowded and allowing more leisurely survey of  Bangkok from the river. Day pass , if I remember correctly is good value at 120 baht. 

 

In my opinion taking either  boat for a trip along the river is a Bangkok must for every visitor , even most time deprived and great value.

 

Lesser known is Saen Saep Khlong / channel / commuter boat, easiest way to get to of Golden Mount , can be boarded short walk from  National Stadium BTS or even shorter one from Jim Thompson house where one can walk or get free tuk-tuk lift from the same BTS station.

 

On this Khlong there's also newly started tourist boat  taking all the way to Bangalamu - Khao San area. 

 

Circular way - khlong boat to Bangalampu and return  by the river to Saphan Taksin and whatever station one is at with taking all sights on the way may fill more than one day affordable day of sightseeing   

 

Warning - boats are not a best option , specially khlong one,  for a people with restricted mobility

[pong]

Sadly klong Saen Seap is an open sewer, at least for the inner-city part-splashing water burns holes in your clothes. The part toward Ram-bangkapi can be extremely crowded in the peaks. It also serves places like Farose2 sauna etc.

There is indeed by that comp. now a new tourist-boat, mostly same route from beside BigC/Rajprasong to a convenient spot near Khao sarn rd/Faranglamphu, but is only offers 200 bt daypasses! (canalboat.co.th or so). Have seen it 3x and 2 with just the crew and 1x with 2 asean tourists.

The Chao PRaya boats DO have number counters at busy times/piers, after a fatal accident some years ago due to overcrowding.

There is also a small BMTA sponsored boat from beside Hualampong station via GoldenMount and then branches off/ends at Thevet (market). Only ev 30 mins.

ALL boats stop running soon after dusk-between 18-19.00. After that there are pirate boats on Saen Saep, east end only.

[Guest]

I agree it's a must to try the boat.  For the first time visitor, it's dead easy to get off the skytrain by the river, then just head up river on one of the boats.