When time is short, let the Chao Phraya take you away

When time is short, let the Chao Phraya take you away.

If you only have half a day in Bangkok, why not spend it gliding along the city’s lifeline, the Chao Phraya River? This short yet enriching river journey reveals another side of Bangkok and Nonthaburi, where the rhythm of local life still flows gracefully beside historic temples and wooden houses.

Memorial Bridge Pier – Our starting point for today’s river journey.

Located on the Phra Nakhon side, between Phra Pok Klao Bridge and Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge.

Chao Phraya Express Boat docking at Memorial Bridge Pier.

Our trip begins at Memorial Bridge Pier (Saphan Phut) on the Phra Nakhon side. From here, we board the Chao Phraya Express Boat, a public commuter ferry that connects the heart of Bangkok with Nonthaburi. The ride may be ordinary for locals, but for travelers, it’s a window into the soul of the city.

Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge, with the spires of Santa Cruz Church and Wat Kalayanamit seen in the distance.

Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn) – one of Bangkok’s most iconic riverside landmarks.

As the boat departs, it sails beneath the grand Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge, passing by landmarks that tell the story of Bangkok’s past and present: Wat Prayurawongsawat, Santa Cruz Church, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Rakhang Khositaram.
Temples, churches, mosques, and riverside homes blend harmoniously, showing how diverse communities have long shared the banks of this river.

Rama VIII Bridge, a graceful suspension bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, shimmering along the riverfront.

Traditional Thai-style houses and river pavilions near Phra Pinklao Pier.

Sanghi Bridge (Krung Thon Bridge) – connecting the historic neighborhoods of both riverbanks.

MRT crossing the Chao Phraya River, a modern touch to the city’s skyline.

Sappaya-Sapasathan, the Parliament House of Thailand in the Kiakkai area.

Rama VI Bridge, where three bridges—Rama V, VI, and VII—stand close together.

Cooling tower of EGAT Bang Kruai, a riverside landmark of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.

After about 80 minutes, we arrive at Nonthaburi Pier, where our exploration continues on foot. Just a short walk away stands the charming Old Nonthaburi City Hall, built entirely of teak in 1910. Once the provincial administrative building, it now houses a modest museum showcasing the province’s heritage from shadow puppetry to pottery and local crafts.

Riverside homes in Nonthaburi, where the pace slows and life flows gently by.

White Buddha image at Wat Khian, a graceful riverside temple in Nonthaburi.

Nonthaburi Pier, the final stop of the Chao Phraya Express route.

Nonthaburi Clock Tower, a symbol of the old riverside town.

Old Nonthaburi City Hall, originally built as a law school in 1910, later serving as a provincial hall.

Courtyard of the Old City Hall, now used for cultural events and community gatherings.

Earthenware pottery display, reflecting Nonthaburi’s traditional craftsmanship.

Clay sculptural model illustrating the pottery-making process, displayed on the museum’s second floor.

Nearby lies the Pung Tao Kong Ma Shrine, home to deities believed to bring protection and prosperity. The shrine’s riverside setting makes it a peaceful final stop before our return to Bangkok.

Pung Tao Kong Ma – Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine, a riverside sanctuary dedicated to protection and prosperity.

For the journey back, we take the same route this time, watching the city transform under the golden afternoon light. The boat passes vibrant river communities, bridges, and iconic sites like Wat Soi Thong, Parliament House, Phra Pinklao Bridge, and Tha Maharaj Pier, offering postcard-perfect views of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew from the water.

As the sun begins to set behind Wat Arun, the temple’s spires glow in the twilight is a breathtaking finale to our half-day journey.

Different types of Chao Phraya Express boats, old and new models cruising along the river.

Final glimpse of Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn glowing beautifully at twilight, closing our river journey.

Whether you choose a luxury dinner cruise, a private longtail boat, or the local express ferry, every route along the Chao Phraya tells a story of Thailand’s heart and heritage.
So next time you have a few hours to spare in Bangkok, let the river lead the way.

#PacificLeisureThailand #ShortGetaway #BangkokRiverside #ChaoPhrayaRiver #ExploreThailand #MeaningfulJourney #LocalExperience

Editor in Chief : Nampetch Siramanon
Editor: Pacific Leisure (Thailand)
Content Creator : Mr. Saroj Na Ayutthaya

When time is short, let the Chao Phraya take you away.

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