1 BANGKOK Part 1 - City of Angels - Guide on what to expect and the public transport available

The mighty Chao Praya river, breath taking views from my hotel balcony

Where do I begin with a trip to Bangkok ........ My first experience of Bangkok .... total organised chaos ... AND I LOVED IT!!

As seen in my other posts about Phuket, in 8 years I have fallen in love with Phuket. Now with truthful honesty I can say I have fallen in love with Bangkok ..... no with THAILAND.

My first  observation of this mega large metropolis when I sat foot on its soil was FUUUUCK, I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW CLEAN THIS CITY IS! Gone are the filthy streets and rivers I saw 7 years ago during a 5 hour stop over in Bangkok. Gone is that smell.

In its place there are streets and parks that are unbelievably CLEAN. All streets are lined with trees, balconies boast with greenery. What happened!!!!! Bangkok had a major clean-up and you can see how proud the Thais are with their capital city. Have I mentioned how CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN this city is!!!

OK enough of me going off on how clean BANGKOK is.

BANGKOK - HOW LONG DO YOU NEED TO STAY TO SEE THE MOST IMPORTANT "MUST SEE" PLACES

Now this is a question that would be debatable. My previos trip was 7 days ...... and I could not get to everything I planned to do and see. It is impossible. My next trip will be a minimum of 12 days - and I will still not see and experience everything I want to do! So it depends on you as individual - what your likes are and so on. Me ...... I want to see and experience everything and for that I need 25 hours in a day.

BANGKOK HAS ONE IMPRESSIVE OFFICIAL NAME

In Thai, it is often called Krung Thep Maka Nakhon, or just Krung Thep. 

However, the full name is .... WAIT FOR IT ...

 “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam" 

NOW LEARN THAT NAME IN SCHOOL AS A 6 YEAR OLD! But let me introduce you to the city I came to love with all my heart.

HOW BIG IS BANGKOK METROPOLIS

While Bangkok as a whole is confusing—sprawling for over 2,331 square kilometers —the city can be broken down into several major and distinct neighbourhoods. Old Bangkok, on the west side of the Chao Phraya River, is the original site of the capital. Old Royal City is on the east side of the river and contains the major tourist attractions, including the Grand Palace, the Wat Pho Temple, and the National Museum. Southeast of Old Royal City is Sam Peng. Sam Peng has a large foreign population, including many Chinese merchants. Further east, Chinatown is another district with a large Chinese population. Chinatown offers many small shops and ethnic restaurants, as well as hotels catering to Chinese businessmen (Pretty much as our China Malls but this is basically a town). South of Chinatown is Silom. Silom is the center of the city's financial district, and many of Bangkok's most expensive hotels are located there. Sukhumvit, which used to be considered the outskirts of the city, is northeast of Silom. Sukhumvit is a major tourist area, with many hotels, restaurants, and bars. Sukhumvit is also noted as having the city's best nightlife.

So lets start at the very beginning ... a very good place to start......

BEST TIME TO VISIT BANGKOK

Bangkok has a tropical monsoon climate and generally remains hot and humid throughout the year. An ideal vacation spot, Bangkok is almost a year-round destination. Every season has a distinct charm and the city is at its enchanting best all months of the year. However, the peak season is between November and March when the tourist footfall is particularly high. The months of March, April and May are the hottest - so they say. I have been there in April and it is not that deadly humid and hot. South Africans in Gauteng and Durban are used to high mid 30 degrees anyway. BANGKOK CAN BE VISITED ANY MONTH OF THE YEAR.

December to February: Regarded as the ‘cold months’, this is the perfect time to explore Bangkok on foot. In the evenings temperatures can drop to 22 degrees Celsius. Also the most expensive time when hotel prices hit a high.


March to May: Although these are Bangkok’s hottest months, it is also the time when Bangkok celebrates the Thai New Year with great festivity and cheer. Sudden bouts of rain are a welcome change (if it does rain) and boat cruises, mall shopping and lounging by the pool are highly recommended. Don't forget to carry your sunglasses and buy yourself a hat there! Average day temperatures is about 35 to 38 degrees Celsius. You have perfect blue skies and no rain.

May to October: Monsoon season. Regarded as Bangkok’s ‘low season’, this is a great time to visit the city as you can fetch some great deals on hotels and excursions. The frequent bouts of rain do not deter tourists from indulging in a range of indoor activities like shopping, visiting aquariums and temples as well as entertainment complexes. Rain will be like for 30 minutes then clear skies. 

ARRIVING IN BANGKOK

When you come from South Africa you will land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced SUE WAR NA BHOOM). Now this is a huge airport and busy 24/7. But you cannot get lost. Just follow the English signage and you will know where to go.

When you arrive at the airport you would have already booked your hotel. Just as explained in my Phuket blogs you will do this by booking online at www.booking.com or www.hotels.com

WHERE IN THIS MASSIVE CITY SHOULD I STAY AS A FIRST TIME VISITOR

If you are a first time visitor the BEST area to book a hotel is in the Silom, Bangrak area. Why? This area is very centrally situated and the hub for public transport taking you way into the city in all directions. From this area you can hop on a BTS sky-train, MRT underground train, BRT rapid bus line as well as the very convenient Chao Praya River boat taxis. You do NOT want to take a  normal taxi in this chaotic streets because it will take ages .... same with tuk-tuk. You will loose precious time sitting in traffic going at 5 km an hour! No problem however to experience a wild tuk-tuk ride on the sideline, but for major transport choice, NO!

SILOM has everything. Not only very convenient for public transport, but also next to the Chao Praya river to see all the temples and Grand Palace, as well as the dinner river cruises. You are also within walking distance (or 1 station BTS ride) from the famous Silom Night life area (Patpong and Boys Town). So, there you have it, get a hotel in SILOM. This is also Bangkok's main business district. Sooooo much to see just in this area! The few extra Rand you spend on a hotel in SILOM, compared to other areas, is worth it as you are in the center of everything. Staying in other areas will be a few Rand (not hundreds) cheaper but you will fork out much more on transport getting to places.

You will however not get away from getting a taxi because you will need to take one from the airport. They are the most convenient. You can make use of the rail system, but I will not recommend this as you will have to take 3 trains. The rapid airport rail connects with the northern BTS sky-train and then you must again climb over on the BTS south line. It is the most cheapest, but believe me with luggage on the BTS ..... NO GO ... as these BTS trains are jam packed FULL of commuters (especially peak hours 3 pm to 7 pm and 6 am - 9 am) and you do not want to struggle with luggage and stuff. TAKE A METERED TAXI.

GETTING YOUR TAXI AT THE AIRPORT

METERED TAXI (CHEAPEST AND RELIABLE)

Ordinary metered taxis are available on the first floor (one floor below arrivals). They use a multitude of colour schemes but all of them have a TAXI-METER sign on the roof. Follow the "public taxi" signs that lead to a roofed area outside the airport building. The taxi rank is automated with two vending machines, one for standard taxis and another one for big taxis. Standard taxis can carry two adults with hand baggage and one piece of checked baggage each; big taxis can take more. Queue up and press the appropriate button. You will get a slip with the taxi details and the number of the parking bay of the assigned taxi. Walk to the indicated bay with your baggage. This slip is for complaints and is how the system is enforced: hold on to it to help avoid arguments later.

Taxis accept only cash payments in Thai baht. They won't have much change so do not try to pay with a 1,000 baht bill. If you do not get small bills from the ATM or money exchange, you can buy something from a basement floor convenience store inside the terminal.

Once inside the taxi make sure the driver starts the meter and it shows the 35 baht flag fall. If you are going into the city the driver will say "tollway" to find out whether to use the faster tollway or not. It is safest to say "yes"; only past midnight you would not be bogged down in traffic and saving the typical 75 baht in toll fees would be worth it. The typical toll fees are 50 and 25 ฿ when driving into city. It is easier to keep track of the money if you pass the driver a 100 baht bill when the first toll gate approaches; use the change at the next one. You are supposed to get a paper receipt for each fee.

The meter is to be stopped when you arrive. You pay the shown metered fare and a 50 baht airport surcharge on top of the meter (not per passenger). The surcharge applies only to rides from airports.

IMPORTANT: BANGKOK IS HUUUUUUUGE. Before you leave your house, print your hotel address in THAI LANGUAGE and give it to the driver. All hotels have their addresses available in Thai - look on their websites. Believe me, you WILL get a taxi with a driver that can hardly speak English. There are million hotels in Bangkok and the chances that a driver will know each one's location is ZERO!

Depending on the time of getting into your taxi, it should take roughly about 40 minutes to get to your hotel. Be aware that if you use a metered taxi you will be driving on the toll road freeway and you will have to pay the toll fees.

UBER

Unless you can speak some Thai don't bother getting UBER in Thailand. Most of the drivers cannot speak English. Their fees are about double as what a metered taxi will cost you. You will have to have a Thai sim in your phone because the taxi driver will call you to confirm where to pick you up. Now this conversation in English would be difficult. As a first time visitor after a long flight rather stick to the metered taxi, trust me.

PRIVATE TAXI

If you rather prefer to make use of a private taxi company (like I do) you can do so by arranging upfront online. It will set you back about 1200 Baht per trip for the taxi but you will be transported in a Toyota Fortuner.

Here is a link to a website for a reputable private taxi service. I can personally recommend them. It is very useful especially when you have an early flight back home and you do not have the time to flag down a metered taxi in the early morning hours. Mr Bank is very professional and he answers Whattsapp and emails within a short period. When emailing from South Africa just bare in mind that Thailand is 5 hours ahead of SA time!

http://www.phuketprivatedriver.com/ContactUs.php

THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN BANGKOK

If you were smart you would have booked your hotel within walking distance from a BTS Sky-train station. Bangkok is hot all year round and you need to see as much as possible as fast as possible. So be smart, book a hotel near a BTS or MRT station. If you follow my advice and booked in SILOM, you will be near at least 4 BTS and 1 MRT station. You will also be on the Chao Praya river taxi line.

I booked at the Centre Point Hotel. Yea ok it is a 4 star hotel but worth every sent (and it was NOT the price of a farm) This hotel is next to the Saphan Taxin BTS Station and the Sathorn River Pier. It is a magnificent hotel, fantastic breakfasts AND THE VIEW BREATHTAKING. But please find a hotel on the sites that suits your budget.

THE BANGKOK BTS RAIL SYSTEM (THE HEARTBEAT OF A TRAVELLER)

The BTS Sky-train runs through all important downtown districts and major transport hubs in Bangkok, from Mo Chit to On Nut (Sukhumvit Line) and National Stadium to Wongwian Yai (Silom Line). Zooming above Bangkok's traffic at a steady speed, and with connecting points to the MRT Underground, Chao Phraya Express Boats and two land transport terminals at Victory Monument and Mo Chit, it's the best way to get around. 

The BTS runs from about 5 am to midnight. And there is every 3 minutes a train. They are constant and always on time.

SILOM LINE

The Silom line runs west to south, starting at the National Stadium and ending at Wongwian Yai in Thonburi (across the Chao Phraya River). It passes through major areas like Siam (Central Station), Silom, Patpong and Saphan Taksin, where you can board the express boat at the Sathorn Pier. You can also transfer to the MRT Underground at Saladaeng Station. 

SUKHUMFIT LINE

The Sukhumvit line runs north to east, starting at Mo Chit and ending at On Nut. It passes through major areas like Chatuchak Weekend Market, Victory Monument, Siam (Central Station), Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong and Thong Lo. You can also transfer to the Airport Rail Link at Phaya Thai Station and the MRT Underground at Mo Chit and Asok Stations.

COST OF THE BTS

As a visitor I strongly recommend that you buy a day pass. This will cost you 140฿ (roughly R 60). With the day pass you can hop on and off the BTS trains for the entire day. Believe me it is much cheaper than to buy individual stop tickets at the vending machine.

BTS STATIONS WORTH GETTING OFF

BTS Saphan Taksin 

Right at the river side and connects to the Central Pier boat station. The Lebua State Tower building is here (Hangover 2 movie) with the magnificent rooftop sky-bar. 

FAMOUS LEBUA STATE TOWER

BTS Chong Nonsi

Bangkok's current tallest building is right next to this station. An impressive building indeed. A lot of side markets and massage places also around this BTS.

MAHANAKON - Bangkok's tallest skyscraper .. for now

Chong Nonsi station is as impressive as it looks

BTS SALADAENG

Sala Daeng BTS Station, busy at non-peak hours and chaotic during the rush hours, is a gateway to Silom’s electrified shopping, dining and nightlife scene at Patpong. It also connects with the MRT Subway via a sky-walk. Step off Sala Daeng BTS Station and you will find yourself in the centre of Silom Road, one of the most famous roads for bars, restaurants and street food in Bangkok.

For nightlife, Soi Patpong off Silom Road is teaming with bars, discos and go-go bars, whilst the nearby Soi Thaniya is popular for Japanese restaurants and karaoke lounges. There is also a vibrant gay scene to be found here, with a strip of lively gay bars on Silom Soi 4 and a couple of large clubs on Soi 2. As for shopping, Silom Complex (an air conditioned mall full of fashion options and restaurants) is just below Sala Daeng BTS, whilst the locals’ favourite, Lai Lai Sap Market, is walking distance away on Silom Soi 5.

  

From here you also connects to Lumpini Park. Just follow the sky-walk to the MRT Underground. Across the road is this massive green park. Be prepared to spend at least an hour is this green cool haven amidst the chaotic city.

BTS SIAM

This is the central connection point of the BTS lines and hub. Double station with both lines connecting above the traffic. Siam is your gateway to Bangkok’s most-happening shopping, dining and entertainment scene. Discover an array of mega malls, cutting-edge cinemas and world-class attractions right at the station’s doorstep. The main malls close Siam BTS Station include Siam Paragon, Siam Centre and Siam Square One, whilst Central World and MBK Shopping centre are both around 5 minutes’ walk away. 

SIAM BTS WITH ITS DOUBLE LAYER STATION

Siam BTS Station is one of Bangkok’s busiest stations; not only does it serve as a hub for those wanting to access the city’s main malls, but it also connects both the Silom and Sukhumvit BTS Lines. The station, therefore, is one of the largest in Bangkok, with two separate levels to cater for the two adjoining lines. I WILL DO A SEPARATE POST JUST ON THE MALLS!

BTS NATIONAL STADIUM

National Stadium BTS Station, with a sky-walk that overlooks the busy Pathumwan intersection, has direct access to MBK Mall (The place to get lost in for hours) and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. National Stadium BTS Station also marks the most northern point of the Silom BTS Line that stretches to through the Siam, Silom and over the Chao Phraya River into the Thonburi district.

BTS MO CHIT

Mo Chit BTS Station, one of the busiest stations, puts you at the doorstep of Chatuchak Weekend Market, Or Tor Kor Market and Rot Fai Park. It also connects with MRT Chatuchak Station. Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is held every Saturday and Sunday, is famous for being the largest market in Bangkok, and one of the largest in Asia. Nearby, are other shopping options such as JJ Green for fashion or Or Tor Kor Market, which specialises in top grade fresh produce. There is also a large park, Rot Fai Park, close to the BTS Station, which is a popular spot for picnics and bike rides on the weekend. 

Mo Chit BTS is also the closest station to Bangkok’s busy northern bus terminal (Mo Chit Bus Station), which connects the capital to popular tourist destinations in Thailand such as Ayutthaya, Phuket, Sukhothai and Chiang Mai.

BTS ARI

Ari BTS Station, is most probably Bangkok’s most lively expat neighbourhood. Here you will find hip and trendy restaurants tucked away in its maze of sois (lanes). Explore the area on foot and discover a delightful diverse culinary culture from around the world.

BTS CHIT LOM

Chit Lom BTS Station is your gateway to one of Bangkok’s most vibrant shopping districts – Ratchaprasong. Shopping options includes Central World, Central Chid Lom, Central Embassy, Gaysorn and Amarin Plaza; all of which are accessible from the BTS station. Oh, and the Shrine of the Goddess Tubtim (also known as the Bangkok Phallic Shrine) is nearby ....... Penis Park.

PLOENCHIT BTS

Ploenchit BTS Station is close to the unusual Tubtim Buddhist Shrine, as well as the luxurious Central Embassy shopping mall (which has direct access from the station).

CENTRAL EMBASSEY MALL

NANA BTS

Nana is the best after dark and this station is right at the centre of Bangkok’s other nightlife hotspots – trendy clubs and bars down Sukhumvit Soi 11, while more "sleazy" venues is found at Sukhumvit Soi 4 (Nana Plaza), where go-go bars sit next to beer bars and massage parlours.

ASOK BTS (E4)

One of my favourite stops. It also connects with the MRT Sukhumvit Station, which leads to the north of Bangkok from the city’s main train station, Hua Lamphong. Asoke is also well known for its fun nightlife scene, and just minutes’ walk from the BTS station is the famous Soi Cowboy – home to numerous go-go bars. From this station the MUST VISIT Terminal 21 Mall is directly accessible via skywalk.

PHROM PONG BTS

The main attractions near Phrom Phong BTS Station include jogger’s favourite Benjakiti Park, Emporium shopping mall (with direct BTS access) and Rain Hill Plaza (upscale restaurant and shopping complex, around 5 minutes’ away from the station). Around this BTS you will find a lot of cultural diverse people with Japanese and Korean architecture. 

EKKAMAI BTS (E7)

Ekkamai BTS Station, with one foot still in the old Bangkok of yesteryear and another in a world defined by global culture, is where mom-and-pop-style shop-houses meet a new wave of chic eateries – and it’s home to some of Bangkok’s most charismatic pubs. a PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM (but then again the entire Bangkok is a photographers dream). If you are looking for the best single origin coffee to buy, ROOTS COFFEE ROASTERS are located here.

BEARING BTS (E14)

This is the last station (currently the line is being extended). This is the station you want to get off if you want to visit the MUST VISIT Muang Boran Park (The Ancient City) This is deffinately a must do and it will take you 8 hours to go through this historical replica of Thailand's best and finest buildings - replicate on a scale of 1 : 2 or reclaimed and rebuilt. Make sure you have spare batteries for your camera. More about this phenomenal heritage site in another post. 

From Bearing station take a short taxi ride, BUT BE SURE TO HAVE MUANG BORAN ADDRESS IN THAI ON A PIECE OF PAPER. You are now in rural Thai lifestyle area and English is not good!!! The locals know Muang Boran as something else as well in Thai! Print the following and give to the taxi driver

296/1 หมู่ 7 ถนนสุขุมวิท ต.บางปูใหม่

อ.เมือง สมุทรปราการ 10280

THE MRT UNDERGROUND

Fast and efficient, the Mass Rapid Transit network (MRT) serves 18 stations and stretches for 20 km in a horseshoe shape from Hua Lamphong in the South (near Chinatown) to Bang Sue in the north. Trains arrive every 5-7 minutes, and connect to the BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit and Silom stations.

The MRT underground service hours is 06:00 – midnight. The MRT underground’s Stored Value Cards are not compatible with the BTS Skytrain or Airport Rail Link. You must purchase the passes separately. 

Bangkok MRT Route Guide

The Bangkok MRT underground runs underneath Rama IV and Ratchadapisek Roads, the two thoroughfares that cut through the heart of downtown Bangkok. Although additional lines and extensions are in the pipeline, it currently only comprises the blue line, serving 18 stations from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue. Trains every five minutes in peak times (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00) and every seven minutes at other times.

Hua Lamphong Nearby: Chinatown, Central Railway Station, Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)(400m).

Sam Yan Nearby: Jim Thompson House, Chamchuri Square, Snake Farm, Wat Hua Lamphong : One of Thailand's Royal Buddhist temples built in 1782

Silom Nearby: Patpong Night Market, Saladaeng BTS Skytrain, Lumpini Park

Lumpini Nearby: Lumpini Boxing Stadium, Vertigo and Moon Bar (roof top sky bars at Banyan Tree Bangkok), 

Klong Toei Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Nearby: Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Stock Exchange of Thailand

Sukhumvit Nearby: Asok BTS Skytrain, The Long Table Bangkok, Terminal 21, Soi Cowboy, 

Phetchaburi Nearby: Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan Station. The station is the interchange station with Airport Rail Link (Makkasan Station) as well as connected to Khlong San Seap Express Boat via Asok Pier.

Rama 9 Nearby: Ratchada Night Bazaar : A new night market with retro concept offering a wide range of vintage goods

Thailand Cultural Centre Nearby: The Esplanade Mall, Siam Niramit, Cyber World Market : A newly opened night market that offers a wide selection of products at cheap price. The Trick Eye Museum (a must visit) is here inside the Esplanade Mall, right next to the station.

Huay Kwang Nearby: mainly residential area

Sutthisarn: Low key Area

Ratchadapisek: residential area - no tourist attractions.

Lad Phrao: low key residential area.

Phaholyothin The station is in the busy area as surrounded by famous shopping malls, hotels, academic institutes, and business towers. Central Plaza Lat Phrao : The largest and oldest department store in the area; Union Mall : The largest fashion shopping mall in the area

Chatuchak Nearby: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chatuchak Park, Rod Fai Park is situated on Phahon Yothin Road, right in front of Chatuchak Park. It is also the interchange station with BTS Mo Chit Station, where it is always crowded with thousands of local residents rushing to work or study on weekdays, and foreign travelers visiting Chatuchak Market on weekends

Kampaengphet Nearby: Or Tor Kor Market : Also known as The Marketing Organization for Farmers Market. It is an upscale market regarded as a heaven on earth for gastronomes offering hundreds of foodstuff shops with a wide range of food, fruits, and desserts. Located opposite to Chatuchak Market, can be reached through subway station exit 3, open daily at 6.00 AM - 8.00 PM.

THE CHAO PRAYA RIVER TAXI ROUTE

The following diagram shows how the river piers interlink with other public rail transport.

THE FULL ROUTE OF RIVER TRANSPORT

Again, this type of transport is most valuable to the tourist that want to see the attractions. Most of the Temples and the Grand Palace, as well as other world renown places can be reach via the river boats. 

You point of entry on this system is CENTRAL (Sathorn) Pier, which lies right beneath the Saphan Taksin BTS. 

A tip: plan your day carefully because you will spend a full day on this river hopping on and off the boats at different piers. Buy a day pass hop on - hop off tourist boat ticket (120฿ - roughly R50). Here is the fact not most tourists know: This day pass can be used on ANY of the different coloured flag boats NOT JUST THE TOURIST BOAT. The tourist boat only stop at certain piers and runs every hour. The orange flag boat stops at ALL the piers for a 20 km stretch! 

THE ROUTE AND PIERS

All piers (Tha in Thai) along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok are clearly marked in English as well as Thai. The Central Pier is called Tha Sathorn and is conveniently located close to the Saphan Taksin skytrain station. Piers to the north of Central Pier are marked ‘N’ followed by a number and piers to the south of Central Pier are marked ‘S’ followed by a number. The most popular tourist attractions and sights are located between Central Pier and stop number N13 to the north. The ride from Central Pier to N13 (Tha Phra Arthit/Banglamphu) takes approximately 30 minutes.

A TYPICAL RIVER TAXI

PIERS ARE WELL KEPT AND USER FRIENDLY

• Central Pier (Tha Sathorn) – for Saphan Taksin Skytrain station
• N1 (Tha Oriental) – for Oriental Hotel and O.P. Place shopping
• N2 (Tha Wat Muang Kae) – for Old Customs House and GPO building
• N3 (Tha Si Phraya) – for Portuguese Embassy
• N4 (Tha Harbour Department) – for River city shopping, Holy Rosary Church and Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel
• N5 (Tha Rachavongse) – for Chinatown
• N6 (Tha Memorial Bridge) – for Phra Poklao Bridge and Chinatown
• N7 (Tha Rajinee) – for Chinatown vegetable market and cross-river ferry to Santa Cruz Church and the old Portuguese Quarter
• N8 (Tha Tien) – for Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and cross-river ferry to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
• N9 (Tha Chang) – for Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
• N10 (Tha Wang Lang) – for Siriraj Hospital
• N11 (Tha Railway Station) – for Bangkok Noi (Thonburi) train station
• N12 (Tha Phra Pinklao) – for Klong Bangkok Noi and National Museum of Royal Barges
• N13 (Tha Phra Athit/Banglamphu) – for Ratanakosin Island (old Bangkok) and popular backpacker areas including Khao San Road
• N14 (Tha Rama 8 Bridge) – for Rama VIII Bridge
• N15 (Tha Thewes) – for Thewes plant and flower market
• N16 (Krung Thon Bridge (Sung Hi))

• N17 (Wat Thepnahree)
• N17/1 (Wat Thepakorn)

• N18 (Payap)
• N19 (Irrigation Department)


• N20 (Kheaw Khai Ka)

• N21 (Kjak Kai)

• N22 (Bang Po)
• N23 (Wat Soi Thong)
• N24 (Rama 7 Bridge)
• N25 (Pibul 1)

• N26 (Wat Khema)
• N27 (Wat Tuek)

• N28 (Wat Kien)
• N29 (Pibul 2)
• N30 (Nonthaburi (Pibul 3) - lots to see and do, and good restaurants near this pier;
• N31 (Wat (Khaenok)

• N32 (Wat Klang Kret)
• N33 (Pakkret) – the last stop

Chao Phraya Express Boats

There are five main boats that run along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. These are the Blue Flag Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, Orange Flag Boat, Green Flag Boat, Yellow Flag Boat and No Flag Boat. As you have probably guessed, you can tell them apart by the colour of the flag that they fly (or don’t fly in the case of the No Flag Boat).

As a tourist you will most probably only use the Blue Flag Tourist Boat and the Orange Flag Boat.

The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat only runs from Tha Sathorn (Central Pier) to N13 (Phra Arthit), and only stops at piers CENTRAL, N1, N3, N5, N8, N* (Maharaj – between N9 and N10), N10 and N13. 

All other boats travel as far north as pier N30, with the Green Flag Boat being the only one that goes all the way to pier N33.

You should note that none of the boats stops at all piers, so you’ll need to check which boat goes to your destination before you get on. The Orange Flag Boat is the best overall, as it runs all from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Blue Flag Chao Phraya Tourist Boat -- If this is your first time to get a boat along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, I would recommend the tourist boat, as you get a commentary along the way pointing out all the major attractions. This will help you to get your bearings more quickly, and then you’ll be good to go when you try a local boat. You can purchase tickets for this boat at Central Pier (Tha Sathorn), N13 (Phra Arthit), Saphan Taksin BTS and Saim BTS. As I said, buy the DAY PASS

Route: Central Pier (Tha Sathorn) to N13 (Phra Arthit)
Times: Daily 09:30-16:00; 
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
 Fare: 120 baht daily ticket or 30 baht per journey.

THE BLUE FLAG TOURIST BOAT

Orange Flag Boat -- This is usually the only boat I would get, as it is both convenient and cheap and runs all day, every day. Tickets for this boat are purchased on the boat. Route: S3 (Wat Rajsingkom) to N30 (Nonthaburi)
Times: Daily 06:00-19:00; 
Frequency: Every 5-20 minutes, depending on time of day; 
Fare: 15 baht per journey (pay on the boat) OR USE YOUR DAY PASS.

THE ORANGE FLAG BOAT - MY MAIN RIVER TRANSPORT OPTION

Green Flag Boat -- Route: Central Pier (Tha Sathorn) to N33 (Pakkret); 
Times: Monday-Friday 06:15-08:00 and 15:30-18:05; 
Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes; 
Fare: 13/20/32 baht, depending on distance (pay on the boat). Not recommended as mostly worker commuters crowd this boat in peak hours.

Yellow Flag Boat -- Route: S4 (Rajburana) to N30 (Nonthaburi)
; Times: Monday-Friday 06:15-08:30 and 15:30-20:00; 
Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes; 
Fare: 20/29 baht, depending on distance (pay on the boat).

No Flag Boat (Local Line) -- If you want to stop at an obscure pier, then this is the boat for you, as it stops almost everywhere, but only during early morning and late afternoon. Route: S3 (Wat Rajsingkom) to N30 (Nonthaburi)

Times: Monday-Friday 06:20-08:05 and 15:00-17:30; 
Frequency: Every 20-25 minutes
; Fare: 10/12/14 baht, depending on distance (pay on the boat).

Cross River Ferries -- There are a few places where you will see cross river commuter ferries. There is one that goes from pier N8 (Tha Tien) to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). The cost of the cross river boats varies from 2-5 baht.

CROSS RIVER FERRIES

These small ferries are available at some piers for crossings to the opposite river bank. There is limited seating on these boats so expect to stand for the short journey (5 minutes) across the river.

Fare: varies from 2-5 Baht (usually paid at entrance to pier before boarding the boat). Your river taxi day pass does not work on the cross river ferries.

A TYPICAL CROSS RIVER FERRY

WATCH OUT FOR PART 2 ON BANGKOK. TOO MUCH INFO TO PUT INTO ONE POST SO I WILL BREAK IT UP IN SEVERAL PARTS.