Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
or you'll be left behind. Fares range from 10B to 20B and boats run from approximately
5.30am to 8.30pm (to 7pm on weekends and holidays).
River Routes
Chao Phraya Express Boat
( 0 2623 6001;
www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com
)
provides one of the city's
most scenic (and efficient) transport options, running passenger boats along Mae Nam
Chao Phraya to destinations both south and north of Bangkok. The central pier is known
varyingly as Tha Sathon and Saphan Taksin, and connects to the Saphan Taksin BTS sta-
tion, at the southern end of the city. Visitors are most likely to go northwards, to the stops
designated with an N prefix.
Tickets range from 10B to 40B and are generally purchased on board the boat, although
some larger stations have ticket booths. Either way, hold on to your ticket as proof of pur-
chase.
The company operates express (indicated by an orange, yellow or green flag), local
(without a flag) and tourist boat (blue flag) services. During rush hour, pay close attention
to the flag colours to avoid an unwanted journey to a foreign province. Ask for one of the
route maps provided at some of the larger piers.
Local
(10-14B; 6.20-8.05am & 3-5.30pm Mon-Fri)
The local line (no flag) serves all company
piers between Wat Ratchasingkhon, in south-central Bangkok, north to Nonthaburi, stop-
ping frequently.
Orange Express
(15B; 6am-7pm)
This, the most frequent line, operates between Wat Ratchas-
ingkhon and Nonthaburi with frequent stops.
Yellow Express
(20-29B; 6.15-8.30am & 3.30-8pm Mon-Fri)
The yellow express line operates
between Ratburana and Nonthaburi with stops at major piers.
Green Express
(13-32B; 6.15-8.10am & 3.30-6.05pm Mon-Fri)
This rush-hour-only boat takes com-
muters as far north as Pakkret Pier, in Nonthaburi.
Tourist
(40B, one-day pass adult/child 150/80B; 9.30am-10pm)
The more expensive tourist boat of-
fers heaps of seating and English-language commentary (though it may be hard to com-
prehend); it operates from Tha Sathon (Central Pier) to 10 major sightseeing piers, only
going as far north as Tha Phra Athit (Banglamphu).
