If you are planning a trip to Thailand, try a special route to explore Bangkok along the Saen Saeb Canal to experience a close-up view that blends into the rhythm of local life, and explores the destination along the canal in a different way. Let’s discover Bangkok canal boat tour — Explore Bangkok by taking a boat along the Saen Saeb Canal with Living Nomads.
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Thanks to the diverse canal system around Bangkok, the boat has become the most traditional and popular means of transportation for locals. The Thai people, from students, expats, the long boat has become the most basic transportation. But for foreign tourists, traveling by boat through the Saen Saeb Canal can be one of the most memorable, exotic experiences that you should definitely try when heading to Bangkok.
Stretching across the city of Bangkok, this canal is incidentally connected to Bangkok’s central destinations and MTR subway stations or BTS Skytrain, linked to the shore by the docks that are called Pier by the locals, so if you know the exact name or destination of this Pier, you can easily move to the famous tourist attractions or crowded shopping mall.
Price per trip on the Canal
The canal system is about 18 km long, with fares ranging from 10-20 baht. The difference between each Pier is around 2 baht, compared to other means of transportation, this is considered the cheapest public transport, but also ‘sensational’ by the speed of these boats. This canal system will have branching ports but will share some common ports in both directions.
Destinations
To plan your Bangkok journey through the Saen Saeb Canal, you will have the opportunity to visit local markets, temples, ancient houses along the canal.
- Phanfa Leelard Pier: close to the Old Quarter, Wat Saket, Khao San Road and the Grand Palace
- Hua Chang Pier: The most famous destination is Jim Thompson’s House, close to BTS National Stadium and some major commercial centers like MBK, Siam Paragon, Central World.
- Water Gate Pier: near Pratunam Market, Platinum Fashion Mall and Central World
From here, this canal system will run parallel to the famous Sukhumvit Road with very close proximity to BTS such as Chidlom, Nana (near the Muslim and Nana Plaza), Asoke (near MRT Phetchaburi, Siam, Soi Cowboy); Thonglor (famous for many restaurants, modern cafes).
Note
There are a lot of interesting architectural temples, if you have the time, you can descend randomly to visit these temples or the Bangkok street.
You should prepare the schedule and memorize or save the Pier you want to land to show to the ticket taker as they will collect the fare for your destination. Pay attention to avoid getting the wrong Pier.
Taking a boating on the Saen Saeb Canal is one of the most local experiences you must try in Bangkok
During peak hours such as morning or later afternoon, there may be plenty of people, so you should avoid these times to make sure you have a seat.
This boat runs very fast, the water shot up a lot, may not be suitable for the seasick or afraid of water.
Hours of operation: 5:30 am to 10:30 pm
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bangkok you can refer to
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Are you looking for more Bangkok travel guide and top things to do in Bangkok: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bangkok (BKK).