Bangkok was built on water, and the Thonburi side of the river is where you can still see it. Two hours in a longtail, peeling off the Chao Phraya into the khlongs behind Wat Pho, takes you past wooden stilt houses with laundry drying over the water, corner shrines hung with jasmine, and the enormous Giant Buddha at Wat Paknam rising behind a turn in the canal like a minor shock. It’s the same city, but at walking pace and one storey up from the water.
The tour meets on Maha Rat Road, a short walk south of Wat Pho, at a bus stop opposite Elefin Coffee, where the guide waits with a clipboard. You board a covered longtail for a 2-hour loop through the Thonburi khlongs, with an English-speaking guide pointing out what you’re looking at and a bottle of water each. The main planned stop is Khlong Bang Luang Artist’s House, a wooden community where painters still work and traditional puppet performances happen most afternoons. You pass temples locals actually use, not the big ticketed ones, and you glide past the Giant Buddha at Wat Paknam from the canal rather than fighting the crowds at ground level.
Maximum 12 people per boat keeps it intimate. Come at least 10 minutes early; they won’t wait longer than that. The canals are tidal and pass through lock gates, and when water levels are unusual there can be a wait at a lock, which is beyond anyone’s control. Dress for sun, bring a cap, and tip the boat driver if you enjoyed the ride.
This is the half-day addition that makes Bangkok make sense to most first-time visitors. It’s quiet rather than flashy, and it works particularly well in the late afternoon as the light gets soft over the water.
Itinerary
Stop
As we cross the Chao Phraya River on our way to Thonburi, you’ll catch a beautiful glimpse of Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. This iconic riverside temple is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, with its central Khmer-style prang (tower) rising elegantly above the water, adorned with intricate porcelain mosaics that shimmer in the sunlight. ***** Please note that we will NOT get off at Wat Arun. You will only see it from the river while on our way to Thonburi. *****
Stop
Tucked away along the peaceful banks of Khlong Bang Luang (Bang Luang Canal) on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River lies one of Bangkok’s hidden gems: a charming riverside community where time seems to slow down. This historic neighborhood is made up of traditional wooden houses, small local shops, and family-run galleries connected by a wooden walkway that follows the edge of the canal. It offers a rare glimpse into what everyday life in Bangkok used to be like, long before the city’s skyline was dominated by concrete and glass. At the heart of the community is Baan Silapin, or The Artist’s House, a beautifully restored wooden home over 200 years old. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating Thai culture, this house functions as a small art center where visitors can enjoy rotating art exhibitions and handmade crafts. Wandering through the area, you’ll find small shops, cozy riverside cafés, and friendly locals who’ve lived here for generations. Duration of stop 30-40 minutes.
Stop
As we cruise through the canals of Thonburi, we pass by Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, a historic temple founded during the mid-Ayutthaya period. Located in the Phasi Charoen district, this temple has long been a center of Buddhist learning and meditation. Today, however, it is best known for its enormous seated Buddha statue, which rises dramatically above the surrounding rooftops and is visible from far across the city. The boat will pause here briefly, allowing you to admire and photograph this awe-inspiring statue from the water. At nearly 70 meters tall, equivalent to a 20-story building, and 40 meters wide at its base, it is the tallest Buddha statue in Bangkok. Cast in shimmering gold tones, the statue sits in a calm meditative posture and makes a striking contrast against the skyline. While we don’t disembark at the temple, viewing this colossal image from the quiet of the canal offers a truly unique and memorable perspective.
Included
- English speaking guide
- One bottle of drinking water per person
- Long-tail boat & boat driver
Not Included
- Gratuities for the boat driver and guide (optional)
Meeting point & area
View larger map →Meeting point: The meeting point is at the bus stop opposite Elefin Coffee and the Bangkok Bank branch on Maha Rat Road, just a short walk south of Wat Pho. Our guide will be waiting at the bus stop. Please make sure to arrive on time, since we can only wait up to 10 minutes past the scheduled meeting time.
