Bangkok is mostly renowned for its delicious cuisine and awe-striking temples, but it also features beautiful canals, floating markets, and a river that are the perfect setting for a relaxing cruise.
You can explore Thailand’s capital city in a completely new way by jumping into the River of Kings (not literally, though!).
You’ll be taking a boat and marveling at the scenic landscape and popular landmarks from the water. I highly recommend including it in your Bangkok itinerary!
Whether you’d like to visit the famous temples, shop at the unique markets, or dine with views of the glimmering skyline, you can do it all by boat!
Check out the best Bangkok boat tours and river cruises available, and take your pick!
Why should you trust me? I have a decade of experience in the travel industry, and have developed a knack for identifying high-quality activities all over the world. I make sure that all the tours in my guides are extraordinary, led by professionals, and highly rated.
I’ve also visited Bangkok many times, so I’m familiar with its attractions and adventures.
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book my tours, and I especially recommend them for their incredible cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can get a full refund canceling most experiences up to 24 hours in advance.
Limited time? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Bangkok’s Temples and Travel by Longtail Boat |
| FLOATING MARKET TOUR | Maeklong Railway and Floating Market Food Tour |
| DINNER CRUISE | River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Customized Private Long-Tail Boat Hire |
The Very Best Bangkok Boat Tours
▶️ This Discover Bangkok’s Temples and Travel by Longtail Boat on River of Kings is a great activity. It combines a cruise along the River of Kings and gorgeous Bangkok canals, with a visit to some of the most popular temples in the city.
You’ll get to see the famous Emerald Buddha and Reclining Buddha statues at their temples, learning about Buddhism from your guide. To get to these sights, you’ll glide on the waterways on a beautiful boat.
This tour includes: Entrance fees, a local guide, and a boat ride. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Bangkok Rice Barge Afternoon Cruise is a very relaxing experience. All you have to do is sit back, and watch the magnificent scenery of Bangkok from your prime location.
You’ll be served beverages and fresh local fruit as you glide past the landmarks and take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities along the way.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a river cruise, fruit, soft drinks, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Bangkok in Motion: City Highlights Tour by Skytrain, Boat, and Tuk Tuk covers the highlights of the city in three different means of transport: by Skytrain, by tuk-tuk, and by boat.
You’ll begin your day by taking a Skytrain ride to the banks of Chao Phraya River (River of Kings), where you’ll board a boat to the magnificent Grand Palace. You’ll get to see the impressive Emerald and Reclining Buddhas, visit a museum complex, and enjoy some shopping opportunities.
This tour includes: Departure from your hotel, a guide, and all transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Floating Market & Boat Tour
The Maeklong Railway and Floating Market Food Tour from Bangkok is the perfect trip to visit the most popular and interesting markets near the city.
You’ll explore the Railway Market and witness the exhilarating moment in which the train approaches on the same tracks where the stalls are located.
This is one of the few tours that include a visit to the floating market, and you’ll ride a boat through it. It’s the best way to shop for fresh produce and practice your haggling skills!
This tour includes: Transportation, a guide, entry fees, a boat ride, and insurance. The private option of the tour includes hotel transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Bangkok Canal Tour by Longtail Boat
This Bangkok: 2-Hour Canal Tour by Teak Boat is a fantastic experience, ideal for those with little time. It allows you to glide along the city’s beautiful and narrow canals on a beautiful boat.
You’ll get to see Wat Arun from the water, and learn about Thailand’s rich history and customs from your knowledgeable guide. Drinking water will be provided to fight off the Bangkok heat!
This tour includes: A boat tour, a guide, and drinking water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Dinner Cruises in Bangkok
▶️ The Bangkok: River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess takes place aboard a luxurious cruise ship, the Chao Phraya Princess. You’ll get to witness Bangkok’s skyline as it lights up at dusk, and enjoy the live entertainment and fantastic views from the open-air deck.
There’s an international buffet with a wide variety of dishes for dinner, and both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
This tour includes: A welcome drink, live music, an international buffet, and transfers from selected locations. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Saffron Luxury Bangkok River Dinner Cruise takes place on the Chao Phraya River, and it’s a luxurious evening boat ride. It offers live entertainment, a 4-course meal, and astounding views of the city as you glide past it.
You’ll get to spot several temples and other illuminated landmarks, and sit down for a scrumptious dinner in the cruise’s elegant dining room.
This tour includes: A cruise, a four-course dinner, and a welcome cocktail. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Boat Tour in Bangkok
Looking for a private experience? This Bangkok: Customized Private Long-Tail Boat Hire with a Guide allows you to choose the duration of your trip, either 1, 1.5, or 2 hours.
You’ll be joined by an expert guide who’ll take you along the Chao Phraya River, pointing out landmarks as you pass them by.
The itinerary of your trip is completely customizable, so it will be up to you which sights to include.
This tour includes: A long-tail boat trip, a private guide, and insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Ayutthaya Tour by Boat
The Ayutthaya Temples and River Cruise from Bangkok is a full-day excursion. You’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle to the UNESCO-listed city of Ayutthaya, one of the most important historical places in Thailand.
You’ll explore the fascinating temples and ruins that remain, discovering their history from an expert guide. Then, return to Bangkok by boat.
You’ll ride along the glorious Chao Phraya River, also known as River of Kings, and indulge in a buffet lunch onboard.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, admission fees, a guide, a buffet lunch, and a riverboat trip. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Food + Boat Tour in Bangkok
Check out this Old Siam Bangkok Food Tour: 15+ Tastings Included for a delicious experience. You’ll taste the best of Thai cuisine while exploring the Nang Loeng Market, a bustling location.
Then, cruise the beautiful canals, stopping at restaurants and markets to continue sampling delicious food. The tastings will more than make up for a full meal, and you’ll be joined by a local guide to enrich your discoveries.
This tour includes: 15 food and drink tastings, a guide, soft drinks, a boat ticket, and tuk tuk rides. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
