Sightseeing on and around Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya River is in the heart of the city of Bangkok, nearby are many interesting examples of real Thai life for those interested in the culture of the region. These sacred and cultural sites represent over 1,000 years of Buddhist heritage, royal history, and living traditions that continue to shape Bangkok's identity today.

Sacred Temple Complex - The Heart of Buddhist Bangkok

Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) - Rising majestically from the Thonburi bank, this iconic temple represents one of Bangkok's most sacred Buddhist sites and architectural marvels. The central prang (spire) soars 82 meters into the sky, decorated with millions of colorful Chinese porcelain pieces and seashells that create a stunning mosaic effect.

Getting There: Take the Tha Tian - Wat Arun Ferry from Tha Tian pier (THB 4 per person, 3-minute crossing). The ferry operates 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily with departures every 5 minutes during peak hours.

Cultural Significance: Wat Arun served as the royal temple during King Taksin's reign (1768-1782) when Thonburi was Thailand's capital. The temple houses a revered Buddha image and serves as an active worship site where locals conduct morning and evening prayers daily.

Wichai Prasit Fort - The old Palace fort connected to the Royal Thai Naval headquarters this is an impressive building, and right next to Wat Arun.

Chinatown - Located on and around Yaowarat Road, particularly on the Soi Wanit 1, this colourful part of Bangkok shows how Chinese life has been integrated with Thai to create a vibrant fusion. Except food and shopping as well as bright lights at night. Get off at Ratchawong for the closest Express Boat pier to Chinatown.

Grand Palace – Thailand's most magnificent architectural complex and spiritual heart of the kingdom, this 218,400-square-meter masterpiece served as the official residence of Thai Kings for 150 years (1782-1932). The complex houses the sacred Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), considered Thailand's most important religious artifact, alongside stunning examples of traditional Thai architecture that blend Hindu, Buddhist, and European influences.

Cultural Highlights: The Throne Hall showcases mother-of-pearl inlay artistry, while the Emerald Buddha Temple features murals depicting the complete Ramakien epic. Don't miss the scale model of Angkor Wat, commissioned by King Mongkut as a tribute to Khmer civilization.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - Home to the majestic 46-meter golden reclining Buddha representing the Buddha's entry into Nirvana, this temple complex predates Bangkok itself and ranks among Thailand's most significant spiritual sites. Founded in the 16th century and extensively renovated by King Rama I, Wat Pho served as Thailand's first university, with traditional knowledge inscribed in stone tablets throughout the complex.

Architectural Wonders: The complex houses 1,086 Buddha images, including 394 gilded Buddhas in the galleries surrounding the main ordination hall. The famous medical diagrams carved in stone demonstrate traditional Thai medicine principles, making this temple both a spiritual sanctuary and repository of ancient knowledge.

Visitor Information: Open 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM daily, entrance fee THB 200, accessible from Tha Tien pier (2-minute walk). Allow 2-3 hours for comprehensive exploration including the massage pavilion and medical stone inscriptions.

Wat Kalayanamitr Woramahawiharn - A majestic riverside temple featuring one of Bangkok's largest bronze Buddha statues (16.8 meters tall), this peaceful sanctuary offers authentic spiritual experiences away from the main tourist crowds. Built in 1825 by a Chinese merchant named Thong Nuan (later known as Somdet Chaophraya Kalayanamitr), this temple represents the successful integration of Chinese and Thai Buddhist traditions in 19th-century Bangkok.

Cultural Significance: The temple houses important relics and serves as an active monastery where visitors can observe daily monk routines including morning and evening chanting sessions (5:30 AM and 6:00 PM). The riverside location provides serene meditation spaces and spectacular sunset views across the Chao Phraya River.

Temple Visiting Best Practices

Photography Guidelines: Most temple exteriors allow photography, but Buddha images inside ordination halls are often restricted. Always ask permission before photographing monks or religious ceremonies. The golden hour lighting (6:00-7:00 AM and 5:00-6:00 PM) provides the most spectacular temple photography opportunities.

Modern Riverfront Destinations

ICONSIAM - Thailand's luxury riverside shopping destination combining the best of local and international brands. This sensational mixed-use complex features world-renowned retailers, premium dining, and cultural experiences. Easily accessible via free shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS station, operating 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily every 10 minutes.

Asiatique The Riverfront - A unique night bazaar combining traditional market atmosphere with modern mall convenience. Browse over 1,500 boutiques and choose from 40 restaurants along Bangkok's longest river promenade (300 meters). Evening entertainment includes the famous Calypso ladyboy cabaret and a Ferris wheel offering spectacular river views.

Pak Klong Talad (Flower Market) - Bangkok's biggest and most colorful flower market, where locals have traded fresh blooms for generations. This 24-hour market provides insight into Thai floral traditions and offers photography opportunities among vibrant orchids, lotus flowers, and traditional garlands.

Cultural & Heritage Sites

Lhong 1919 - A beautifully restored heritage site showcasing Chinese-Thai architectural fusion. This historic trading post now serves as a cultural center and boutique shopping destination, preserving traditional craftsmanship while offering contemporary experiences.

Wat Prayoon & Portuguese Community - Discover the turtle mountain temple and explore connections to Bangkok's historic Portuguese community. This area provides insight into the multicultural heritage that shaped early Bangkok, with unique architectural elements and community traditions.

Rama VIII Bridge - A modern bridge over the river the Rama VIII (or Rama 8) bridge is accessible via the Express Boat stop Wisut Kasat Pier

Also along the river

Bang Krachao – Known as the Green Lung of Bangkok this green area is actually created by a meander of the river, and is now really and island due to the short-cut canal, or Klong, called Latpho Canal. It is the site of the Bangnamphung Floating Market and the Si Nakhon Khuean Khan Botanical Park.

Latpho Canal - This canal was started at the suggestion of His Majesty the King and was completed in 2005, and visited by him on an official boat trip in 2010. Flood gates are used to control the flow of the river at this point.

Traditional Markets & Authentic Experiences

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market - Unlike touristy downtown markets, this authentic floating market oozes earthy charm where locals gather with family over weekends. Experience genuine Thai family life as they share elaborate breakfast spreads featuring fresh produce, traditional dishes, and local specialties in a truly local setting.

Bangnamphung Floating Market - Located in Bang Krachao (Bangkok's "Green Lung"), this market combines traditional trading with ecological tourism. The setting on a natural river meander provides a peaceful escape from urban Bangkok while maintaining authentic floating market traditions.

River Cruises

Several companies offer cruises on the river, either just to see the sights of the city, or to explore the upper reaches, often to visit some of the interesting historic sites above Bangkok on the river.  There are also night time cruises to enjoy the lights, which are often part of a dinner cruise to combine authentic Thai cuisine with sightseeing.

Eating, and shopping, on the river is a traditional Thai activity as can be seen by the continuing popularity of Floating Markets, and Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruises bring that tradition into the modern age for visitors to Thailand to enjoy.

Chao Phraya Princess offers modern luxury cruises featuring 2-hour dinner buffets with live entertainment including 80's and 90's hits. These popular cruises provide excellent views of Wat Kanlaya, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace while guests enjoy diverse international and Thai cuisine options.

Manohra Cruises (operated by Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort) provides premium dining experiences with standard dinner packages at THB 3,199 per person including soft drinks, or premium packages with wine, beer, and cocktails for THB 4,199-5,199. Two sailing times available: 6:00-8:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM daily.

Saffron Cruise (Banyan Tree Bangkok) presents a sophisticated 4-course Thai Gastronomic Journey from 7:00-10:00 PM, featuring their Moon Deck rooftop bar and indoor saloon with panoramic river views. This luxury experience emphasizes handcrafted cocktails and authentic Thai artistry.

Apsara Luxury Dinner Cruise offers Royal Thai Cuisine served aboard a beautifully renovated vintage rice barge, providing an authentic traditional vessel experience while cruising past illuminated temples, shrines, and modern skyscrapers.

For comprehensive cruise options and booking information, visit our complete river cruise guide.