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Fastest Way to Get to the Grand Palace in Bangkok is via the Boat on Chao Phraya River

In November last year (2015), my parents and I went to Bangkok for a little holiday. We stayed in the Sathorn area (also spelled as Sathon) which is the business and embassy district of the capital city.

On the second day of our visit we went to the famous Grand Palace of Bangkok. It is located in the old historical part of the old city, approximately 30 to 45 minutes (can be longer) from Sathon by cab depending on the traffic. Dutchman reminded me before the trip that it is best to take the boat on Chao Phraya River to the Grand Palace. It is also the fastest if we want to avoid traffic and all the pollution (grime and noise). That said, we took the boat route.

From our hotel in Sathorn we grabbed a short cab ride to Sathorn Pier and then boarded the tourist boat. It looked like there were different types of boats and piers on the river and they are represented by a flag colour. I wanted so bad to take the usual boat the locals use but it seems that everyone who is foreign is guided to the tourist boat cashier. Not speaking Thai and not wanting to waste time, we queued up for the next leaving boat. If you can’t beat them, join them.

My parents and I welcome the change of scenery. From seeing concrete and traffic out of the taxi window, we are entertained by the beautiful sound of waters splashing against the boat and the river scenes as we sail along the Chao Phraya River. The waters were not really fresh looking, they are dark but they do not smell, and I guess that is what matters.

The boat ride was quite a delight I should say. It is very touristy and can get very busy (the queues at Sathorn Pier) but it is worth it. I have lots of pictures below of the sights along the way.

FACT: More than 14 years ago Dutchman and I hired a private longtail boat for our own little Chao Phraya boat cruise. That was a long time ago…

Here is the Chao Phraya River guide (the shorter version):

The Sathorn Pier also has a Skytrain station.  We got off at #9 where the Grand Palace is located nearby. On board they play an auto commentary about the sights along the river. They also announce the tourist attractions nearby of the next stop. Most people of course gets off at the Grand Palace.

Here is a short video clip I took:

This is just a little part of the ride, taken when we departed Sathorn Pier. Please do not mind the last part. I totally forgot to turn the video off.

This is our tourist boat at Sathorn Pier.

For posterity’s sake, our souvenir photo in the boat. 

There are many hotels located on the river. Most are the 5-star ones.

One of the shuttle boats of the 5-star hotels on the river. I think Shangri-La. Very pretty!

River City, a shopping, food and entertainment centre on Chao Phraya River. This stop is before the Grand Palace.

You can see a big poster of the King and Queen of Thailand. The country is under constitutional monarchy rule and the King of Thailand (Bhumibol Adulyadej) is the head of state. His position is not symbolic (like the monarchy countries in Europe), he possesses some real powers.

Sights along the River Chao Phraya.

I quite like this photo. Almost all the boats in Thailand have these garlands of flowers. They are not for decoration but they are for good luck and protection, to ward off evil.

Living conditions along the Chao Phraya River.

A very busy passenger boat on the stop near the Lying Buddha Temple.

A little bit of traffic here on Chao Phraya River.

Local cafe terrace along the river at stop #8 near the Lying Buddha Temple.

There was some River Festival going on when we were there. This is our stop which is #9. The Grand Palace is a few minutes walk to the right once you get out on the main street.

Living conditions near the boat stop.

One of the buildings of the Wat Arun Temple (Temple of Dawn) across the waters from the Grand Palace (and stop #9). Sadly, I did not have a good picture of the temple and my parents and I never made it here. I have however visited Wat Arun 14 years ago. 

Travel Period: November 2015
Destination: Bangkok (Lumphini and Rattanakosin), Thailand

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