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Leave the busy streets behind and step into a world of wooden houses, smiling locals, and timeless traditions along Bangkok’s canals.
Hop aboard a traditional Thai long-tail boat and set off on a relaxing journey through Thonburi, the historic part of Bangkok. This area retains a slower pace of life, offering a fascinating contrast to the city’s modern skyscrapers and bustling streets.
During this (approx.) 2-hour canal adventure, you’ll catch glimpses of local life along the waterways.
Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Beyond its glittering temples and luxurious neighborhoods, the city also has areas of poverty and simple canal-side communities. On our tour, you’ll pass some older, more fragile houses that are at the mercy of floods during the rainy season. We want to show travelers a more authentic side of Bangkok, one that reflects local life beyond the postcard-perfect sights. It’s a perspective that many find eye-opening and enriching.
One of the highlights is Khlong Bang Luang, a riverside community dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Lined with old wooden houses and family-run shops, it offers a glimpse of traditional canal-side life. At its heart is Baan Silapin (The Artist’s House), a beautifully restored 200-year-old home serving as a creative space for local artists. A wooden walkway invites a quiet stroll along the canal, making this a true hidden gem.
As the boat continues, you’ll pass Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, an important temple built during the mid-Ayutthaya period. Your boat will pause so you can admire and photograph the enormous golden Buddha from the water, soaring nearly 70 meters high (please note that we do not disembark at this temple).
This tour offers a unique way to explore Bangkok, combining the charm of its canals, the vibrancy of local life, and glimpses of iconic landmarks, all from the comfort of your boat. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a traditional, intimate, and photogenic side of the Thai capital.
Important notes:
Please note that during the tour, we may experience a wait at one of the water locks, which regulate canal levels. These operate on no fixed schedule and are beyond our control, but they are part of the authentic canal experience.
Your route
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. *****
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.
As we cruise through the canals of Thonburi, we pass by Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, a historic temple founded during the mid-Ayutthaya period.
Once you arrive at Tha Tien Pier, head toward the main covered pavilion near the riverbank. Our guide holding a WanderSiam sign will be waiting for you there.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab) You will receive a manual confirmation by email with further instructions shortly after completing your booking. If you do not receive any email in your Inbox, please check your junk/spam folder.
Bangkok’s traffic is often notoriously congested, so we kindly ask all guests to arrive on time. We always recommend taking the BTS (skytrain) or MRT (metro) to a station near the meeting point.
As our tours run on a group basis, we can wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After this grace period, the guide will begin the tour. If you cannot make it on time, please let us know before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available time slot or day, though a rescheduling fee will apply.
We understand plans can change. You’re welcome to reschedule your tour date or time up to 24 hours before the start at no extra cost.
If something comes up within 24 hours of the tour, please email us at tours@wandersiam.com and we’ll do our best to help. Please note that a change fee will apply.
Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time are eligible for a full refund.
For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
While changes to the itinerary are very rare, WanderSiam reserves the right to modify the published schedule whenever, in our judgment, circumstances require it or if we consider it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of our guests.
You will receive a manual confirmation by email with further instructions shortly after completing your booking. If you do not receive any email in your Inbox, please check your junk/spam folder.
Bangkok’s traffic is often notoriously congested, so we kindly ask all guests to arrive on time. We always recommend taking the BTS (skytrain) or MRT (metro) to a station near the meeting point.
As our tours run on a group basis, we can wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After this grace period, the guide will begin the tour. If you cannot make it on time, please let us know before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available time slot or day, though a rescheduling fee will apply.
We understand plans can change. You’re welcome to reschedule your tour date or time up to 24 hours before the start at no extra cost.
If something comes up within 24 hours of the tour, please email us at tours@wandersiam.com and we’ll do our best to help. Please note that a change fee will apply.
Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time are eligible for a full refund.
For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
While changes to the itinerary are very rare, WanderSiam reserves the right to modify the published schedule whenever, in our judgment, circumstances require it or if we consider it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of our guests.
We had an amazing time with our guide Peach. We learned a lot, found the best photo spots, and would definitely recommend the tour.
Originally published on Tripadvisor
Excellent guide and beautiful sights. I’m glad I decided to give this tour a try and had a great day.
Originally published on Tripadvisor
Our guide was energetic, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable. It was a great way to see Bangkok’s important landmarks.
Originally published on Tripadvisor
Ken was a wealth of knowledge and welcomed every question. A friendly and memorable way to discover Bangkok.
Originally published on Tripadvisor
Ken was knowledgeable and lovely. He took the time to explain the places and made the experience enjoyable.
Originally published on Tripadvisor
I had a fabulous time with Surin. The tour felt personal, welcoming, and full of local knowledge.
Originally published on Tripadvisor
A very sunny and enjoyable day trip. The guide was helpful and kept the experience relaxed and fun.
Originally published on Tripadvisor
Ken was a great guide—patient, professional, and happy to answer questions throughout the tour.
Originally published on Tripadvisor
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1,671 Comments
5
Great tour would recommend!
Loved learning about Thai culture and history. Our tour guide Siri was very knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. I would definitely recommend this tour. We had a chance to shop and get drinks as well which was nice
5
Siri is the best!
Siri is the best! We had so much fun with Siri on this tour. She is funny and charming and speaks fantastic English. She gave us great information about all of the animals we saw (Komodo Dragons and Monitor Lizards), about the Big Buddha and the Wats we saw and about life in Old Bangkok. She also gave us lots of if interesting information about former Kings and Buddha himself, it was super informative and was so nice to be out on the canal in the long tail. She helped us get lots of great photos too. Had an awesome time with Siri, felt like I was with a new friend. Will highly recommend to all my friends who come to Bangkok!
5
SIRI!! “I’m the original”
It was nice. Siri was the best there was water there was boats there was even monkeys. well one monkey but he was there. Oh also there was fish and some lizards
5
Nice tour around canal
Siri was very nice and fun guide to hang around. We did see monitor lizard, monkey, boyfriend bought chang beer on the way from local boat merchant and eventually we fed fish.
5
Best boat tour in Bangkok w/ Siri!!
The tour was amazing. Ms. Siri (The Original) was awesome. Very knowledgeable and friend. Explained everything and showed us the local culture. She helped us find this small shop with the best mango smoothies. I would definitely suggest this tour to friends & family.