Bangkok Longtail Boat Canal Tour: Wat Arun & Big Buddha Views

Long-tail boat ride through Bangkok's canals

The huge Buddha image at Wat Phasicharoen

Duration2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesThai, English

Group sizeUp to 300 travelers

Overview

Step aboard for an approximately 2-hour long-tail boat tour through the canals of Thonburi; Bangkok’s lesser-known, but deeply authentic side. Cruise past stilt houses, waving locals, and hidden temples, and make a stop at the charming riverside community of Khlong Bang Luang, home to the Artist’s House. Along the way, we pass the largest Buddha in Bangkok at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.

This tour shows a different side of Bangkok, far from the glossy tourist spots. You’ll see humble wooden homes perched above the water, revealing the city’s contrasts and the realities of local life.

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.

For a glimpse into Bangkok’s quieter, more traditional side, this canal tour offers an eye-opening journey through the city’s history and local life.

Maximum 12 people per boat.

Options

1-Hour Boat Ride, No Guide

Small Group: Hotel Pick-up

Van or Minivan Or Car: Round-trip hotel tranfer within Bangkok.Your exact pick-up time will be sent via booking platform's private message.

Cool Season: Canal w/Transfer

Van or Car

Cool Season: 2-Hr Canal Tour

Small Group Tour

Private Tour: Hotel Pick-up

Private
Car, Van

What's included

English speaking guide
One bottle of drinking water per person
Long-tail boat & boat driver

Meals

What to expect

Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
Pass by

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. *****
Baan Silapin
30m

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.
Pass by

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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point

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.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The most convenient way to reach the meeting point, and avoid Bangkok’s often congested road traffic, is by taking the MRT (metro) to Sanam Chai Station. From there, take the 'Museum Siam' exit. The meeting point is just a short 5-minute walk from the station.
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.
Bangkok’s traffic can be heavily congested. 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. No refund will be provided in case of late arrival.
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.
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues, as boarding and disembarking the boat may be difficult due to the lack of stairs at the piers.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

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