A Klong tour of the canals of Bangkok is an absolute highlight. Here, you can find the best Bangkok boat and canal tours.
The Chao Phraya River is the heart of Bangkok. It has already played an important role in the daily life of the locals for many years.
With a length of about 372 kilometers, the “River of Kings” crosses Bangkok and other important cities and provinces in Thailand.
Branching off from the main river are the klongs – a network of canals that flow through Bangkok and once served as major transportation routes.
You’ll wind through unspoiled villages and residential neighborhoods, past colorful homes and some of the Thai capital’s most famous landmarks.
No wonder, then, that a boat tour is a particularly popular way to explore Bangkok and its sights.
In this article, we will show you the best options and providers for your Klong tour or a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River.
Klong Tour and Bangkok Boat Tours: These tours are our recommendations
Bangkok is an absolute traffic hell, and especially during rush hour, you will often be stuck in traffic for hours.
Fortunately, many highlights of the metropolis can also be reached by other means of transport – for example, by boat.
Close to the water, for example, are the majestic temple Wat Arun, the Great Palace, and Wat Pho with the reclining Buddha.
A klong tour or a Bangkok boat trip on the Chao Phraya is an ideal way to get to know the city better.
Classic Klong Tour: Discover the city by longtail boat
Classic Klong tours usually start from the main Chao Phraya river. Here, you will board one of the traditional longtail boats known for their distinctive appearance.
The boat guides usually know the waters of the city exceptionally well and can give you exciting information and tell anecdotes during the Bangkok Canal Tour.
Private long tail boat rental with a guide
As part of this private klong tour, you’ll explore the Chao Phraya River on a traditional longtail boat ride with a guide for 1, 1.5, or 2 hours.
You can choose the sights you want to see and have the opportunity to see Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamit, the Artists’ House, and much more.
Private Thonburi Longtail Boat Tour & Wat Pho Visit
Embark on an exciting journey back in time by taking a longtail boat tour through the pristine villages and narrow waterways of Bangkok’s Thonburi district.
Afterward, a visit to the famous temple Wat Pho is on the program, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bangkok Canal Tour ends at your hotel.
Klong Tour with a market visit, National Museum, The Artist’s House, and more
On this Klong tour, you will get a lot: Meet your guide at Pak Klong Talad flower market before boarding the longtail boat.
Explore the National Museum of Royal Barges, The Artist’s House, Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen with the city’s largest Buddha, and, lastly, Chinatown.
Bangkok Canal Tours – Klong boat trip with a food tour or lunch
Do you love Thai cuisine and want to try new dishes in a great ambiance?
Then you should definitely combine your Klong boat trip with a food tour or a very special lunch on the river.
4 hours food tour with klong boat ride
This 4-hour excursion starts with a klong tour. Sail through the picturesque canals and listen to the stories and anecdotes of your guide.
Afterward, visit a popular restaurant for a bowl of Hokkien noodles.
The tour continues with delicious street food on one of the oldest markets in Bangkok – a total of 15 different dishes and drinks are tasted.
History and local dishes by boat and bike
This half-day excursion begins with a bike ride through Bangkok’s hidden alleys to the Chao Phraya River.
From there, we will take a longtail boat down the river and through the canals to Wat Kuhasawan.
Back on land, you’ll bike to an ancient market community and visit a temple before enjoying a traditional Thai lunch at the klong.
After that, the program has more highlights, such as a Chinese-Thai temple, Chinatown, Wat Hongrattanaram and a visit to the Hoon Lek puppeteers.
Bangkok Boat Tours: Dinner Cruises on the River
Do you want to go on a very special Bangkok boat tour?
Then, you can also take a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River and enjoy delicious Thai food while the city lights pass by.
5 star dinner with boat tour
This luxury dinner cruise departs from the ICONSIAM Shopping Center, right on the Chao Phraya River.
You will enjoy a delicious seafood buffet with Thai and international dishes, such as sashimi, papaya salad, Tom Yum Goong, or Pad Thai.
You will be entertained on your Bangkok boat tour with live music, traditional Thai dance performances, and of course, sensational skyline views.
Dinner boat trip on the Chao Phraya Princess
The Chao Phraya Princess also departs from the ICONSIAM Shopping Center and sails along Bangkok’s main waterway.
During the Bangkok boat tour, you’ll enjoy live music with songs from the 80s and 90s while you help yourself to a gourmet buffet.
Bangkok Klong Tour and Boat Rides Conclusion
For many travelers to Thailand, Bangkok is only a short stopover.
The metropolis is incredibly versatile, and it is definitely worth planning a few days for the visit.
If you have enough time, we can definitely recommend a klong tour on a longtail boat or any other kind of boat tour.
After all, the klongs are an important part of the city’s history and offer a unique insight into life on the water.
A tour by boat is a relaxed and authentic way to explore the capital – far away from the bustling streets and crowded tourist attractions.
Here, you will get to know the real Bangkok and the life along the river, an important part of Thai culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Klong Tour in Bangkok
Finally, we answer some frequently asked questions about the Klong Tour in Bangkok.
What exactly is a Klong Tour in Bangkok?
A klong tour is a boat ride along the canals (klongs) of Bangkok that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the traditional life of the locals and discover hidden corners of the city.
How long is a typical Klong tour?
The duration of a klong tour can vary depending on the provider and route, but most tours last about 1 to 2 hours.
What sights are there to see during a Klong tour?
During a Klong tour you will have the opportunity to see traditional floating markets, picturesque waterways, historic temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, as well as the authentic life of the locals along the Klongs.
What kind of boats are used in Klong tours?
Traditional long boats or longtail boats are often used for klong tours. They are known for their characteristic long engines, which serve as a substitute for oars.
Which klongs are visited on a tour in Bangkok?
The most popular klong tours focus on the klongs in Bangkok’s Thonburi district, known for their authentic atmosphere.
Can a Klong tour be customized?
Yes, some operators offer private klong tours where you can customize the route and duration to your liking.
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Franzi is a long-term travel blogger, online editor, and content creator specializing in Tourism in Bangkok and Thailand.