Time travel in the canals of Thonburi
Dear guests, on this half-day tour you will see the following:
🏡 Thai Lifestyle at Canals – Experience the daily life of locals along the waterways.
🌿 Animals and Plants – See the rich flora and fauna of the canal areas.
🛕 Wat Kun Chan – A serene local temple reflecting traditional Thai architecture.
🙏 Wat Pak Nam – Famous for its giant Buddha statue, visible from nearby canals.
🎨 Artist District – Explore local art, crafts, and cultural expressions.
🏯 Wat Kuhasawan – A historical temple with unique architectural features.
🧘 The Mysterious Monk – Discover the story and legend of a revered local monk.
⚠️ Note: Longtail Boat Klong Thonburi
Dear guests, please note that the piers along the Chao Phraya River are designed for large express boats and hotel shuttle boats. Traditional longtail boats are smaller, creating a height difference when boarding and disembarking, which can be up to 50–80 cm depending on the pier. Millions of visitors navigate this way, so assistance may be needed when getting in or out. Be careful, as contact with the pier can occur. Guests are responsible for any pollution, injuries, or damages; liability by us is excluded.
⚠️ Note:
Our licensed English-speaking tour guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby or as arranged in your booking.
In case of longer waiting times at the floating gates, the tour duration may be extended. The total tour time depends on lock schedules.
Floating market
💡 Tip: Many Bangkok visitors make the mistake of booking a canal tour in Bangkok directly at the pier, often paying high prices for a ride that offers little more than speed and breeze.
A meaningful Bangkok Klong Tour is best experienced with a licensed tour guide who instructs the longtail boat driver and shares the history of Bangkok canals and the temples and sights along the canals. Traditional houses and Thai culture line the canals, which were once the main transportation routes in Bangkok. Even today, small boats transport goods like salt and other cargo, giving visitors a glimpse of authentic Bangkok local life.
Houses on the canal
We embark on a Bangkok canal tour that most tourists never get to experience. Along the way, you will pass historic teakwood houses, showing the charm of old Bangkok architecture.
Occasionally, you may spot a large, crocodile-like creature basking in the sun — the monitor lizard, which has become common in Bangkok and Thonburi canals. These animals are usually shy and retreat if you approach, but our experienced boat driver will navigate as close as safely possible so you can observe them up close.
As the tour continues, you’ll see vibrant flowering shrubs, rustic huts with sandy grounds, and leaning or decaying beams. Despite the modest conditions, many locals still live along the canals, giving a real glimpse of authentic Thai life along Bangkok’s waterways.
Wat Kun Chan – Bangkok Canal Tour
Discover Wat Kun Chan, a historic temple along Thonburi’s canals. Famous for the Phra Ra Hoo and its impressive large Buddha statue, the temple offers a peaceful glimpse into traditional Thai Buddhist life. Visitors can observe fire massage demonstrations, a rare local art performed by a master using heated tools and herbal oils.
Explore the surrounding canal ecosystem, where you may spot monitor lizards, local wildlife, and floating gardens. A visit to Wat Kun Chan combines cultural heritage, spiritual insight, and unique Bangkok canal experiences.
Longtail Boat Canal Tour – Bangkok
Embark on a scenic longtail boat tour along Bangkok’s historic canals. Glide past traditional wooden houses and observe locals in their everyday life, capturing the authentic charm of Thonburi.
Your next stop is a small artist colony, home to painters and puppeteers. Explore vibrant art galleries, purchase unique paintings, and admire the antique puppets in the theater (weekend visits only). The guide will share insights into this rich cultural heritage.
Afterward, navigate the narrow lanes to enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Try local favorites such as Khao Pat with Kai Douw Song Fong, or select from other Thai dishes, guided by your tour expert. Once refreshed, continue along the beautiful canals, discovering hidden gems of Bangkok often missed by typical tourists.
Life on the Canals of Thonburi – Bangkok
Experience authentic life along the Thonburi canals and witness daily routines that have remained unchanged for generations. You may see women washing clothes by hand, children bathing in the canal after school, or locals meditating quietly on their terraces.
Pass by a traditional salt factory, where salt is still loaded onto small wooden boats in the old style — a fascinating sight for photography enthusiasts. Along the way, observe the simple huts of local residents, reflecting the social contrasts of Bangkok.
The canals are also a haven for wildlife, with numerous species of birds thriving along the water, offering a serene and natural backdrop to your journey. This unique Thonburi experience provides an authentic glimpse into everyday Bangkok life away from the typical tourist paths.
Green Island in Thonburi – Bangkok Canal Tour
Discover a hidden green oasis in the heart of Thonburi, where lush fauna and flora flourish amid the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. This serene green island provides a surprising glimpse of nature in the city, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
The tour continues to a unique and remarkable temple, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Its intricate architecture and spiritual atmosphere make it a highlight of the journey. We keep some surprises to make your visit truly special, letting you experience the temple and surroundings firsthand. After exploring the temple, the tour gradually concludes as we leave the canals and head south back to Sathorn Pier (Saphan Taksin), or your selected starting point. This ensures a comfortable and memorable end to your Thonburi canal adventure.
100 € p.p. tour price
✅ Complimentary round-trip hotel transfers
ChatGPT:
🗓️ Schedule: Daily, departing from Sathorn Pier or your hotel
⏰ Tour Start: Between 10:00 – 11:00, depending on arrangement
⏳ Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours
👥 Group Size: 2–9 persons
ChatGPT:
💸 Own Expenses
🥤 Drinks — beverages during the tour
🙏 Tip for the tour guide — optional, recommended
🚤 Tip for the longtail boat driver — optional, recommended
🛍️ Other personal expenses — souvenirs, snacks, or extra activities
✨ Special Features
The described canal tour program should be seen as a flexible guideline rather than a fixed schedule, as water levels in Bangkok’s canals can vary with the season, tides, and rainfall. These variations may affect accessibility to certain routes or attractions along the Thonburi canals. Weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds can also require itinerary adjustments for safety. Temporary obstacles or lock closures in Bangkok waterways may necessitate changes during the tour. The final decision on the route rests with the licensed Bangkok private tour guide, who coordinates with the longtail boat driver to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience. For comfort during your Bangkok canal tour, it’s recommended to bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing suitable for a day on the water.