Taxi Boat to Three Riverside Temples in Bangkok
In Bangkok there is a taxi boat service that visits three riverside temples on the Chao Phraya River for only 30 Baht. The ticket lasts all day and you can hop on and off as you wish. Boats run every 20 minutes. I started my trip at Wat Arun – The Temple of Dawn, but you can start at any of the three temples. However, please note that this service is really for Thais to worship at three temples. It is NOT a tour and both the tickets and language used by the operators is only in Thai.
THE THREE TEMPLES
- Wat Arun – The Temple of Dawn (https://goo.gl/maps/yqhiHqadWxr5XxY78)
- Wat Kalayanamit (https://goo.gl/maps/EHMBzyWKQwfwhbtz5)
- Wat Rakhang (https://goo.gl/maps/f16PwTexuyvNaKGy8)
At the piers at any of the temples, you need to look out for someone holding a yellow ticket like this. Wat Arun is the hardest to find him as there are multiple piers and many people. However, at Wat Rakhang and Wat Kalayanamit, it should be easy to spot them.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
Each of these three temples have cross-river ferries for 5 Baht each way and so you can do side-trips as you go. The pier on the opposite side of the river to Wat Kalayanamit is Atsadang Pier. This is a short walk away from an entrance to MRT Sanam Chai Station on the Blue Line. So, a good place to start your trip. Please note, the pier you need is on the other side of Rop Krung Canal next to Pak Khlong Flower Market. You might want to explore the market first before crossing the river on the ferry boat to Wat Kalayanamit.
[1] Wat Kalayanamit in Bangkok is famous for its massive golden Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Trai Rattana Nayok, standing 15 meters tall. It also has the largest temple bell in Thailand. Located by the Chao Phraya River, it boasts unique Thai and Chinese architectural styles. The temple holds historical and cultural significance, offering a mix of religious activities and scenic views, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Entry is free.
After exploring Wat Kalayanamit, buy your taxi boat ticket at the pier and head to Wat Arun. It is only a few minutes away. Out of the three temples, Wat Arun is the most famous and popular among foreign tourists.
[2] Wat Arun, also called the Temple of Dawn, is a famous landmark in Bangkok. Known for its Khmer-style architecture, it features colorful prangs adorned with porcelain tiles. Situated on the Chao Phraya River, it offers stunning views during sunrise and sunset. Its historical roots trace back to the Ayutthaya period, making it a site of religious importance for Buddhists. The central prang, symbolizing Mount Meru, can be climbed part-way for panoramic vistas. Wat Arun’s beauty and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for travelers in Bangkok. Entry is 100 Baht for foreigners.
Once you finish at this temple, board the taxi boat to take you further up the Chao Phraya River to Wat Rakhang. Alternatively, you can take a short side trip on the cross-river ferry to Tha Tien Pier and the nearby Wat Pho – The Reclining Buddha Temple. The boat ticket is 5 Baht each way.
[3] Wat Rakhang, or Wat Rakhang Khositaram, is a renowned Bangkok temple known for its historical significance dating back to the Ayutthaya period. It holds royal connections, with ties to King Taksin and King Rama I. The temple gained fame through the revered monk, Somdej Toh, and his auspicious amulets. Located by the Chao Phraya River, it offers scenic views and hosts an amulet market. As an active place of worship, Wat Rakhang attracts visitors seeking spirituality and cultural insights into Thai traditions. Entry is free.
Once you have finished at this temple, you have the option to either take the taxi boat back to Wat Arun or Wat Kalayanamit and cross over to the other side of the river, or cross here to Tha Chang Pier for 5 Baht and visit the nearby Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is also possible to go on a long-tailed boat from Tha Chang Pier to visit Bangkok Noi Canal.
For more tips on using boats in Bangkok and the rest of Thailand, please follow me on Twitter on @ThaiBoatGuide and @RichardBarrow. If you like trains, then also follow me on @ThaiTrainGuide.
