Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
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
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.
Options
Small Group Without Entry Fees
What‘s Included
English speaking guide
One bottle of drinking water per person
Long-tail boat & boat driver
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
6,522 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Long boat tour of Bangkok
Nani9933178,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul was a wonderful guide!. The tour takes you to see one of the biggest Buddhas in the city.
Good Fun
Peter P,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was good fun and Bella was a great guide. We saw many different sights & various animals including big monitor lizards, shoals of cat fish which we fed & birds including herons & kingfishers.
Delayed Departure and Poor Audio Hurt the Experience
Deannatami,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The guide was kind, energetic, and genuinely tried to make the experience enjoyable. The canals and riverside sights were interesting and definitely worth seeing. That said, the tour itself added very little value beyond the boat ride. We waited about 15 minutes for guests who arrived late (10 min posted as a cut off!), which is frustrating on a tour that is only two hours long. That lost time came directly out of the experience, reducing the time available at the artist’s house and on the river. Another challenge was that it was very difficult to hear the guide during most of the tour, so much of the commentary was lost. We were also required to wear life jackets the entire time, which was quite uncomfortable in the sweltering heat. Overall, the canal ride itself is worth doing, but I would recommend booking the least expensive option you can find. This particular tour did not provide enough added value to justify the $$, and the delayed departure negatively impacted the experience.
Bangkok Longboat review
arun2173,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Was not to our expectations. Paying a big amount to see the backs of houses by the river which was not clean btw was not our cup of tea. Could tone down the reference to “this is poor people hosing” vs “ rich people housing”. If we wanted to see poor people and how they lived we could as well take a stroll around Bangkok streets. Could have been handled better.
Bangkok visit
Curious10061402273,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Was good. However can tone down on the poor part of Bangkok.
Canal Tour and Floating Market
eloisavera,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This has been my favorite tour until now! You will take a boat on the canal and see the city from another perspective. They take you to the floating market and to see the Buda statue. I recommend you go early in the morning!
Longboat fun
Rebecca M,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience seeing a different side of Bangkok. Our guide Pam was very informative.
Fun day
varun s,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice day with Neo. We went on a walking tour around Chinatown.
Worst Canal ride
Ganesh M,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Made us to walk, worst area coverage, not worth for the money. Not worth your time. Skip this find better one
Wonderful
mengo 85,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paulaaaa Is really nice and the tour Is Amazing
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