Bangkok Riverside, spanning along the Chao Phraya River, is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. In this detailed guide to the Bangkok Riverside area, you will find the essential information about this trendy neighborhood such as the most popular attractions and things to do by the Chao Phraya River, transportation, and a selection of hotels according to your budget.
If you are looking for accommodation in Bangkok but still have doubts about what the best area to stay in is, you can definitely consider Bangkok Riverside.
The Riverside area offers a relaxing atmosphere with spectacular views of the river and is increasingly popular among tourists due to being close to the most important cultural-historical attractions such as the iconic Grand Palace, the majestic Wat Phra Kaew, the famed Wat Pho, and other landmarks that are a must-see for Bangkok first-time visitors.
There are several luxury hotels, high-rise condominiums, and corporate buildings as well as the iconic shopping malls located on both sides of the river, many of them linked to BTS SkyTrain by private shuttle boat services.
Where is the Bangkok Riverside area?
Bangkok Riverside is the area found along the Chao Phraya River, which crosses the capital of Thailand from north to south. The main part of the area that is the most suitable for tourists is located roughly between the Rama VIII Bridge and the Krung Thep Bridge.
Things to Do by the Chao Phraya River
The area of Bangkok Riverside is offering many things to do by the Chao Phraya River, with various places of interest available from day to night. When staying in the area, you can be sure that you will always find something to do.
The Grand Palace: A must-visit tourist attraction that is the former royal residence with over 100 luxurious buildings, beautiful courtyards, and neatly kept gardens, built by King Rama I in 1782 in the heart of the old city of Bangkok on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Phra Kaew: A popular tourist spot in Bangkok, commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and famous for its unique architecture and jade statue of Buddha.
Wat Pho: Often called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it houses a reclining Buddha statue, which is up to 47 meters long, 15 meters high, and gilded with gold. Wat Pho is also known for its authentic traditional Thai massage.
Wat Arun: One of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok, located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River. The temple stands out with its 80-meter central pagoda, decorated with tiles made of colored Chinese porcelain and many decorative elements.
Dinner Cruise: A highly recommended experience that lets you enjoy Bangkok in a different way. You can spend the night on one of the Chao Phraya River dinner cruises and enjoy food and live entertainment on board while admiring views of nicely lit historic Bangkok landmarks along the Chao Phraya River. The most popular Bangkok river cruises:
ICONSIAM: The famous shopping center next to the Chao Phraya River with hundreds of high-end shops and restaurants. It also houses an indoor floating market, which is perfect for those who want to taste a variety of Thai dishes at affordable prices.
Asiatique the Riverfront: A large open-air mall in Bangkok on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. There are many shops selling souvenirs and decorative products, restaurants and bars, as well as Thailand's largest Ferris wheel, providing a great view of the river and the complex. Here you can also visit the Calypso Cabaret Show, which is offering a spectacular night of cabaret with colorful, flamboyant burlesque performances by Bangkok's talented ladyboys.
Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market): The largest wholesale flower market in the city, where you can buy flowers at an inexpensive price, sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya River just south of Wat Pho, near Chinatown.
Muay Thai Stadium: Watching Muay Thai fights at Rajadamnern Stadium is a must-try experience when coming to Thailand. You can witness exciting Muay Thai fights up close and skilled fighters in action and experience authentic Muay Thai heritage at the birthplace of Muay Thai, where long years of heroic battles and timeless legends unfold.
The Royal Barges Museum: A museum where the royal barges from the Royal Barge Procession are kept. The most impressive and important boat is the King’s personal barge Suphanahong, which was built in 1911.
Church of Santa Cruz: A Catholic church, also known as Kudi Chin, was built in 1770 during the reign of King Taksin and is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River on the Thonburi side, next to Wat Kalayanamit.
Holy Rosary Church: A Roman Catholic church, also known as Kalawar Church, located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Bang Khun Phrom Palace: A former royal residence served as the residence of Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhandhu until his forced exile following the Siamese revolution of 1932. The palace is located on Samsen Road, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Kalayanamit: A second-class royal temple on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Its main attraction is one of the largest Buddha statues in the country, Luangpho To, later renamed Trai Rattanayok by King Rama IV, which measures 16 m high by 12 m wide.
Santichaiprakarn Park: a famous park in Bangkok that overlooks Phra Sumen Fort and the Chao Phraya River, built during the era of King Rama I.
Rooftop Bars: Some of the best Bangkok rooftop bars are located along the Chao Phraya River. Located on the 32nd floor of Millennium Hilton Bangkok, ThreeSixty Rooftop Bar is one of the best places to enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok's skyline.
Places to Stay by the Chao Phraya River
When it comes to finding a place to stay in the Bangkok Riverside area, you will have quite a limited number of accommodations to choose from, mostly high-end hotels with stunning views of the river. Most luxury hotels have a private dock offering a complimentary shuttle boat to some of the popular places along the Chao Phraya River.
Some of the best Bangkok Riverside hotels are listed below.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Bangkok Riverside
Ibis Bangkok Riverside: A vibrant 3-star Bangkok Riverside hotel, located next to the Chao Phraya River and close to the lifestyle venue, Asiatique. Guests are just a short shuttle ride away from the BTS Skytrain and river taxis to Asiatique, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace.
Kaloang Home: A truly traditional Thai living lifestyle place on the Chao Phraya River that has been preserved until the present day. There is a well-known Kaloang riverside restaurant that has been popular among Thais and foreigners for more than 30 years.
Amdaeng Bangkok Riverside Hotel: Beautiful boutique hotel, created to worship the beauty of the past. With its location in the most beautiful curve of the Chao Phraya River, the hotel ensures that all guests can enjoy stunning river views.
Mid-Range Hotels in Bangkok Riverside
Riva Surya Bangkok: Luxurious 4-star urban oasis along the bank of the Chao Phraya River, which offers a touch of style and charm. This modern boutique hotel in Bangkok provides a lavish experience and true Thai hospitality, along with 68 beautifully designed rooms, elegant dining options, a riverside swimming pool, and leisure facilities.
The Quarter Chaophraya: A 4-star hotel offering modern accommodation in the heart of Bangkok Riverside and its Klong San District. A few steps away from the BTS Gold Line Khlong San station, the hotel is only one stop from an award-wining mall, ICONSIAM.
Aurum The River Place: A compact-sized boutique hotel on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, within a short walking distance of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It has all the conveniences and comforts you can expect.
Praya Palazzo Hotel: A boutique hotel formerly an Italian-style mansion providing tailor-made holiday experiences. The hotel is only accessible by its own private barge, taking you from the pier to Phra Arthit Pier, across the Chao Phraya River.
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok: A 4-star boutique riverside hotel overseeing the beautiful old Bangkok city, located just a 4-minute walk from the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho and a 7-minute walk from the Grand Palace.
Luxury Hotels in Bangkok Riverside
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River: A luxury hotel offering luxe accommodations, inventive cuisine, and sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River.
The Peninsula Bangkok: Luxurious riverside hotel near shopping districts, with every 5-star room featuring sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River. There are 3 chic restaurants, 2 bars, a luxe spa and a gym, plus a 3-tiered outdoor pool with river views.
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel: A luxurious 5-star hotel located along the Chao Phraya River, offering the finest contemporary Thai-style decoration with stunning river views of the Chao Phraya River. A free shuttle boat to ICONSIAM and Sathorn Pier is available.
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok: Luxury 5-star hotel, nestled along the largest riverfront setting. The hotel's luxurious rooms and suites offer a mix of traditional Thai style and modern comfort, and spacious balconies create a memorable “home away from home” experience.
Chakrabongse Villas: A former royal residence located by the Chao Phraya River offering stunning views of Wat Arun from luxurious Thai-style suites. This luxury boutique hotel is a short walk to the Grand Palace.
Transport in Bangkok Riverside
The Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok Riverside, so taking a boat is an easy way to get around the area. There are different types of boats that can be used for traveling along the river, such as the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, the Chao Phraya Express Boat, and the Thai Smile Boat. You can also charter a boat and explore the riverside area independently. The most important piers to remember are Tha Chang (for the Grand Palace), Tha Tien (for Wat Pho), and Ratchawong (for Chinatown).
The Chao Phraya Hop-On Hop-Off Boat is a convenient way to explore the places of interest along the magnificent Chao Phraya River. You can board the boat at any of the piers on the route and hop on and off the boat at whatever pier you desire.
Reaching other Bangkok areas from the riverside is not complicated. You can take a public boat or hotel's shuttle boat to the central pier (Sathorn Pier) and transfer to the BTS Skytrain at the nearby Saphan Taksin BTS Station to continue your trip to the city. The Gold Line connects with the BTS Silom Line at Krung Thon Buri station and lets you reach ICONSIAM and other places of interest in the Khlong San District.
Alternatively, there is Sanam Chai MRT Station on the MRT Blue Line in the old town area, close to many attractions such as Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market), Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Museum Siam.
Getting around the Bangkok Riverside area by Bangkok taxi or tuk-tuk is also possible, and they are available 24/7. However, beware of taxi and tuk-tuk drivers in the area, as they usually operate on a fixed rate and will hardly miss a chance to rip you off.
Many Bangkok bus routes pass different areas of Bangkok Riverside.
In the area, you can also use the sightseeing bus, as there are several stops of the hop-on hop-off bus tour close to the Chao Phraya River.
How to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Riverside
By Airport Bus: A direct airport bus S1 from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) stops at a few places in the old town close to the Chao Phraya River.
By Train: The Airport Rail Link connects the airport with Phaya Thai Station in the city center, where you can transfer to the BTS Skytrain to go to the riverside.
By Private Transfer: Enjoy a premium and hassle-free experience going from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Bangkok Riverside with private transfer service. The all-inclusive price includes a ride with comfortable seating and ample luggage space.
By Taxi: A taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Riverside area, somewhere near Sathorn Pier, takes approximately 1 hour.
How to get from Don Muang Airport to Riverside
By Airport Bus: A direct bus A4 from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) stops close to the river at Sanam Luang, north of the Grand Palace.
By Private Transfer: Travel in style and comfort with a convenient airport transfer from Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok Riverside.
By Taxi: A taxi ride to the Riverside area takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the traffic.
Tips for a stay in Bangkok Riverside
The Bangkok Riverside area is perfect for first-time travelers coming to Bangkok, as you will be near multiple temples and historical sites.
The riverside is undoubtedly the most charming and romantic area of Bangkok. It is ideal for couples who are looking for peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy leisure time in an extra special way with panoramic river views.
For families with kids, there are more options in Siam, Silom, or Sukhumvit. These areas are more modern with a family-friendly atmosphere and definitely a lot more kid-friendly attractions than you can find at the Riverside.