How to Plan a Boat Tour in Bangkok - Tips on Signing Up for an Unforgettable Boating Excursion in the Thai Capital

 Often regarded as one of the best ways to discover the beauty of the city, boat tours are a must-experience highlight during a Bangkok holiday. Meandering along the River of Kings or the Chao Phraya River, the wide variety of boating excursions on offer may leave tourists overwhelmed as to which is worthy of their time and money. From selecting the right boat trip to making the most of the experience, here's how to plan a successful boating adventure during a getaway in the Thai capital.

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 1. Secure a Riverside Rest

Those who intend to sign up for a boating tour during their trip to Bangkok would benefit from a riverside allocation. Apart from affording easy access to the best boat tours in the city, a location such as Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel or any other hotel in riverside Bangkok can also allow visitors to embark on multiple tours during a single stay. Those who secure a riverside hotel reservation may also not require an advanced booking on boating excursions as most resorts on the shores of the Chao Phraya organise their own boating excursions.

 2. Consider the Timing and Duration

Tourists heading to Bangkok must also consider how much time is at their disposal for a boat tour as some will last less than 30 minutes while others will go on for hours or even half a day. In addition to the time available in your itinerary for a cruise, it is also necessary to explore whether a daytime tour or a nighttime excursion will suit your preference. Keep in mind that most after-dark cruises on the Chao Phraya River are mostly aesthetic experiences as it will not be possible to drop in on cultural and recreational landmarks along the way as most of the temples and other highlights are closed to visitors at this time. Nighttime tours are inherently more romantic and ideal for couples, however, while daytime boating experiences are perfect for history buffs and families.

 3. Dinner Cruises

Often considered the most suitable boat tour option for those who are in the Thai capital for a limited number of hours and business travellers, dinner cruises encompass a plethora of experiences. Serving up a traditional Thai buffet on board, most dinner cruises will also include Apsara dance recitals and other conventional performance pieces as onboard entertainment while travellers meander down the River of Kings at a leisurely pace. The opportunity to take in the Bangkok skyline by night is the main objective of dinner cruises, which are usually conducted on converted rice barges as well as luxury yachts.

4. Floating Market Cruises

This particular type of boat tour sets out in the early morning hours to witness the hustle and bustle of the floating markets on the Chao Phraya River. This fascinating retail hub where literally everything from warm bowls of Pad Thai and fresh fruits and veggies is sold via boat vendors to consumers on speedboats is a must-experience highlight in the capital if only for its novelty.

 5. Tours of the Khlongs

Some boating excursions to the floating markets also include a tour of the river-dwelling communities of the Chao Praya River who reside on stilted homes right on the banks of the river. Travelling across such floating villages is one of the most culturally rich encounters one can enjoy during a getaway in Bangkok as one can witness entire families living, working, cooking and washing their linen and carrying on their domestic shores on the river as it were a regular land-bound community.

6. Cultural Boat Trips

Boat trips with a focus on the many cultural landmarks occupying the banks of the river are also accessible to tourists and cover such iconic tourist attractions as the Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn and other religious points of interest.