River Boat Trips in Ayutthaya
Part of the Ayutthaya travel guide — see every topic in All Ayutthaya Guides.
Ayutthaya was built around water, so a boat trip shows the city from its old main road. You can take a short longtail boat ride around the island, or spend a full day on a cruise up the Chao Phraya river from Bangkok. This guide explains both options and how to choose.
Around the island by longtail
Longtail boats are long, narrow wooden boats with a loud engine on a pole at the back. In Ayutthaya they run trips around the island, usually for one to two hours. The boat follows the rivers that circle the old city and stops at a few riverside sites. You see stilt houses, small piers, fishing boats and ruins from the water. Boats leave from several piers, including the pier near Chantharakasem Palace in the northeast of the island and Pom Phet in the southeast. You can join a shared trip or hire a whole boat for your group. Agree on the price, the route and the stops before you get on.
Sunset on the water
The late afternoon trip is the most popular. The light is softer and the heat is lower. Many boats time the trip to pass Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the west bank near sunset. From the river, its towers stand in a line against the sky. Some guesthouses sell boat tickets as part of an evening trip. In the rainy season the rivers are high and fast, and trips may change or stop after heavy rain. In the cool season, from about November to February, the water is calmer and the sky is often clearer. Bring insect spray for the evening.
Cruising from Bangkok
Several companies run day cruises on the Chao Phraya river between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. The usual plan is one way by boat and the other way by coach, so you get a full day without a very long trip back. The boat passes city towers, then green banks and small towns. Many cruises stop at Bang Pa-In, a royal summer palace with gardens and lakes south of Ayutthaya. Lunch is often served on board. There are also slower overnight trips on converted rice barges with cabins. Book cruises in advance, because they do not run every day and seats are limited.
Choosing a trip
If you are already in Ayutthaya, the longtail trip around the island is short, cheap and easy to arrange on the day. If you are starting in Bangkok and want a relaxed day, the river cruise is a nice way to arrive. It costs more and takes longer than the train. Ask what is included: lunch, entry tickets, a guide and hotel pickup. Ask which way the boat goes and how long you will have at the ruins. Wear a hat and sun cream, because the sun on the water is strong. Life jackets should be on board, so ask to see them.
River Boat Trips at a glance
| Getting there | Longtails from island piers such as Chantharakasem and Pom Phet |
|---|---|
| Hours | Island trips mostly by day and late afternoon; cruises are full-day |
| Cost | Longtail trips are cheap; Bangkok cruises cost much more |
| Best time | Late afternoon; November to February for calm water |
| Book | Longtails on the day; Bangkok cruises in advance |