The river passes through the centre of Bangkok has played an important part in history. Today it remains busy with barges, ferries and cruise boats. Lining the river are the large international hotels, apartment blocks, temples, international offices and small dwellings. Express boats run a taxi service up and down the river from 6am – 6pm and a good trip is on the public express boats from the Oriental Hotel to Nonthaburi which will take about one hour.

On the opposite side of the river from the city is Thonburi which still has the canals in place. The best way to travel around the canals is to hire a long tailed boat, made famous by James Bond. These boats cost about 400 baht/hour. They travel fast and can manouvre around the many ninety degree bends in the canal system. There is a floating market in the early morning but it is better to visit the one at Damnoen Saduak.

At night time there are a number of cruise boats and popular to combined dinner with a cruise. They can be booked at the jetty by the River City.