The Chao Phraya Express Boat has long been used by tourists to access the Grand Palace with its connection to the BTS Skytrain at Saphan Taksin BTS Station and the scenic route it takes along the Chao Phraya River. This time, to avoid the long walk back to Sanam Chai MRT Station, I decided to use the old way of getting out of Grand Palace with a twist.
Heading down to Tha Chang Pier.
N9 Tha Chang Pier
Heading into Tha Chang Pier.
The route information of the Chao Phraya Express Boat in both bounds to Wat Rajsingkorn (Asiatique) and all the way to Pakkret during peak hours.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat section of Tha Chang Pier.
The queue lines for the Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag at Tha Chang Pier.
The view down to the boarding pontoon for southbound Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag boats.
Tickets can be purchased from the conductor making his or her rounds in the queue. A ticket for the Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag boat costs 15 Baht per person.
The overall service information of all lines of the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
The important section for tourists around the palace and temple area of the Chao Phraya River, and connection with the BTS Skytrain.
The fare details of all Chao Phraya Express Boat lines.
The schedule details of all Chao Phraya Express Boat lines. Basically, the Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag operates throughout the day from 6.00am to 7.00pm, and the other services only operate during peak hours on weekdays only. If in doubt, the Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag is all you need to know about.
Heading down to the boarding pontoon once the conductor announces the impending arrival of the Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag boat.
And here comes the Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag.
Boarding the Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag.
Please mind the gap.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag boat gets crowded on this touristy section of the route.
Heading down south.
Passing by the newly refurbished Wat Arun.
★ Wat Arun Pier
Making a brief stop at the new Wat Arun Pier.
Continuing on south.
N6/1 Yodpiman Pier
I didn’t get the Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag boat all the way to Saphan Taksin like I usually do on previous trips, because there’s now an MRT Blue Line alternative to Sanam Chai MRT Station.
Yodpiman Pier leads directly into Yodpiman River Walk.
Yodpiman River Walk is a new community mall along the Chao Phraya River, close by to Sanam Chai MRT Station.
Follow the signs in the linear mall to Sanam Chai MRT Station.
Cross this small bridge to Sanam Chai MRT Station at the end of the mall.
N7 Rajinee Pier
While Rajinee Pier is a lot closer to Sanam Chai MRT Station, and even though the route map says that the Chao Phraya Express Boat Orange Flag boat serves Rajinee Pier, the pier is currently not for passenger service. It is not known if this is a temporary closure or a permanent move to Yodpiman Pier.
Coming down from the small bridge to Sanam Chai MRT Station, the station entrance can be clearly seen ahead.
Enter Sanam Chai MRT Station via Exit 5.
Sanam Chai MRT Station Exit 5 is accessed via staircase only.
Heading through the fare gates.
The concourse of Sanam Chai MRT Station.
Heading down the escalator to the platform.
The island platform of Sanam Chai MRT Station where you can catch the MRT Blue Line onwards to other popular destinations around Bangkok such as Chinatown, Silom, Sukhumvit and Chatuchak Park.