Khlong Saen Saep Boat Service

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About Khlong Saen Saep Boat Service

The Bangkok Water Bus, also known as the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat service, offers a unique and authentic way to explore the city. It provides a truly local Bangkok experience, allowing visitors to traverse from Pratunam and the back of the Suhhumvit area to the river and old town. This mode of transportation is not only a great way to access various parts of the city, but it also offers a unique perspective of the cityscape, reminiscent of the Venice of the East.

The long, narrow boats that ply the canals are a sight to behold. They are a great way to get to popular tourist destinations such as the Jim Thompson house. To navigate the entire length of the canal, one needs to change at Pratunam Pier, which links the two routes. Tickets can be purchased from the conductor, and maps can be found online by searching for Saen Saep Boat Service.

The boat service is not only a fun and unique experience, but it is also a practical way to avoid the city's notorious traffic. It is conveniently located near many hotels, such as Solitaire 11, and is a very affordable means of transportation. All one needs to do is hop on, tell the conductor where they want to go, and they will be informed of how many stops until their destination.

First-time users may find the experience a bit challenging, as they need to cross the unpredictable gap size between the pier and boat. However, the boat attendants are very efficient and remember who has paid and who hasn't. They will issue a ticket that should be kept until the destination is reached. The fare ranges from 10 to 20 baht, and it is advisable to prepare 20 baht for change as the boat attendant may not speak good English.

The boat service is fast, convenient, and cheap, but passengers should be prepared for the possibility of getting wet from the canal water splashing onto the boat. Despite this, it is a fun way to experience the local way of living and see the local lives.

The Khlong Saen Saep is a canal built by Rama III in the late 1830s to move soldiers and weaponry to Cambodia. Today, about 100 long boats, carrying 40 to 50 passengers, run the 18 km east-west canal route, between 5:30 am and 8:30 pm weekdays, and until 7:00 pm on weekends. The boat ride offers an exhilarating and speedy cross-town transport, beating sitting in Bangkok’s infamous traffic. However, passengers are advised to concentrate, move fast, and keep their mouths shut to avoid the malodorous murky waters.

The boat ride offers a glimpse into how the city used to be when canal travel was more prevalent. Some of the views of the skyline and city from the canal are very magical. However, passengers should be prepared for the smell of sewage in some parts of the canal. Despite this, the boat ride is a fun and low-cost Thai transportation experience.

The boat service is also a great way to escape the hot and humid Bangkok weather. The 18-kilometre route operates from 5:30am to 8:30pm daily on weekdays and until 7pm on weekends. Prices range from 8 to 20 baht, depending on the distance you travel. It is a great way to get around the city or an enjoyable excursion. The round trip takes about 1.5 hours. It is recommended to get on and off at a busy pier as the boat only stops for the shortest time possible. It is a bit of a challenge getting on and off and definitely would not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues.

The boat ride offers an opportunity to see how regular people of Bangkok live and work. While the sights might not be as grand as along the canals off the Chao Phraya River, it is an opportunity to see a different side of Bangkok. The price is also much more affordable. It is definitely an experience worth trying and repeating, with more time spent exploring neighbourhoods along the way.