Sathorn Pier

📍 Location of Sathorn Pier 🚘 Directions to Sathorn Pier

About Sathorn Pier

Sathorn Pier, located conveniently near the Saphan Taksin BTS station, is a bustling hub of river transportation in Bangkok. It's a mere five-minute walk from the station, and the journey is made even more pleasant with the option of grabbing breakfast at the nearby Sarnies Cafe. Upon exiting the BTS station, one can find the official booth selling boat tickets to the left, facing the river. The booth is often surrounded by friendly locals who guide tourists towards the pier.

The pier is a gateway to the city's rich cultural heritage, offering an effortless ride to Wat Arun and other historic shrines and temples. The river provides a welcome respite from the city's traffic, allowing for a leisurely ride between places of interest. The long tail boat, located on the right, is one of the many boats traveling towards Wat Arun, with different stops along the way. The Tourist boat, marked by a blue line, is a popular choice for a hassle-free ride, costing only 30 baht.

Sathorn Pier is also a hub for river cruises. There are three or four companies to choose from, each eager to win your business. The local ferry service is another option. At the end of the day, one can explore the local market area nearby. The pier is well-lit, with plenty of people around, making it a safe and lively place to be.

However, it's worth noting that the pier is primarily a place to catch a boat tour. Those expecting a plethora of restaurants and shops might be disappointed, as the focus here is on the boat tours. The ferries operate on a tight schedule, pulling in, loading up, and shipping out with impressive efficiency. It's essential to be alert, as the ferries are not announced.

Navigating the pier can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors, given the number of boat companies and the hustle and bustle of the place. It's advisable to research the river access point and the various boat lines ahead of time. The express boat line is a good option to consider, as it allows one to skip the hop-on-hop-off and tourist boats. However, one must know exactly where to disembark before boarding, as the Thai pier names can be quite confusing.

Despite the slight confusion, Sathorn Pier is an excellent mode of transportation to all the attractions. The blue flag boat, or the hop-on-hop-off boat for tourists, is highly recommended. Although slightly more expensive than the orange or gold flag boats, it offers a higher frequency, saving time spent waiting in line. One can also hire a private boat from Sathorn for a unique experience.

In conclusion, Sathorn Pier is an essential part of the Bangkok experience, offering a unique perspective of the city and its cultural heritage. Whether one is looking for a leisurely river cruise or a quick ride to a historic temple, Sathorn Pier is the place to be.