Khlong Saen Saep Boat Service
Khlong Saen Saep Boat Service
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Neighbourhood: Khlong Tan
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4.0
492 reviews
Excellent
183
Very good
236
Average
64
Poor
6
Terrible
3
Bill D. Whip
Ely16 contributions
Mar 2021
The Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat, like so much that's great about Bangkok, is 100% impossible to imagine in the U.S. It's a long, skinny speed boat that churns through the unsavory waters of the Saen Saep Canal, spraying its passengers with a fine mist of whatever it is the water is full of.
Don't expect the boat to pull gently up to the pier to allow people to embark or disembark. That's not its style. Instead, the kamikaze pilot at the helm zips along the canal at full throttle. At the last possible second, he throws the engine in reverse and careens into the pier. As the engine screams and fills the air with diesel smoke, passengers scramble on and off, desperately trying not to get crushed between the boat and the dock, or worse, fall into the canal.
A kid wearing a crash helmet clambers around the outside of the boat, pulling himself along by a couple ropes while he sells tickets to the passengers who've hopped aboard. In the past, the deckhand didn't have to wear a helmet. But then the boat operators decided to get serious about safety.
I decide to take the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat out to Witthayu Road because unless you have a helicopter it's definitely the fastest way to get across town. As we pick up speed, a local guy sitting in front of me pulls up the plastic tarp that's supposed to protect us from the spray. An American tourist sitting next to him notices.
"Is the water dirty?" the American guy asks.
"Yeah," the Thai guy deadpans. "It'll kill you in two minutes."
Don't expect the boat to pull gently up to the pier to allow people to embark or disembark. That's not its style. Instead, the kamikaze pilot at the helm zips along the canal at full throttle. At the last possible second, he throws the engine in reverse and careens into the pier. As the engine screams and fills the air with diesel smoke, passengers scramble on and off, desperately trying not to get crushed between the boat and the dock, or worse, fall into the canal.
A kid wearing a crash helmet clambers around the outside of the boat, pulling himself along by a couple ropes while he sells tickets to the passengers who've hopped aboard. In the past, the deckhand didn't have to wear a helmet. But then the boat operators decided to get serious about safety.
I decide to take the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat out to Witthayu Road because unless you have a helicopter it's definitely the fastest way to get across town. As we pick up speed, a local guy sitting in front of me pulls up the plastic tarp that's supposed to protect us from the spray. An American tourist sitting next to him notices.
"Is the water dirty?" the American guy asks.
"Yeah," the Thai guy deadpans. "It'll kill you in two minutes."
Written 20 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MargaretPowell
Melbourne, Australia1,595 contributions
Apr 2023
This is a great way to access Pratunam and traverse from there and the back of the Suhhumvit area to the river and old town. A truly local Bangkok experience and highly recommend. It is a great way to get to Jim Thompson house as well and you really get the Venice of the East vibe as these long narrow boats noisily ply the canals . Buy tickets from the conductor and you can see maps online by searching for Saen Saep Boat Service. To do the entire length, you need to change at Pratunam Pier which links the 2 routes.
Written 3 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shirin Yee
Malaysia309 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
I'm amazed with the boat service as it's my first time board this type of transportation. Kind of challenging as I need to be brave and cross the unpredictable gap size between the pier and boat. The attendant will collect money from you and they remember every each of us who haven't pay. Just tell them where you wanna stop they will issue you the ticket. Keep the ticket until you reach destination. From asoke pier to panfa only 13baht. The fare is from 10baht to 20baht according to the chart but just prepare 20baht for change as the boat attendant doesn't speak good English. Pay on the boat. However the boat only cover certain location and it might not convenient for those who stay far from pier. If you happen to be nearby then it's good as you can travel to pratunam, golden mount, bobae market, asoke and etc
Written 2 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vhart60
Shawville, Canada44 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
It was very hot and humid in Bangkok so we didn't fancy walking around the city. We decided to take the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat service to the end of the line and back. It was much cooler on the canal especially when the boat was moving. 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 distance you travel. It is a great way to get around the city or an enjoyable excursion. The round trip took us about 1.5 hours. I would recommend that you 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. There is lots to see as you zip along the canal. On the way back you can get off and explore any areas that caught your attention. While the sights might not be as grand as along the canals off the Chao Phraya River, it is an opportunity to see how regular people of Bangkok live and work. The price is also much more affordable. We will definitely do this again and spend a bit more time exploring neighbourhoods along the way.
Written 6 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hullo
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa34 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
We were not sure about taking a boat but the hotel said it will be fine and it was just around the corner from our hotel Solitaire 11. Great way to travel and avoid the traffic and very cheap! Just hop on say where you want to go and they tell you how many stops and you are there. Great and fun experience and very cheap.
Written 14 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tote919
Bangkok, Thailand5,325 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
This is a fast, convenient and cheap mean of transportation in Bangkok and to see the local lives & experience the local way of living. It's fun but be prepared of getting wet as sometimes the water from the canal may splash to you.
Written 17 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NVJoe
Reno, NV208 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Rather than sit it Bangkok’s notorious traffic, we took a speed boat across town on the Khlong Saen Saep.
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 (11.2 mile) east-west canal route, between 5:30 am and 8:30 pm weekdays, and until 7:00 pm on weekends.
Not far from Siam Square, we found the small Sapan Hua Chang pier under the Elephant Head Bridge, on the south side of the canal and west side of Phayathai Road. Within 5 minutes, a boat came ripping toward us. Without haste, we clambered aboard and hurriedly found a gap on the bench seat before the boat bolted off again. Safely onboard, we paid our fare of 8 bhat (US$0.23) to a masked and helmeted conductor riding nimbly upon the gunwale.
Perilous and polluted, the passengers raised plastic sheets like curtains to keep the filthy spray from splashing them in the face. I kept my mouth shut to limit my exposure to the malodorous murky waters.
We rode west about 15 minutes to the end of the Golden Mount line, disembarking at the Panfa Leelard pier beside the ornately carved Mahakai U-thit Bridge. From here, it was a short walk to the Temple of the Golden Mount, Democracy Monument, and Khoasan Road.
The Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat was an exhilarating and speedy cross-town transport, and beats sitting in Bangkok’s infamous traffic, as long as you concentrate, move fast, and keep your mouth shut.
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 (11.2 mile) east-west canal route, between 5:30 am and 8:30 pm weekdays, and until 7:00 pm on weekends.
Not far from Siam Square, we found the small Sapan Hua Chang pier under the Elephant Head Bridge, on the south side of the canal and west side of Phayathai Road. Within 5 minutes, a boat came ripping toward us. Without haste, we clambered aboard and hurriedly found a gap on the bench seat before the boat bolted off again. Safely onboard, we paid our fare of 8 bhat (US$0.23) to a masked and helmeted conductor riding nimbly upon the gunwale.
Perilous and polluted, the passengers raised plastic sheets like curtains to keep the filthy spray from splashing them in the face. I kept my mouth shut to limit my exposure to the malodorous murky waters.
We rode west about 15 minutes to the end of the Golden Mount line, disembarking at the Panfa Leelard pier beside the ornately carved Mahakai U-thit Bridge. From here, it was a short walk to the Temple of the Golden Mount, Democracy Monument, and Khoasan Road.
The Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat was an exhilarating and speedy cross-town transport, and beats sitting in Bangkok’s infamous traffic, as long as you concentrate, move fast, and keep your mouth shut.
Written 30 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ne S
243 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
It was just by chance that I got to ride this boat. After coming in and out of Bangkok for so many years I just happened to see this boat listed on a public transport map and I decided to try it as an easy way to get to Khao San road from Sukumhwit.
While it could be convenient I recommend this more as an experience to see 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. But keep in mind. There is plenty of sewage in this canal. Some parts just stunk and everyone was covering their nose.
Don't expect anything clean or modern. This is low cost Thai transportation.
Altogether this was fun but I am not sure when I will use it again.
While it could be convenient I recommend this more as an experience to see 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. But keep in mind. There is plenty of sewage in this canal. Some parts just stunk and everyone was covering their nose.
Don't expect anything clean or modern. This is low cost Thai transportation.
Altogether this was fun but I am not sure when I will use it again.
Written 9 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Khalid Nayeem
Karachi, Pakistan102 contributions
Nov 2019
Riding in one of the boats on the khlong is a very quick, efficient and economical mode of travel in Bangkok. Highly recommended. As a family we used the Petchaburi-Pratunam route on several occasions and enjoyed the short ride. Saves you from the usual Bangkok traffic and transports you conveniently to your destination.
Written 23 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew B
Sydney, Australia558 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
The Khlong Saen Saep Express boats are a fast, fun cheap way to travel to many places in Bangkok avoiding the traffic There are two lines Golden Mount and Nida which interchange at Pratunam pier. We got on at the Asoke pier and used the service to get to Wat Saket. The drivers have one speed flat out and only stop at the piers for a short time usually less than a minute so you need to be quick and careful when getting off and on as you do not want to fall into the khlong water. If you are mobility challenged this is not for you. The best way to work out which stop to get off at is to count the stops. If you want information on the stops and attractions at each go to their website which has maps and other helpful information.
Written 19 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, would like to take the boat from Panfa Leelard Pier to Klong Tan Bridge which is conveniently next to our hotel. We will have 2 suitcases with us, would this be a problem? We would like to use the commuter boat and not the tourist. How do we tell the difference. Many thanks in advance. Wayne and Mel
Written 29 October 2019
Many thanks for your honest replies. Sounds too much like hard work! Kind regards Wayne and Mel
Written 1 November 2019
Hi, for the public commuter boat (NOT tourist boat)! does anyone know if Phanfa pier no5 is the last stop, or does it go as far as Phra Sumen Fort (next to Chao Phraya River) when going in the direction from east to west. As far as I can find out- it only seems to go as far as Phanfa?? Any information would be appreciated! Thanks.
Written 19 May 2019
Hi, Panfa Leelard is the end of the Golden Mount line. Not sure it's no 5 or not. It's not connected directly to Chao Phraya River.
Written 19 May 2019
how long will it take to travel from pransanmit to phranfa bridge
thanks
Written 17 November 2017
It's depending on how long you have to wait for the boat, but with easygoing you should make it within 20-30 minutes including the change of boat at Pratunam Pier, the crowd will guide you. Just beware that the boats can be pretty full but it's still a good way to travel around in Bangkok and to avoid trafficjam. If you go to their website you will find the maps, the different routes and all you need of information.
For the website, which it's not possible to post here you find it easy, the whole name in one word and then . and com
Written 18 November 2017
Hoeveel betaal je ongeveer met zo'n boot voor een halve dag door de kanaaltjes? (Khlongs)
Zowel prive als in groepsverband
Written 15 September 2017
Hallo Feef,
opgelet : op deze klong (San Saep) varen er enkel taxiboten (een soort autobus voor de lokale bevolking) die een vaste route varen tot Bangkapi (eindpunt). Je kan deze niet privé huren, maar wel op en afstappen tijdens de route. Een ticket kost 8 THB per persoon per rit.
Wil je echter een privé tour maken (met een kleiner bootje), dan dien je deze te boeken aan de Chao Praya rivier ! Het huren van zo'n bootje daar schommelt tussen de 600 a 800 THB (richtprijs, en onderhandelen noodzakelijk). Er zijn ook vaste diensten op deze rivier met iets grotere boten (prijzen zijn dan wel geafficheerd)
Beide tochtjes zijn totaal verschillend en steeds de moeite waard !
plezier,
Henk
Written 15 September 2017
Bonjour
Je pars la semaine prochaine à Bangkok et je souhaiterais visiter Golden Mountain
Je loge sur la Sukumwit, où faut-il prendre le taxi boat pour s'y rendre ?
Merci d'avance
Cordialement
Mireille
, MIREILLE. Que voudriez-vous savoir sur cette attraction ?
Written 3 March 2017
Hi!
Is there a possibility to go from Asoke Pier ( near Phetchaburi metro) to phanfa brigdge? or this is different line?
Written 27 February 2017
Yes, you can use that boat.
At Pratunam you have to change the boats, because it stops there.
Written 12 October 2017
Yukie W
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Any station/ place for stop? I have no idea where place can go after take the boat.
Written 23 December 2016
Get a map or GPS Yukie and at last stop can go Golden Mount, Khao san road, Fort, temples etc - great to just wander around and enjoy the scenery. I caught a taxi to go the Chao Phrya river and looked at yet another fort but walked down some side streets parallel to the river and found some very nice cheap restaurants with yummy food (not overloaded with Chilli).
Written 1 July 2017
Where ist the boat ?
Donde queda ? O están los botes?
Written 25 June 2016
The main station is near the crossing Ratchadamri Rd./ Petchaburi Rd.. There is a bridge over the klong, where you have to walk down the stairways.
Written 7 July 2016
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