Riverside Life
Siam Varee Riverside Walking Tour
Explore Bangkok's riverside communities, peaceful temples, and local neighbourhoods, revealing a quieter and more connected side of the city shaped by culture, riverside life, and centuries of tradition.
Price
1,300 THB / person
Start Time
8:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Duration
3.5 hours
Difficulty
Easy, relaxed pace
Meeting Point
Group Size
Maximum 8 guests
What Youโll Experience on the Tour
River Ferry
Cross the Chao Phraya River by local ferry with views of Bangkok's historic riverside.
Wat Kalayanamit
Visit the peaceful riverside temple and see one of Bangkok's largest seated Buddha images.
Riverside Walk
Stroll along a quiet riverside path with wide views across the Chao Phraya River.
Taoist Shrine
Step inside a riverside Chinese shrine and witness the tradition of incense offerings.
Kudeejeen Community
Walk through the historic Kudeejeen community and experience everyday local life.
Wat Prayoon
Explore the striking white chedi of Wat Prayoon and its peaceful temple grounds.
Chao Phraya River
Walk across the "River of Kings" and enjoy sweeping views of Bangkok's historic riverside.
Pak Khlong Talat
Visit Bangkok's famous flower market filled with colourful garlands and fresh blooms.
What We'll Do
Join us for a relaxed Bangkok riverside walking tour through historic communities, riverside temples, and local neighbourhoods along the Chao Phraya River.
Crossing the Chao Phraya River
We'll begin with a short local ferry ride across the River of Kings toward the historic Thonburi side of Bangkok. As we glide across the water together, we'll share stories about the river's importance in Thai culture, trade, and everyday life, while long-tail boats and river traffic move steadily along the busy waterway.
Wat Kalayanamit and Riverside Life
Our first stop is a peaceful riverside temple, where we'll introduce you to Thai customs and spiritual traditions. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make a traditional offering to the largest seated Buddha in Bangkok โ a calm and meaningful cultural experience beside the river.
From there, we'll wander along a quiet riverside path beside the Chao Phraya River, where passing boats, open river views, and a cooler breeze create a calmer contrast to the busy streets before we arrive at a historic Chinese shrine filled with intricate carvings and spiritual symbolism.
Kudeejeen Community
We'll then continue into the historic Kudeejeen community, a neighbourhood shaped by Portuguese heritage for more than 200 years. As we explore its narrow lanes together, we'll experience a quieter side of Bangkok, where local homes, small cafรฉs, community life, and centuries of cultural influence continue to shape the atmosphere.
Along the way, we'll stop at a traditional local bakery to enjoy Portuguese-style snacks with a coffee or cold drink while learning more about the unique cultural mix that still defines the community today.
Wat Prayoon and the Turtle Pond
Next, we'll visit Wat Prayoon, home to a striking white chedi surrounded by peaceful temple grounds and shaded gardens. Here, you'll have time to climb inside the chedi, explore its interior, and relax beside the temple's turtle pond while learning about local Buddhist traditions.
Memorial Bridge and Pak Khlong Talat
Crossing back over the river via Memorial Bridge, we'll take in wide views of the busy Chao Phraya waterfront before arriving at Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market, Bangkok's largest flower market. The scent of jasmine, roses, and marigolds fills the air as workers move fresh flowers through brightly coloured aisles alive with activity throughout the day.
Throughout the walk, we'll show you a quieter, more connected side of Bangkok shaped by riverside life, historic communities, religion, and the everyday movement that continues along the city's waterways.
Everything you need for a comfortable, safe and enriching walking experience:
- โ Friendly, English-speaking licensed local guide
- โ Soft drinks, water and local Thai snacks
- โ Traditional Portuguese cake and a coffee or cold drink
- โ Local ferry crossing during the tour
- โ All entrance and activity fees included in the tour
- โ Travel insurance during the tour
- โ Download link for photographs taken by your guide
No hidden costs โ just turn up and enjoy the walk.
Small Groups
We keep groups small (maximum 8 guests) for a more personal and relaxed experience. For larger groups, please contact us to arrange a private tour.
Tour Duration
The tour takes approximately 3.5 hours, although the duration may vary slightly depending on weather, temple activities and local conditions.
Payment
Payment is made in cash (Thai Baht) at the start of the tour.
After Booking
Youโll receive full meeting point details and directions by email.
Follow Me Bike Tours
Established 2010
Licensed Bangkok Tour Operator
TAT Licence No. 13/03073
The meeting point is Sanam Chai MRT Station
Sanam Chai MRT Station
Your guide will meet you at street level outside the station at Exit 5.
Getting Here
โฆฟ By MRT (Subway)
Take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station and follow signs to Exit 5.
๐ By BTS (Skytrain)
Take the BTS to Sala Daeng Station, transfer to the MRT, then follow directions above.
๐ By Taxi / Car
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours (7โ9 AM / 5โ8 PM).
Show your driver this:
เธเธฃเธธเธเธฒเธชเนเธเธเธนเนเนเธเธขเธชเธฒเธฃเธฅเธเธเธตเนเธชเธเธฒเธเธต MRT เธชเธเธฒเธกเนเธเธข เธเธฒเธเธญเธญเธ 5 เธเธฒเธเนเธเธดเธเนเธเธเนเธฒเนเธฃเธทเธญเธฃเธฒเธเธดเธเธต เนเธเธฅเนเธเธฒเธเธเธฅเธญเธเธเธฅเธฒเธ เนเธเธขเนเธซเนเธชเธฑเธเนเธเธ Cafรฉ Amazon เธเธฑเนเธเธญเธขเธนเนเธฃเธดเธกเธเธเธ
This translates to: โPlease drop off passengers at MRT Sanam Chai Station, Exit 5, on the walkway to Rajinee pier, near Pak Khlong Talat, please note the Cafe Amazon shop on the main road.โ
Full directions will also be included in your booking confirmation email.
Siam Varee Riverside Walking Tour FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about our Siam Varee Riverside Walking Tour. If you have any other questions before booking, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Not sure which Bangkok tour is right for you?
Explore our Bangkok bike and walking tours to compare the different experiences and find the one that suits you best.
Who is the Siam Varee Riverside Walking Tour suitable for?
This tour is best suited to guests who are comfortable walking approximately 3.5 km at an easy, relaxed pace. You'll explore historic riverside communities, peaceful temples, local neighbourhoods and traditional markets along the Chao Phraya River.
What will I see on the Siam Varee Riverside Walking Tour?
The tour includes a local ferry crossing over the Chao Phraya River, Wat Kalayanamit and its large seated Buddha, a traditional Chinese shrine, the historic Kudeejeen community, Wat Prayoon and its distinctive white chedi, Memorial Bridge and Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market.
Along the way, you'll discover local neighbourhoods, riverside paths and everyday community life.
Is the river ferry crossing safe?
The tour includes a local ferry crossing over the Chao Phraya River. Life vests are available for guests to wear during the crossing. Your guide will assist the group with boarding and disembarking.
Can children join the Siam Varee Riverside Walking Tour?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, who is responsible for them throughout the tour. Infants are welcome in pushchairs or strollers free of charge.
For families travelling with children, a private tour offers a more flexible pace and route.
How big are the groups?
We limit groups to a maximum of eight guests for a more personal experience. If your group is larger, please contact us to arrange a private tour.
How much walking is involved?
The tour covers approximately 3.5 km over around three and a half hours, with stops to explore the sights along the way. Guests should be comfortable walking this distance at a relaxed pace.
How long is the Siam Varee Riverside Walking Tour?
The tour takes approximately three and a half hours, although the duration may vary slightly depending on weather, temple activities and local conditions.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and sensible closed shoes. As the tour includes temple visits, women should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered when required. We recommend bringing a small personal bag and sun protection.
What food and drinks are included?
The tour includes local Thai snacks, traditional Portuguese cake, coffee or a cold drink, soft drinks, and water. You'll enjoy these refreshments while exploring Bangkok's historic riverside neighbourhoods, including the Kudeejeen community.
Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
Yes. All entrance and activity fees are included in the tour price. The tour also includes an English-speaking licensed local guide, soft drinks, water, local Thai snacks, Portuguese cake with coffee or a cold drink, local ferry crossings, travel insurance and a download link for photographs taken by your guide.
What happens if it rains?
Bangkok's weather can change quickly. We provide complimentary ponchos and take shelter when necessary.
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance. After receiving your booking request, we will reply within 12 hours to confirm your tour or suggest an alternative if needed.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts outside Sanam Chai MRT Station, Exit 5, at street level. Your guide will meet you there, and full directions are sent by email after booking.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour starts.
What happens if I'm late?
If you're running late, please call us at +66 (0)8 7059 1130. The tour may start without you, but we'll do our best to reschedule you, subject to availability.
How do I pay?
Payment is made in cash in Thai Baht at the start of the tour. Please try to bring the correct amount.
All entrance and activity fees are included in the tour price, so there are no separate entrance fees to pay during the tour.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or change your booking, please inform us at least 24 hours before the tour.
Explore More of Bangkok's Riverside
If you'd like to explore more of Bangkok's historic riverside neighbourhoods, take a look at this Follow Me walking route:
- Memorial Bridge to Wat Kalayanamit Walking Route: follow the Chao Phraya through historic waterfront neighbourhoods, local communities and riverside streets between Memorial Bridge and Wat Kalayanamit.