A Relaxing Boat Trip Through the Klongs of Bangkok with Kids

Escaping the bustle and heat of Bangkok

When traveling through Thailand with children, you’re sure to visit Bangkok. If you’re looking to escape the heat and hustle of the city, a relaxing boat trip through the klongs of Bangkok is highly recommended! These picturesque canals, reflecting the traditional life of Bangkok, offer a true oasis of tranquility compared to the bustling city center. On the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, in Thonburi, you’ll find these idyllic klongs where you can experience a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.

In this blog, we will share everything you need to know about a boat trip through the klongs of Bangkok with children

You can find more insider tips about Bangkok met kinderen in the blog written by Gosia, who lived in this beautiful city for several years with her two children.

Boat Trip through the Klongs of Bangkok with Kids

♥ What are Klongs?
♥ Where to start?
♥ What to expect from the boat trip?

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What are the Klongs in Bangkok?

The term “khlongs” refers to the extensive network of canals and waterways that run through Bangkok. These canals are invaluable to the city and its residents and have a long history. Originally, the khlongs were constructed as transportation routes and irrigation channels to make the city livable, and today they remain an essential part of the urban landscape.

Where to Start? - Boat Trip through the Klongs of Bangkok with kids

A good place to start your khlong adventure is Tha Tian Pier. However, many tuk-tuk drivers will prefer to take you to the much busier Phra Arthit Pier.

Don’t be misled

We began our adventure with a tuk-tuk ride to Tha Tian Pier, or so we thought. We clearly stated our destination multiple times: Tha Tian Pier, not the recommended Phra Arthit Pier suggested by the tuk-tuk driver. We noticed that he only charged 2.50 euros for the ride, which we found quite cheap.

After a long ride through the city, we arrived at our destination. Curiously, we checked our location on Google Maps and were surprised to discover that we were at Phra Arthit Pier. Our tuk-tuk ride had deliberately taken us to the wrong pier!

After some back-and-forth communication and a few heated words, the tuk-tuk driver decided to take us to Tha Tian Pier after all. Once we arrived, we asked a security guard or an officer (we weren’t entirely sure who he was) to direct us to the longtail boat for our klong tour.

There are indeed boat tours available from Tha Tian Pier

The agent quickly called another tuk-tuk driver who was willing to take us to the longtail boat for just 50 euro cents. We indicated that we were specifically looking for the longtail boat from this pier, but to our surprise, the agent and the tuk-tuk drivers told us that there were no longtail boats from this location. We hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to follow our instincts and walked toward the pier ourselves.

Super friendly man

There we met a friendly man who was happy to take us on a 1.5-hour tour through the klongs of Bangkok. So, it was indeed possible to start from this pier! We suspected that the tuk-tuk drivers receive significant commissions for dropping tourists off at Phra Arthit Pier. So, if you plan to take a boat trip through the klongs of Bangkok, make sure to depart from the much quieter Tha Tian Pier.

The friendly man told us that we were his very first customers of the day, although we always look at such claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.

One of our followers on Instagram sent me the photo below in early January 2024, asking if this was really the place we meant in our blog. She was expecting a lost guard and one little man with a boat.

Later she sent me that this line was for the large fully loaded boat, and not for the longtails, which you can find around the corner to the right.

How much does it cost?

Initially, she was quoted a price of 1000 baht per person (the kids are free) for a private tour of 1 hour at the longtail boat, which is approximately 60 euros. In the end, they managed to negotiate down to 1400 baht for a private tour of 1.5 hours (around 38 euros).

Thanks for the tip @geheminis_on_tour!

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What can you expect from a boat trip through the klongs of Bangkok with children?

During the trip, you can feed the local fish, buy drinks from the floating markets, and enjoy the view of the surroundings. Moreover, you might encounter monkeys and lizards that seem to be the size of a Komodo dragon (well, maybe that’s a bit exaggerated, but they are really impressively large!).

Traditional Lifestyle

A boat trip through the klongs offers a unique glimpse into the traditional life in Bangkok. While the city skyline stretches on the horizon, you find yourself in the klongs, immersed in a world of peace and authenticity. The children were particularly impressed by the monks in their orange robes.

Floating markets

One of the most iconic features of the khlongs are the floating markets. Here, you’ll find local vendors selling their goods from small boats. Buy a refreshing drink and enjoy the interaction with the locals.

Wildlife

The klongs are also home to various animals, including giant fish, turtles, and yes, even monkeys and lizards.

Relaxation and Serenity

What makes the klongs truly special is the tranquility you can find here. As you glide over the calm waters, you can escape the heat and bustle of the city and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

The klongs offer a unique glimpse into daily life in Bangkok, far from the usual tourist crowds. It’s a wonderful experience to share with your children, and it will surely be one of the highlights of your trip to this vibrant city. After the relaxing boat trip through the klongs, are you ready for a bit of action? Be sure to visit the Mahanakhon Skywalk Bangkok with your kids!

Booking your own trip

When planning your trip to Thailand, there are various ways to book your accommodation and activities. If you prefer to arrange everything yourself, you can easily find accommodations that suit your needs through Booking.com. For unique excursions and tours, GetYourGuide is an excellent choice. Would you rather have everything arranged at once? Then TUI offers complete packages for a hassle-free vacation. If you’re looking for more flexibility and want to customize your trip, take a look at Riksja, where you can build your ideal journey with building blocks.

More Thailand

What is the most beautiful itinerary through Thailand with children? And what can you experience in Khao Sok National Park? You can read all about it in our blogs about Thailand.

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