CAT Tower Pier is one of the Chao Phraya River piers in Bangkok, used by tourists and locals who come here to take electric public boats or the shuttle boat to ICONSIAM. Discover everything you need to know about CAT Tower Pier, such as boat routes, timetables, tickets, how to get there, and the best things to do and places to stay nearby.
This CAT Tower Pier guide covers:
The Pier
CAT Tower Pier is located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River next to the CAT Tower, also known as the NT Building. The pier is located on the opposite side of the river from ICONSIAM.
Boats to board at CAT Tower Pier
You can board one type of boat at CAT Tower Pier in Bangkok. Discover the public boat services that can be boarded at the pier.
Thai Smile Boat
Thai Smile Boat, previously known as MINE Smart Ferry, is an electric public boat service operating on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It's a more environmentally friendly alternative to the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
Thai Smile Boat is currently operating three electric boat routes along the river. Only one of them can be boarded at CAT Tower Pier.
The Urban Line (Purple Line) connects Sathorn Pier with Phra Nang Klao Bridge Pier in the suburbs and makes a stop at CAT Tower. Boats on this route depart in the morning and in the afternoon, with a different frequency on weekdays and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
ICONSIAM shuttle boat
Previously, the ICONSIAM shuttle boat route was managed by Thai Smile Boat and connected Si Phraya Pier and CAT Tower with ICONSIAM Pier.
However, after the recent change of service provider, the shuttle boat doesn't stop at CAT Tower Pier.
Boat tickets
To take the boat from the pier, you normally need to buy a ticket before boarding the boat.
At the pier, you will find a ticket desk of Thai Smile Boat selling public boat tickets. Otherwise, use the Thai Go Day Pass, covering the three electric boat routes and all Thai Smile Bus routes.
Popular destinations from CAT Tower Pier
The most popular destinations that can be reached by boat from CAT Tower:
- ICONSIAM
- Sathorn Pier
- Wat Arun
- Grand Palace
- Asiatique
- Khao San Road
All these popular spots along the Chao Phraya River, as well as several other destinations, can be conveniently visited by purchasing a Chao Phraya Tourist Boat one-day pass.
However, the tourist boat doesn't stop at CAT Tower, so you need to take the public boat to Sathorn Pier first and board the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat there.
CAT Tower Pier to ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM shopping mall is the main attraction in the area, as it's a famous shopping complex with hundreds of high-end shops and restaurants and even an indoor floating market, which is perfect for those who want to taste a variety of Thai dishes at affordable prices. If you are heading there, don't forget to book your free ONESIAM Global Visitor Card that will let you enjoy exclusive discounts and services at a variety of stores inside the ICONSIAM and 5 other shopping complexes of the group.
ICONSIAM Pier is also a popular spot for boarding Bangkok river cruises, as many of them depart from there daily.
To get from CAT Tower to ICONSIAM, you now need to take the Urban Line to Sathorn Pier and transfer to the shuttle boat going to ICONSIAM Pier from there.
CAT Tower to Sathorn Pier
Sathorn Pier, located under the King Taksin the Great Bridge on the same side of the river, is the central pier of the Chao Phraya River public boats. At Sathorn Pier, you can transfer to the BTS Skytrain at the nearby BTS Saphan Taksin Station and then extend your trip to other Bangkok areas, like Silom, Siam, Sukhumvit, Chatuchak, and others.
To get from CAT Tower to Sathorn Pier, you can take the electric public boat offered by Thai Smile Boat (Urban Line).
CAT Tower Pier to Wat Arun
Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Thanks to its riverside location, Wat Arun is one of the most stunning temples and one of the best-known landmarks in Bangkok.
To get from CAT Tower to Wat Arun, you need to take the Urban Line Boat to Tha Tien Pier and then use the river-crossing ferry service to get to Wat Arun Pier.
CAT Tower to the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is an impressive complex of buildings that was an official residence of the Thai kings for 150 years. The complex also houses Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most important and sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
To get from CAT Tower to the Grand Palace, you need to take the Urban Line Boat to Rajinee Pier first. There you can change to the City Line Boat, the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, or the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Orange or Yellow Flag) going to Tha Chang Pier (N9), which is the pier nearest to the entrance of the palace complex.
CAT Tower Pier to Asiatique
Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, occupying a large complex of old warehouses on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, feels more like an open-air shopping mall than a night market. Here you can shop for souvenirs, dine at numerous restaurants, enjoy the views from the highest Ferris wheel in Bangkok, Asiatique Sky, or spend an evening watching the most popular ladyboy show in the city, Calypso Cabaret. The newly-opened trending Bangkok attractions Jurassic World The Experience and SkyFlyers - Wings of Garudapterus are also located at Asiatique.
Asiatique Pier is another popular spot for boarding Bangkok river cruises.
To get from CAT Tower Pier to Asiatique, you can take the Urban Line Boat to Sathorn Pier and transfer there to the Asiatique free shuttle boat, which will take you directly to Asiatique Pier. However, this option is only available from 16:00. To get there earlier, you can transfer to the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat or the City Line that now also makes a stop at Asiatique.
CAT Tower to Khao San Road
Khao San Road is the most popular location in Bangkok among backpackers and solo travelers who like to connect. The area is located just north of Bangkok Old Town, with the city's most important attractions within walking distance.
To get from CAT Tower to Khao San Road, you need to take the Urban Line Boat to Rajinee Pier first. There you can take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat or one of the Chao Phraya Express boats (Orange Flag or daytime Yellow Flag) to Phra Arthit Pier, which is the pier nearest to the backpacker street.
How to get to CAT Tower Pier
The simplest way to get to CAT Tower Pier is a trip by the BTS Skytrain to BTS Saphan Taksin Station on the Silom Line. Then from the nearby Sathorn Pier, you can take the Urban Line Boat.
This Bangkok public boat service offered by Thai Smile Boat can also be used for traveling to CAT Tower from different riverside areas in Bangkok.
Several Bangkok bus routes also pass on Charoen Krung Road, with the nearest bus stop to the pier being the Bangkok General Post Office.
Things to do near CAT Tower Pier
Charoen Krung 32 Street Art is a well-known hotspot to see beautiful murals painted by Thai and international artists. The area also houses some interesting art exhibits and galleries as well as coffee shops and restaurants.
River City Bangkok is the center for art and antiques where art lovers and collectors can explore galleries, see international exhibitions, meet artists, attend talks, watch films, bid at auctions, enjoy live music, or gain an understanding of Thailand’s burgeoning contemporary art scene.
Located on the other side of the river, on top of the Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Three Sixty is a top-notch rooftop bar divided into two parts: the outdoor bar is located on the 31st floor, where you can see 360-degree views across the river and most of the city and enjoy the sounds of jazz, while the indoor bar is on the 32nd floor, where you will get dinner in a shady, garden-like atmosphere with a panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River.
Hotels near CAT Tower Pier
The most popular accommodation options near the pier are:
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Oriental Heritage Hotel (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Other Bangkok Chao Phraya River Piers
The Chao Phraya River pier map can be found here: Bangkok River Pier Map.