River City Pier is one of the Chao Phraya River piers in Bangkok, frequently used by tourists and locals who come to board one of the Chao Phraya River dinner cruises starting from here. Discover everything you need to know about River City Pier, such as boat routes, timetables, tickets, how to get there, and the best things to do and places to stay nearby.
This River City Pier guide covers:
The Pier
Located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, River City Bangkok is the shopping center focused on art and antiques.
River City Pier consists of three docks that are normally used for boarding Chao Phraya River dinner cruises as well as other types of tour boats.
Travelers who want to cross the river with a ferry or to take one of Bangkok's public boats operating along the Chao Phraya River need to go to Si Phraya Pier, which is located within easy walking distance from River City.
Boats to board at River City Pier
You can board different types of boats at River City Pier. Discover the Chao Phraya River dinner cruises, boat tours, and public boats that can be boarded at the pier.
Chao Phraya River dinner cruises
Taking the Chao Phraya River dinner cruise is one of the most exclusive things to do in Bangkok, as you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city bathed in lights with the atmosphere of a festive dinner.
River City Pier is a popular Bangkok river cruise departure point, where you can board the following Chao Phraya River dinner cruises:
Find full details of the cruises that you can board at this pier here: River City Dinner Cruises.
If you want to explore all the options, discover other river cruises in Bangkok and use our tips for choosing the cruise that suits your preferences and travel plans the best.
Canal Tour by Boat
River City Pier is the starting point of Bangkok canal tours that are offering a glimpse into the city's history and the role its canals played in shaping its identity. The tour takes you to Thonburi, a district on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, where you navigate the narrow canals, known as khlongs, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. On this boat tour you can see skyscrapers standing tall alongside ancient temples, lush greenery lining the waterways, and the traditional stilted houses that give the canals their distinctive character.
Enjoy a journey on a teak boat along the narrow canals of old Bangkok by booking this 2-Hour Canal Tour by Teak Boat. See Wat Arun to marvel at its beauty and learn more about Thai history and culture.
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. Two of them make a stop at the pier.
After the latest route updates, the City Line (Green Line) makes a stop at River City on the way between Siam Charoen Nakhon Pier and Phra Pinklao Bridge Pier. The electric boats run throughout the day, with boat departures scheduled every 30 minutes. Additional boats are offered on a shorter route between Siam Charoen Nakhon Pier and River City Pier later in the evening.
The Urban Line of Thai Smile Boat now also makes a stop at this pier.
Chao Phraya Express Boat
The Chao Phraya Express Boat is the main public boat service operating along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The company operates several boat routes with a different number of stops and varied timetables, as some of them operate on weekdays and during rush hour only. The routes are recognized by the color of the flag the boat flies.
As you might find conflicting information online, be noted that the public boats of the Chao Phraya Express Boat don't stop at River City!
However, you can take a public boat to Si Phraya Pier, which is located not far from River City Bangkok, and then walk to River City Pier.
The Orange Flag Boat, the Yellow Flag Boat, and the Green Yellow Flag Boat of Chao Phraya Express Boat make a stop at Si Phraya Pier.
Boat tickets at River City Pier
Tickets to Bangkok dinner cruises departing from River City should be booked in advance. It can be easily done via the following link: Chao Phraya River dinner cruise tickets.
Thai Smile Boat tickets can normally be purchased on the boat, or you can also use the Thai Go Day Pass, covering the three electric boat routes and all Thai Smile Bus routes.
How to get to River City Pier
The simplest way to get to River City 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 City Line or the Urban Line of Thai Smile Boat to River City. Otherwise, you can take the cheaper Chao Phraya Express Boat (Yellow, Orange, and Green Yellow Flag) to Si Phraya Pier, which is just a short walk away from River City Bangkok.
Most of the city's public boat services offered by Chao Phraya Express Boat and Thai Smile Boat can also be used for traveling to Si Phraya Pier and River City from different riverside areas in Bangkok.
Several Bangkok bus routes also reach the pier, as there is a bus stop nearby on Si Phraya Road.
Things to do near River City Pier
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.
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), located about 1 km from River City Bangkok, is a beautiful temple with the world's largest solid gold statue that weighs 5.5 tons and is 3 meters tall.
Bangkok Railway Station, locally known as Hua Lamphong Railway Station, is located about 1.3 km from River City Pier. Previously, it was the main train station in Bangkok, but now only some of the ordinary trains depart from there. However, Hua Lamphong is one of the city’s key tourist landmarks, as the station has preserved its charm and beauty since it was officially launched back in 1916.
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 River City Pier
The most popular accommodation options near the pier are:
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Tiny Taladnoi Hostel (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.