Sathorn Pier is one of the busiest Chao Phraya River piers in Bangkok, frequently used by tourists and locals who come here to transfer between the riverside hotels, different public boats, and the BTS Skytrain. Discover everything you need to know about Sathorn Pier, such as boat routes, timetables, tickets, how to get there, and the best things to do and places to stay nearby.
This Sathorn Pier guide covers:
The Pier
Sathorn Pier, also known as Saphan Taksin Pier or Central Pier, is located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River under the King Taksin the Great Bridge, at the end of Sathorn Road.
The pier is an important transportation hub in Bangkok because it is located in the heart of the city, in the business district of Bangrak, near Charoen Krung Road, Silom Road, and Sathorn Road. This pier helps you to connect to water transportation, including Chao Phraya River ferry boats to Pepsi Pier, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San District, and the Thonburi side, as well as the passenger boats to the old city of Bangkok, the suburbs of Nonthaburi Province and Rat Burana area, and Khlong Dao Khanong.
It is also the first pier on the Chao Phraya River that is directly connected to the rail mass transit system at Saphan Taksin Station on the BTS Silom Line. Therefore, every day, there are a large number of passengers, both locals and tourists, traveling through Sathorn Pier. Many passengers from the Thonburi side or nearby riverside areas rely on various boat transportation to this pier to connect to the Skytrain system.
Parts of Sathorn Pier
Sathorn Pier consists of two parts:
The main public boat pier, where you can board the public boats running on different routes of the Chao Phraya Express Boat and Thai Smile Boat, as well as shuttle boats to different Bangkok riverside hotels and shopping destinations such as ICONSIAM and Asiatique The Riverfront Destination.
The ferry pier, where you can board the cross-river ferry that takes you to the other side of the Chao Phraya River.
At the main Sathorn Pier, you can find ticket counters, waiting areas, and several docks for different kinds of boat services.
There is a separate dock for all the shuttle boats offered by the riverside hotels. To get to it, you need to follow the sign "Hotel Boat".
The sign "Park Kred" (name of stop at the other end of the route) leads to the dock, where public boats of the Chao Phraya Express Boat and Thai Smile Boat, as well as the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat can be boarded. You need to buy a ticket at the respective ticket counter before boarding the boat.
At the left end of the pier building, you can find the docks for the ICONSIAM shuttle boat and the Asiatique shuttle boat.
To take a cross-river ferry to Pepsi Pier on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, you need to leave the main pier building and pass under the bridge. Simply follow the signs leading "To Ferry Boat" and you will get there.
When coming from the BTS Station, take Exit 1 instead of the usual Exit 2, and you will find yourself on the side of the bridge where the ferry pier is located.
Boats to board at Sathorn Pier
You can board different types of boats at Sathorn Pier, as it's the main spot in Bangkok for transferring between the Skytrain and water transportation. Discover the shuttle boat, hotel boat, and public boat services that can be boarded at the pier.
Chao Phraya Tourist Boat
Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, also known as Blue Flag Boat, is the most popular boat option for tourists, as this boat route connects Sathorn Pier with all the main tourist attractions along the river. By boarding the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat at this pier, you can visit the most famous tourist attractions in Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, the Flower Market, Chinatown, Khao San Road, ICONSIAM, and Asiatique the Riverfront.
The best thing about this Bangkok boat service is that it can be used for single trips as well as like the hop-on hop-off boat by purchasing a one-day pass.
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat departs from Sathorn Pier to Phra Arthit daily from 09:00 to 19:45 with a 30-minute frequency.
For most of the day, it is the final stop on the route, from where you can get to ICONSIAM, Khao San Road, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and other tourist destinations along the Chao Phraya. However, in the afternoon (12:00–19:30), the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat route is extended from Sathorn to Asiatique The Riverfront, so you need to make sure that the boat is going in the direction you need.
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.
Most of the public boat routes terminate at Sathorn Pier, while others make a stop here before heading to their final stops south of Sathorn.
Orange Flag Boat
Orange Flag Boat was the most frequent Bangkok public boat service on the Chao Phraya River, which runs from Nonthaburi Pier, located north of the city, to Wat Rajsingkorn Pier, which is found just before Asiatique. However, now the boats on this route operate only on weekdays, with departures scheduled in the morning and late afternoon.
Yellow Flag Boat
The original route of the Yellow Flag Boat connects Sathorn Pier with Nonthaburi Pier during rush hour on weekdays. After the latest schedule update in April 2026, the Yellow Flag boats are changing the Orange Flag boats, and operate daily, with additional stops and the terminal stop at Wat Rajsingkorn Pier during these hours.
Green-Yellow Flag Boat
Green-Yellow Flag boats operate between Pakkret Pier (N33) and Sathorn Pier, with departures from Sathorn scheduled Monday–Friday in the late afternoon.
Red Flag Boat
Red Flag Boat service is running from Nonthaburi Pier to Sathorn Pier on weekdays and during the morning rush hour only. Currently, there are no longer planned departures in the opposite direction.
If you are planning to use public boats and the BTS Skytrain frequently, save time and make traveling easier by purchasing a Rabbit Card ticket online and conveniently picking it up at the airport.
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. All of them can be boarded at Sathorn Pier.
The City Line (Green Line) makes a stop at the pier 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 and with additional boats offered during the daytime on weekends and public holidays.
The Urban Line (Purple Line) connects Sathorn Pier with Phra Nang Klao Bridge Pier in the suburbs. Boats on this route depart in the morning and in the afternoon, with different schedule on weekdays and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
The Metro Line, reopened from 5 January 2026, connects Wat Worachanyawat Pier with Nonthaburi Pier in the suburbs. It's an express route with only 7 stops that is operating on weekdays during rush hour.
ICONSIAM shuttle boat
The ICONSIAM shuttle boat route is managed by Supatra Boat and connects Sathorn Pier with ICONSIAM Pier.
The shuttle boat is operating from 09:00 to 22:50, with a boat normally leaving every 15-20 minutes.
Asiatique shuttle boat
In the evening, Asiatique The Riverfront Destination provides a free shuttle boat service between Sathorn Pier and Asiatique Pier.
The Asiatique shuttle boat from Sathorn is departing from 16:15 to 23:30, with expected departures every 30 minutes.
Hotel shuttle boats at Sathorn Pier
The largest Bangkok Riverside hotels are normally offering a free shuttle boat service for their guests, and Sathorn is the most common destination that can be reached by the hotel shuttle boats.
Hotels that are offering the service of a shuttle boat to Sathorn Pier:
The Siam Hotel - a stunning, luxury hotel set amidst 3 acres of lush gardens on the Chao Phraya River.
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel - an elegant 5-star hotel offering the finest contemporary Thai-style decoration with floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing unobstructed river views.
The Peninsula Bangkok - an urban resort with rooms that offer breathtaking views of the river and the city beyond.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel – a remarkable hotel, maintaining classic, Thai-influenced elegance and unique resort style for more than 147 years.
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok - a 5-star hotel by the Chao Phraya River.
The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok – a luxurious hotel set alongside the river in the heart of downtown.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River - a riverside urban resort in the heart of Bangkok, where you can enjoy sweeping river views.
Capella Bangkok – a riverside hotel mingling the effortless class of a grande dame with the intimacy and personality of a boutique.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort - a resort on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, set amidst 11 acres of greenery.
Millennium Hilton Bangkok - a riverside hotel next to ICONSIAM, which is offering breathtaking views of the river and the city.
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside - a 5-star hotel by the Chao Phraya River and right next to Asiatique The Riverfront.
Ten Six Hundred, Chao Phraya, Bangkok - a boutique riverside hotel located in the historical district of Khlong San.
For the current shuttle boat schedule, check at the hotel.
Cross-river ferry at Sathorn Pier
From the ferry pier, which is located on the other side of the bridge, you can take a cross-river ferry Sathorn Pier-Pepsi Pier. This ferry saves you a walk over the bridge in hot weather and brings you to Pepsi Pier, next to Chaloem Phra Kiat Forest Park on the other side of the Chao Phraya River. The ferry operates from 05:30 to 21:00 and costs 5 THB.
Boat tickets at Sathorn Pier
Depending on the boat you are looking to take at the pier, you might need to buy a ticket before boarding the boat.
At Sathorn Pier, public boat tickets need to be purchased at the ticket counter of the selected public boat company, Chao Phraya Express or Thai Smile Boat. Ticket counters of both companies are easy to spot and located next to each other.
Ticket Counters
The first ticket booth you will notice is the ticket counter of Thai Smile Boat. At this counter, you can only buy tickets for boarding the City Line, the Urban Line, and the Metro Line electric boats. To travel on these boats, you can also use a Thai Go Day Pass that covers all Thai Smile Boat and Thai Smile Bus routes for selected duration.
Right behind the booth of Thai Smile Boat, you can find the ticket counter of Chao Phraya Express Boat. This ticket counter sells tickets for the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (Blue Flag) and other Chao Phraya Express Boat routes (Orange Flag, Yellow Flag, Green Yellow Flag, and Red Flag). Unless you have a Rabbit Card, to board any of the public boats operated by Chao Phraya Express Boat, you need to purchase a ticket at the ticket counter.
To board the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, you need to purchase either a single-journey ticket or a one-day pass. Single-journey tickets are only available at the ticket counter, but day passes can be conveniently booked online without waiting in the line at the ticket office.
To buy tickets for the ICONSIAM shuttle boat, operated by Supatra Boat, you need to skip the above-mentioned ticket counters and walk to the left end of the Sathorn Pier, where you will see an ICONSIAM ticket counter just before the entrance to the dock.
To board hotel shuttle boats, tickets are not needed, but most of them are reserved for hotel guests and visitors. Some of the hotels might even need you to pre-book a pickup from ICONSIAM Pier.
Popular destinations from Sathorn Pier
The most popular destinations that can be reached by boat from Sathorn:
- Wat Arun
- Grand Palace
- ICONSIAM
- Chinatown
- 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.
Sathorn 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 Sathorn Pier to Wat Arun directly, you need to take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat or the City Line boat of Thai Smile Boat to Wat Arun Pier.
The Orange Flag Boat and the Yellow Flag Boat don't stop at Wat Arun, so to get there by Chao Phraya Express Boat, you would need to drop off at Tha Tien Pier and use the river-crossing ferry service.
Sathorn 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 Sathorn Pier to the Grand Palace, you can take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, Chao Phraya Express Boat, or Thai Smile Boat to Tha Chang Pier (N9), which is the pier nearest to the entrance of the palace complex.
Sathorn 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 Sathorn Pier to ICONSIAM, you can take the ICONSIAM shuttle boat, the Blue Flag Boat, or the City Line boat of Thai Smile Boat directly to ICONSIAM Pier. Normally, the Orange Flag Boat and the Yellow Flag Boat (during daytime) can also be used for getting to ICONSIAM, but it's not uncommon for this stop to be suspended. Taking the shuttle boat is the cheapest option for getting there.
Sathorn to Chinatown
Bangkok Chinatown, locally known as Yaowarat, is one of the oldest and most unique cultural areas of Bangkok, which was established by Chinese merchants in the 1780s. The streets of Chinatown are full of colorful buildings and decorations as well as Chinese-style attractions, restaurants, and markets.
To get from Sathorn to Chinatown, you can take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat or any of the public boats of Chao Phraya Express Boat and Thai Smile Boat to Ratchawong Pier, as all of the public boat routes are making a stop at this pier.
Sathorn 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 Sathorn Pier to Asiatique, you can take the Asiatique shuttle boat, which is offered free of charge, directly to Asiatique Pier. However, this option is only available from 16:00.
In case you have a one-day pass, taking the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is also a reasonable option, available from 12:00 (noon).
You can also take the City Line of Thai Smile Boat and it won't cost you any extra when exploring the city with a Thai Go Day Pass, which is valid on 3 electric boat lines and all Thai Smile Bus routes.
If you want to get there earlier and at affordable price, take the Orange Flag Boat or the Yellow Flag Boat (during daytime) to the last stop on the route (Wat Rajsingkorn Pier) and walk to Asiatique from there.
Sathorn 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 Sathorn Pier to Khao San Road, 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 (N13), which is the pier nearest to the backpacker street.
How to get to Sathorn Pier
The easiest way to get to Sathorn Pier, is a trip by the BTS Skytrain to BTS Saphan Taksin Station on the Silom Line. The BTS station is located next to the pier. To get to the main pier, take Exit 2, while the ferry pier is accessed via Exit 1.
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat and all the city's public boat services offered by Chao Phraya Express Boat and Thai Smile Boat, can also be used for traveling to Sathorn from different riverside areas in Bangkok.
Several Bangkok bus routes also pass by the pier.
Things to do near Sathorn Pier
Wat Yan Nawa is a Buddhist temple founded during the Ayutthaya era, viharn of which was modeled after a Chinese junk.
Central Bangrak is a prime shopping destination that caters to a diverse array of consumer needs with an extensive selection of products ranging from premium fashion brands, beauty and skincare products, to electronics and home appliances, and plenty of dining options offering a mix of Thai and international cuisine.
Sirocco is a luxury rooftop restaurant with a stunning view of Bangkok overlooking the Chao Phraya River. This Bangkok restaurant and the Sky Bar are located on the top of the lebua at State Tower Hotel on the 63rd floor. This sky bar is considered the most famous rooftop bar in Bangkok and also appeared in the Hollywood movie Hangover 2.
There are several other rooftop bars at lebua Hotel:
Alfresco 64 Whiskey Bar on the 64th Floor - the world’s highest outdoor whiskey bar with a design inspired by a yacht.
Distil BAR at 64th Floor – considered to be one of Bangkok’s finest upscale bars, replete with crafted seasonal cocktails, the finest spirits, an open-air terrace where hand-rolled Cuban cigars can be enjoyed.
Lebua No. 3 on the 52nd Floor - hi-tech gin, caviar, and vodka bar with resident DJs providing savory creative cocktails, the world’s finest caviar, and cool party vibes.
You can pre-book your table at one of these rooftop bars at the Lebua Hotel with a round-trip car transfer from your hotel in Bangkok.
Hotels near Sathorn Pier
The most popular accommodation options near the pier are:
Shangri-La Bangkok (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bangkok Central Pier (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.