Tha Maharaj Pier is one of the popular Chao Phraya River piers in Bangkok, frequently used by tourists and locals who come here to take tourist boats and cross-river ferries. Discover everything you need to know about Tha Maharaj Pier, such as boat routes, timetables, tickets, how to get there, and the best things to do and places to stay nearby.
This Tha Maharaj Pier guide covers:
The Pier
Tha Maharaj Pier is located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, next to the riverside shopping venue Tha Maharaj in Bangkok.
Tha Maharaj serves as the public boat pier, where you can board the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, and as the ferry pier, where you can board cross-river ferries that take you to the other side of the Chao Phraya River.
Boats to board at Tha Maharaj Pier
You can board different types of boats at Tha Maharaj Pier, as it's a popular Chao Phraya River pier in Bangkok. Discover the tourist boat and ferry 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 Bangkok Old Town with all the main tourist attractions along the river. By boarding the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat at Tha Maharaj Pier, you can visit the most famous tourist attractions in Bangkok, such as Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown, the Flower Market, 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 Tha Maharaj to Phra Arthit daily from 09:24 to 19:39 with a 30-minute frequency. You should board the boat going in this direction to get to Khao San Road.
Boats going in the opposite direction (to Sathorn Pier) also run every 30 minutes, with departures from Tha Maharaj scheduled from 08:36 to 19:06. When taking the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat this way, you can reach the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Chinatown, the Flower Market, ICONSIAM, and the BTS Skytrain station. During afternoon hours (11:36–19:06), the boat route is extended to Asiatique The Riverfront.
Cross-river ferry
From the ferry pier, you can take a ferry to the other side of the Chao Phraya River. The ferry Tha Maharaj-Tha Wang Lang brings you to Tha Wang Lang Pier, also known as Prannok Pier, which is located next to Wang Lang Market.
The cross-river ferry operates from 09:00 to 21:00 and costs 5.50 THB one way (latest price update from 21 April 2026).
Bangkok Public Boat Services
There are two public boat services operating along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
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.
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.
Pay attention that Bangkok public boats don't stop at Tha Maharaj!
However, you can take a public boat to Tha Chang Pier, which is located not far from Tha Maharaj, and then walk for about 400 meters.
The Orange Flag Boat, the Yellow Flag Boat, and the Green Yellow Flag Boat of Chao Phraya Express Boat, as well as the electric boats running on the City Line (Green Line) of Thai Smile Boat, make a stop at Tha Chang Pier.
Boat tickets at Tha Maharaj Pier
To take the boat from the pier, you normally need to buy a ticket before boarding the boat.
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 board the cross-river ferry, you need to buy tickets at the ticket counter found just before the ferry dock.
Popular destinations from Tha Maharaj Pier
The most popular destinations that can be reached by boat from Tha Maharaj:
- Wat Arun
- Chinatown
- Khao San Road
- ICONSIAM
- Sathorn Pier
- Asiatique
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.
Tha Maharaj 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 Tha Maharaj to Wat Arun directly, you need to take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat to Wat Arun Pier.
Tha Maharaj 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 Tha Maharaj to Chinatown, you can take the Blue Flag Boat to Ratchawong Pier.
Tha Maharaj 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 Tha Maharaj to Khao San Road, you can take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat to Phra Arthit Pier (N13), which is the pier nearest to the backpacker street.
Tha Maharaj 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 Tha Maharaj Pier to ICONSIAM, you can take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat to ICONSIAM Pier.
Tha Maharaj to Sathorn Pier
Sathorn Pier, located under the King Taksin the Great Bridge, 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 Tha Maharaj to Sathorn Pier, you can take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat or walk to Tha Chang Pier and board there any of the public boats offered by Chao Phraya Express Boat or Thai Smile Boat.
Tha Maharaj 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 Tha Maharaj Pier to Asiatique, you can take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat directly to Asiatique Pier. However, this option is only available from 11:30.
If you want to get there earlier, you can take the Orange Flag Boat or the Yellow Flag Boat (during the daytime and on weekend) from Tha Chang Pier to Wat Rajsingkorn Pier and walk to Asiatique from there.
How to get to Tha Maharaj Pier
The simplest way to get to Tha Maharaj Pier is by taking a Bangkok taxi.
You can also choose a trip by the Bangkok MRT to MRT Sanam Chai Station on the Blue Line. The MRT station is located about 1.7 km away from the pier. To cover this distance, you can walk, take a tuk-tuk, or take a bus.
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 Tha Maharaj from different riverside areas in Bangkok. If you take a public boat, you need to drop off at Tha Chang Pier and walk for about 400 meters.
Several Bangkok bus routes pass the road next to the pier.
Things to do near Tha Maharaj Pier
Tha Maharaj is a modern lifestyle mall in the old town area of Bangkok. Located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River and surrounded by Thailand's most historical places, such as the Grand Palace, Thammasat University, and Sanam Luang, Tha Maharaj is the hub of restaurants, cafes, souvenir stores, and also amulet shops.
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.
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple located south of the Grand Palace. The temple is famous for its 46-meter-long gold-plated reclining Buddha image and the biggest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, which is still taught and practiced at the temple.
There are several riverside viewpoints for admiring the views of the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun on the other side of the river. You can choose a public viewpoint or one of the rooftop bars and terraces found nearby.
Hotels near Tha Maharaj Pier
Tha Maharaj Pier is located close to the Grand Palace complex, and there are no hotels right next to it. In case you want to stay as close as possible, try some of the most popular accommodation options near Tha Tien Pier or on the other side of the river:
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
ARUN Riverside Bangkok (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Mowa Bangkok (also check the special offer for the hotel on Agoda).
Baan Wanglang Riverside (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.