Khaosan Road to Phra Arthit Pier – Walk to the Chao Phraya River

The short route from Khaosan Road to Phra Arthit Pier connects Bangkok’s lively backpacker area with the Chao Phraya River where boats provide access to many of the city’s main attractions.

From Khaosan’s side streets to the riverside

The route begins at the police station end of Khaosan Road. Turning right, the path follows the temple wall into Soi Rambuttri, continuing left and then right into narrow Soi Chana Songkhram. These quiet lanes offer a calmer atmosphere before a final right turn leads to another main road where a signposted alley brings you directly to the river and Phra Arthit Pier.

Taking a boat from Phra Arthit Pier

Phra Arthit Pier is a convenient place to join the Chao Phraya Express Boat service when coming from Khaosan Road. Tickets can be purchased at the counter or, when closed, from the conductor on board. Orange-flag boats operate throughout the day, stopping at key tourist piers including those for the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Between late morning and early afternoon, yellow-flag boats may replace them. Both serve the same route for similar fares.

Other river transport options

Blue-flag hop-on hop-off boats also depart from Phra Arthit Pier. These tourist services stop at piers close to popular riverside sights and provide open-air seating on the upper deck for wider views. For current timetables and operating routes, visit the Chao Phraya Express Boat Company.

Linking with Bangkok’s wider story

Walking from Khaosan Road to Phra Arthit Pier highlights how trade, transport, and daily life remain closely linked in this part of the old city. Khaosan, whose name means “milled rice,” was once a centre for rice trading near the river’s edge. Today the short walk from its market streets to the working pier at Phra Arthit shows how the same waterways that once carried rice now serve commuters and visitors exploring the capital by boat.

Quick Facts – Khaosan Road to Phra Arthit Pier

Ten minute walk from Khaosan Road through Soi Rambuttri to Phra Arthit Pier
Chao Phraya Express Boats and Chao Phraya Tourist Boats visit the pier
Boats serve main sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun
Several cafés and small stalls along the route
Good starting point for exploring the Chao Phraya by public boat

Chao Phraya Express Boat arriving near Phra Arthit Pier on the route from Khaosan Road

Phra Sumen Fort and riverside park seen along the walk from Khaosan Road to Phra Arthit Pier

Tuk-tuks and pedestrians on Khaosan Road during the walk to Phra Arthit Pier in Bangkok

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