(February 10, 2025) – Bangkok’s canal-side charm is getting a fresh revival, and you’re invited. Dr. Wantanee Wattana, Permanent Secretary for the BMA, took a tour to inspect the final preparations for the Bang Lamphu Canal Boat Experience, a free boat service that will let visitors cruise through the city’s historic waterways, indulge in street food, and soak in the community’s rich cultural heritage.
Dr. Wantanee and her team embarked from Phra Sumen Fort Pier (Bang Lamphu Museum), making stops along the way at Norrarat Sathan Bridge Pier before heading on foot to Chao Pho Nu Shrine, which is a Hainanese community landmark, and enjoying a taste of authentic Indian flavors at Nouvo City Hotel. The journey continued through the famous spring roll stalls and roti sai mai makers before reaching the lively Bang Lamphu Canal Hawker Center, home to the Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Shrine, Jay Eng’s legendary braised duck, and Peng Rice Porridge Shop.
The route then led to Wat Bowonniwet Pier, where the team traveled onward to Ban Phan Thom Community Pier, crossing Chaloem Wan Chat Bridge to explore Thai Nakorn, a traditional nielloware shop, and the Ban Phan Thom Market, a vibrant gathering place for locals. After a refreshing break at Velo Dome Café, featuring Pa Daeng’s famous spicy curry rice, the tour looped back to Pom Mahakan Pier, concluding the journey.
Bang Lamphu Canal Market: A Weekend Affair
The Bang Lamphu Canal Market will operate across four weekends, running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on:
- February 15 – 16
- February 22 – 23
- March 1 – 2
- March 8 – 9
To make the experience seamless, a fleet of electric boats will provide free hop-on, hop-off service along a 2.5-kilometer route between Phra Sumen Fort Pier and Pom Mahakan Pier. Each boat carries up to 30 passengers, operating in two-time slots, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM—without trip limits. Visitors are welcome to join at any of the five designated piers without pre-registration: - Phra Sumen Fort Pier (Bang Lamphu Museum)
- Norrarat Sathan Bridge Pier
- Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Shrine Pier
- Ban Phan Thom Community Market Pier
- Pom Mahakan Pier
What to Expect on the Waterway Adventure
This is more than just a boat ride. It’s a glimpse into old Bangkok, where canals once served as the city’s lifeline. The experience promises temple visits, cultural stops, and plenty of street food indulgence. Highlights include: - Historic Forts: Phra Sumen Fort and Pom Mahakan Fort
- Sacred Shrines: Chao Pho Nu Shrine and Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Shrine
- Floating Markets & Local Eats: Bang Lamphu Canal Hawker Center and Ban Phan Thom Market
- Iconic Temples: Wat Sangwet Witsayaram, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Tri Thotsathep, Wat Pari Nayok, and Wat Ratchanatdaram
This immersive “fort-to-fort” journey offers a perfect mix of heritage, cuisine, and community spirit—an opportunity to wander, taste, and take in the sights at your own pace.
Executives from the Traffic and Transportation Department, the Public Works Department, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, Phra Nakhon District Office, and Chanasongkram Police Station joined the tour to ensure the experience is smooth, safe, and ready to welcome the crowds.
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