My Neighborhood: Boats Along the Chao Phraya River
Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11:41AM 
I live just north of Bangkok in a neighborhood near the Chao Phraya River. It is easy for me to go down by the river, and I do it often, at any time of day, usually with my good camera. I always enjoy the activity on the river near and around the riverside market town.
There are, of course, many small ferry boats taking people either out to Koh Kret (a nearby island in the river without bridge access and without roads for cars), or just to the other side of the river.
Ferry boats dock at the old wooden piers in the old market at Pakkret. I often take this ferry out to Koh Kret.
There are so many different kinds and types of boats on the Chao Phraya River. These fishermen provided a lot of interest to the riverside diners . . . and me.
The Chao Phraya River is still and important commercial transport waterway. It is not unusual to see these large tug boats hauling three or four huge barges up or down the river.
Of course, boats are not all you can see along the river.
There is always a flurry of boat traffic on the river.
Some of these docked ferries are long distance "river taxis" that go all the way down to central Bangkok, 30 kilometers away.
There are always the famous Thai long-tail boats to see.
Long-tail boats are a faster way to get around on the river. They can take you right to your house or riverside business. They cost a little more, but are very fast and fun to ride.
There are many Thai Buddhist Temples (Wats) along the river, so it is not uncommon to see monks riding a ferry.
A great variety of ferries ply the river.
Long-tail boats come in all sizes. This man is delivering some packages out on the island.
In the mornings there is a packed 'rush hour" on the ferries.
At other times of day the ferries are mostly empty (except on the week-ends when many Bangkok tourists go to Koh Kret).
The big long distance river commuter boats do not operate on week-ends and are all tied up on in Pakkret.
A busy river crossing at Pakkret.
Some of these long-tail boats are quite large. You often see these in the mornings full of students on their way to school or college.
The scenery along the river is quite fantastic. I love the aesthetics of the houses on stilts in the river. When I first moved to Thailand (29 years ago) I wanted to live on the river in one of these wooden houses. Try as I might, I couldn't make it happen. But I love where I am living now. I still have to pinch myself that this is my neighborhood.
Four cute dogs on a boat.
Getting somewhere fast on the river.
A big ferry taking Bangkok day-trippers out to Koh Kret.
A big tug boat laboring up the Chao Phraya River.
If you want to get around on the river in a BIG HURRY . . . this is your best way: a hair-raising jaunt on a modified long-tail boat.
Bangkok tourists boarding their ferry to Koh Kret.
Local Bangkok tourists on an outing.
Big tourist ferry crowded for the day trip.
Some likely international tourists chose to take a fast long-tail boat out to the island. Fun, fun, fun!
I often take this very ferry when I go out to Koh Kret. I love the steering wheel on this one.
If you lived on the river you would never have to leave the house! Restaurant boats (like this one) and fruit & vegetable boats make the rounds every day.
There are many, many different ferries along my stretch of the Chao Pryaya River.
Long-tail boats parked in their shed.
A typical river scene out on Koh Kret.
The famous tilting chedi of Koh Kret. An old rice barge that was converted to a tourist floating hotel comes into view. People stay on these these for 2-3 day cruises up the Chao Phraya River to the ancient capitol of Ayutthaya.
A beautiful view of Koh Kret and a giant Buddha image along the river.
Need to get some merchandise out to your island shop? No problem, just flag down a passing long-tail boat.
The ubiquitous Thai long-tail boat . . . .
After I explore along the river, taking photos of boats, I pass through the old town of Pakkret for more photos . . . and another blog entry from MY NEIGHBORHOOD.