From Samut Prakan to Bangkok (30 nm), the river is wide and from 7-15 metres deep. Tidal currents run at up to 2 knots. No hazards threaten, apart from floating plastic bags and large floating islands of water hyacinths.
Several jetties along both sides offer fuel and water. Beware of submerged piles around the jetties. Manoeuvre with caution. Khlong Toey, Bangkok’s commercial harbour along the banks of the river, has no facilities for yachts or small ships.
The first bridge, Rama IX Bridge (Saphan Phra Ram 9), is high enough for cargo ships. The second, the Bangkok Bridge (Saphan Krungthep), is about five metres high and used to open for shipping until another fixed bridge was built alongside.
These bridges are the last negotiable by boats with air clearance greater than four metres.
Two shipyards are available for small ship repairs: Banglampoo Lang Shipyard (slipway, tel: +66 2 437 7235, 437 5593), and the Wang Chao Shipyard (floating dry dock, tel: +66 2 291 5881).
Tridhos City Marina has marina and dry dock facilities for yachts up to 36 ft. (tel: +66 2 438-1123, fax: +66 2 438 6966).
The best area to moor a motor yacht, while visiting Bangkok, is on the west bank between the Bangkok and Sathorn (Taksin) bridges. Some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks are right on the river.
Between Sathorn and Krung Thon bridges, for example, you’ll find the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, the Royal Barge Museum, the Oriental Hotel, Shangri-la Hotel and more.
An exploration of the canal network, mostly on the Thonburi (west) side of the river, makes an especially memorable excursion. Longtail boats, rented by the hour, can be chartered at the jetties around the big hotels.
Allow at least 2-3 hours for a wide-ranging tour. Be prepared to bargain. And if you don’t want to be dropped off at tourist souvenir shops, tell the boat driver in advance.
Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam’s ancient Kingdom, is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Thailand. Going upriver is an unforgettable experience. The broad Chao Phraya is deep and easily navigable, its banks mostly clear. Traditional houses on stilts house people pursuing a lifestyle little changed over the centuries.
Most Buddhist temples are happy to welcome a visiting yacht for the night. Indeed, you’re likely to become the chief attraction of the local village.
Water is readily available, and basic Thai food can be found in the markets of Pathum Thani, Bang Pa-In and Ayutthaya.
Above Ayutthaya, the Chao Phraya River is no longer subject to tidal currents, and is purely fresh water. The river is regulated by the dam at Chai Nat, some 120 km upstream; the 2-3 knot current allows for pleasant navigation.
Giant shade trees, sounds of gongs from fantastic temples appearing every 500 metres or so, houses on stilts with small wooden jetties from which children swim in the river, little wooden sampans selling bananas – it’s a trip back in time.
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate, the charts of anchorages are based on personal experience and satellite imagery and are intended as a guide only. They should not be used for navigation. Please refer to Official Hydrographic Charts of the respective countries.
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