Bangkok has two kinds of electric boat a visitor can use: electric scheduled boats on the Chao Phraya, and small electric boat taxis on the old canals in the city centre, booked in an app much like a car. Both can start from the Chinatown bank — just a ฿5 ferry from the pier at the end of our lane.
The electric boats on the Chao Phraya run as scheduled lines, each with its own colour. They're air-conditioned, quieter than the diesel boats, and many routes take tap-to-pay debit or credit cards. The information we've gathered says some lines call at Ratchawong on the Chinatown bank — one ferry ride from Tha Din Daeng. Check the board on the pier for electric boats and the next departure.
Since early 2026, small electric boat taxis have run on Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem and Khlong Bang Lamphu, calling at piers by places like Hua Lamphong, Nang Loeng Market, Phra Sumen Fort and Ratchadamnoen. They run in the daytime only and are booked and paid through the MuvMi app — a good way to see the old canals and waterside neighbourhoods that cars can't reach.
| Topic | River e-boat | Canal e-boat taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Where | The Chao Phraya | Canals in the old town |
| Nearest to us | Ratchawong, a ฿5 ferry away | Hua Lamphong, one MRT stop |
| Hours | Per the pier timetable | Daytime only |
| Payment | Tap-to-pay card or cash | In the app |
| Best for | Actually getting somewhere along the river | A slow look at the old canals |
Many river e-boat lines take tap-to-pay debit or credit cards — keep some cash as a backup. The canal boat taxis are paid in the MuvMi app.
The electric boats are separate lines from the Chao Phraya express boats and stop at a different set of piers. They're air-conditioned, quieter and take cards, while the express boats are split by flag colour and mostly take cash.
Usually yes, but heavy rain or rough water can change the schedule. Check the pier board or message us to help re-plan.
Tap a name to drop a pin in Google Maps. We use the English spelling Google recognises.
* Electric-boat lines, piers, times and fares are compiled from news and published information as of September 2026, not yet confirmed with the operators, and change often. Always check the pier board or the app before you travel.
MuvMi is a trademark of its owner. House of Happiness is not affiliated with any boat operator or app.
Written by the House of Happiness team · Last updated
