Where to catch Bangkok riverside hotels’ complimentary shuttle boats

Pretty much all of the Bangkok hotels along the Chao Phraya River have complimentary shuttle boats running constantly between Sathorn Pier and the respective hotels.

Many people when considering booking a hotel by the riverside wonder where Sathorn Pier is and how difficult it is to find and board the free boats.

It is very easy to get to and even accessible by the BTS Skytrain from Saphan Taksin station on the Silom line. If you are somewhere along the Sukhumvit line you will need to go to Siam station and change to the Silom line.

Please note that Praya Palazzo shuttle boat leaves from Phra Athit Pier, see below for details.

Once you get off at Saphan Taksin, take exit number 2 and keep heading straight out of the station and head towards the river along the covered pathway past the scratching and sleeping dogs. The pier is right there on the left.

All of the major riverside hotels and some smaller boutique hotels that you probably haven’t heard of pick up and drop off passengers from Sathorn Pier on a regular basis.

Bangkok riverside hotels with free shuttle boats

The Peninsula Bangkok

The Peninsula is located diagonally across from the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain station and offers a free shuttle boat between 6am and midnight.

The Shangri-La Bangkok

The Shangri-La doesn’t have a free shuttle boat because it is within walking distance from the pier. Take exit number 1 from the BTS Skytrain Saphan Taksin station and walk a short distance. You will see signs. The entrance to the hotel is down a small street. Look for a Chinese shrine on the corner as your landmark.

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s free shuttle boat operates from 7am to 11pm. Call the hotel from Sathorn pier if you don’t want to wait for it’s regular round. +66 (2) 659 9000

Millennium Hilton Bangkok

The Millennium Hilton Bangkok’s free shuttle boat makes two stops, one at River City shopping complex adjacent to the hotel and then at the Sathorn pier with direct access to the BTS Skytrain.

See my review of Millenium Hilton Bangkok

Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort

Anantara Bangkok Riverside resort’s free shuttle boat departs the Sathorn pier all day until midnight at 30 minute intervals.

Ramada Plaza Menam

Departs Sathorn Pier every 30 minutes from 7am to 11pm.

Chatrium Suites

Chatrium Suites is downriver towards to Anantara.

See my review of Chatrium Suites

Phraya Palazzo

This boutique hotel can only be accessed by water and all check-in procedures take place at Phra Athit Pier. See map below for directions.

View Praya Palazzo in a larger map

Protip

Apart from Praya Palazzo, the hotel shuttle boats do not require passengers to show any proof that they are staying at the hotel. You could take a free river cruise on these boats and enjoy the sights of the River of Kings even if you are not a guest.

The trip to Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort takes about 15-20 minutes and they have a marvelous riverside buffet with a huge selection of Thai and international dishes, which makes for a very pleasant night out.