The
main canal route that has a similar kind of service to that of the river
express boats is Khlong Saen Saep. This is a very similar service, but
operated by longtail boats which tend to be more frequent and slightly more
expensive (around 5B to 15B). They're more difficult to get on and off also,
due to having to step under a bar direct on to the seats, as compared to the
River Express where entrance is onto an open ended platform on the end of
the boat. They also make the same rapid stops, and falling into the dirty
canal is a distinct possibility if you're not careful. It's often necessary
to get off while the boat is still moving, albeit very slowly. Tickets are
always be bought onboard.
The Khlong Saen Saep boats offer a useful service from Banglamphu
all the way across the city to the Ramkhamhaeng University area. The most
useful stops for visitors are perhaps, Tha Banglamphu / Tha Phanfa, Tha Saphan
Hua Chang, near Jim Thompson's House and MBK shopping, Tha Pratunam, off Ratchprarop
road near the World Trade Center, Tha Asok, off Asok road (Sukhumvit Soi 21)
and off Soi Ekkamai off Sukhumvit road. This is one of the best ways to get
across town, but get on a boat and more often that not, there's no farang
on it. This is perhaps due to the fact that very few details of these boats
are given in any of the guidebooks, also the piers are a little hidden away,
and can take a bit of effort to find. It's not uncommon to have some of the
dirty water splashed up on to the passengers also.
The Banglamphu pier is just off Ratchadamnoen road under a bridge,
not far from either Wat Ratchanada or Wat Saket. Tha Saphan Hua Chang pier
is located under a bridge at the end of Soi Kasem San. Boats going left from
here go to Banglamphu, right to Pratunam.
Longtail boats can also be chartered, normally to go on tours
round the canals of Thonburi. See the Thonburi
section for information about this.
The
main canal route that has a similar kind of service to that of the 
