Published on December 8, 2014
The Thai peoples’ long affinity with water allows travelers to explore Thailand’s rivers and sea ports with ease.
1.1. Sea Port
1.1.1. Phuket Port
Cruise ships stopping at Phuket tender off Patong Beach during high season between November and April; the rest of the year, they stop at the Port of Phuket. Wherever they stop off Phuket, arriving cruise vessels are excellently placed to take in the charms of Phuket and nearby islands on the Andaman Sea. From Phuket Port, travelers can easily proceed to Katong Beach and Phuket Town; the latter is a twenty-minute drive away by taxi or bemo.
1.1.2. Laem Chabang Port
Thailand’s largest port lies on Thailand’s east coast, intended to be the country’s main port in place of Bangkok Port thanks to the former’s larger capacity. International cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises make regular stops here, exploiting its easy access to Bangkok and Pattaya. Some smaller ships proceed up the Chao Phraya River to enter Bangkok itself. laemchabangport.com.
1.2. River-based
1.2.1. Ayutthaya Sightseeing and Chao Phraya River Cruising
Known as the “River of Kings” the Chao Phraya is Thailand’s most important waterway, winding through laid-back countryside villages and majestic cultural landmarks. Starting in Bangkok, river explorers can cruise down the Chao Phraya to see the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Arun; further from the city, the Chao Phraya winds past the ruins of Ayutthaya, a former Thai capital.
