While on a boat cruise on the Chao Praya River recently I thought to myself “wouldn’t it be cool to jump on a jet ski and zip past all these temples, river boat barges, long tail boats, ferry boats, river cruise boats and anything else that commonly floats past the banks of Bankok”.
A search yielded no results other then one – a tour offered by a local named Many who mentioned a stop at a jet ski center, marina and restaurant. She offered a full day tour but I was just interested in the jet skiing. I reached out to her and soon had this experience booked.
After meeting, I found out that I was her first customer in two years of offering this tour. A shame to be sure, as she knows the city very well and focuses on unique experiences and activities in Bangkok and beyond – often off the beaten path (including home stay and other eco tourism activities).
Onward and up river we went – to Haven 69 Marina & Cuisine in the vicinity of Ko Kret (an island north of Bangkok that I had visited during a prior trip).
We saw the owner, Khun Ott making tracks on his way to meet us at the marina. Soon I was seated on the jet ski, Ott seated behind me (to help guide and jump in the water to remove plastic, weeds and other debris that is often floating in this part of the river). I’ve visited many Wats in town before via a variety of transportation options, but never from the backseat of a jet ski. First up was the giant golden Buddha at Wat Bangchak. Then skirting the banks of Ko Kret (and island known for pottery and other artisans).
At times the Chao Praya was rough with waves – at other times it was oh so glassy and we could crank the throttle to over 60kph.
It is quite the thrill to be racing past gleaming golden wats, tall buildings, under bridges and past a number of floating river vessels all the while realizing you are surrounded by a major city on both sides of the river!
Allow one hour minimum for a tour near Koh Kret – allow at least two hours to explore the heart of Bangkok down to Asiatique and then back to the marina.
Great post about how to be spontaneous… people tend to be entirely too regimented while traveling, and I like how you’re discussing how to do something different, for a change!
Thanks Tracy – it took me far to many trips to Bangkok to finally come up with this idea!
This sounds like such a fun way to see the area. What a clever idea! I can’t believe you were the first customer for this tour in 2 years. That’s crazy!
Yep, a bit unusual way to see Bangkok for sure! Yea 2 years, sheesh!
This sounds awesome. Totally doing this. Thanks!
How long did you jet Ski for ? Did you have to do a full day tour or were you able to just do a quick Jet Ski ? Cost ?
Great post Dave, and yes, it’s a bit rare for tourists but very popular with the local Jet Skiers, and pleasure boaters who share the same marina (Haven 69) and others up and down the river. I put our Speedster 150 pocket jet boat in there and explore the Khlongs, canals, river and tributaries north and south, great fun and unlimited places to go, lots to see, and great places to stop, eat, and stay.
Abdul – nice to see you in town last month – not sure if you had a chance to jump on the jetski or not but this is always a fun activity along the river
Vijay – I was on the jetski for several hours – you can certainly go longer if you want.
Thanks Chris – its a great spot to explore a part of town that sees few tourists 🙂
Hi Dave,
Any idea if they are still operating? Would you happen to have a phone number which I can contact for this tour? Am going to Bangkok with some mates this weekend and would love to try out a jet ski on the Chao Praya River 🙂 What was the cost like?
Regards,
Kumar
Kumar – yes as far as i know they are still operating – my experience was only last year. Their phone is: +66 2 159 0110 – I think the cost was somewhere in the $80 to $100 range but it all depends on the length of your run on the river.