CTB Unlimited Hop CHAO PHRAYA RIVER: All Day River Pass

Posted By : 168cecilh
We were totally shocked! And still in shock.
Shocked by the horrified experience we just had at the CHAO PHRAYA TOURIST BOAT ticket booth earlier today (around 11 am on 4/5/24). What a rude, uncivilized, and hostile customer service woman they have there, we felt discriminated by her behavior toward us, and whatever hidden agenda she has. I normally don't write reviews but I feel this needs to be shared so no one would experience what I have just experienced that can ruin the trip.

This is my first trip to Thailand, today is the 2nd day of the trip. Waking up with total joy and couldn't wait to see what Bangkok has to offer. We are group of 6 women and we purchased the $16 thb tickets to go visit the War Arun temple which we read online as many people and travel sites suggested. After purchased the tickets we then found out those tickets are sitting outside on the deck, also we have to wait half an hour for the boat to arrived. When we found out there's another boat leaves a bit earlier but the ticket has difference price which is $30 thb each (which information wasn't provided to us when we were trying to buy our tickets). We went back to the booth and try to see if we can exchange our tickets for the boat that is leaving sooner and we were willing to pay for the price difference. The girl sitting on the front booth is nice and pleasant and she is willing to let us exchange the tickets and pay for the differences, just as we were glad about it, a lady sitting in the back of the booth came out and told us that we can not exchange these tickets, and her sole reason was that she suggested us to buy the $30 tickets and we bought the $16 tickets. We tried to explain to her our new found informations but her said it's the rule and said we just can not exchange it (we guessed she's that girl's supervisor based on her stern and unwelcoming attitude toward us). And then strange thing she said also was that only if we destroy/tearing up our $16 tickets then we are allowed to buy new tickets. As I have travelled to few countries I have never heard of such things, so I questioned her and she became very angry and raised her voice. One of my friend who wanted to avoid further confrontations she went ahead and teared up her ticket in order to get a new ticket for the boat trip so we can all move forward with our day plan, my friend then said to that lady can I get a new ticket, and believe or not (no one would ever guessed), that hostile lady replied "I don't want to sell you the ticket", "I'm not going to sell you any tickets". We were shocked and confused with what we were hearing. As I have never experienced anything like this, I then said to her "this is not a good customer service practice of you". What I didn't expect next was that she stormed and came right out of the booth standing real close to me and shout at me "so what do you want", I was totally shocked and by her uncivilized behavior. I had such mix feeling when that happened I wanted to say something and let her know what she's doing isn't right, but my friends pulled me away from her to avoid making more scenes (already some people were looking wondering what happened).

So now we still have 5 tickets and can't go on the boat trip because we are 1 ticket short. And we don’t feel comfortable to get on their boat especially after she stormed out of the ticket booth like she’s looking for a fight. We are tourist in a foreign country who don't want any trouble.

Not sure what's going on with that woman but she totally ruined our boat trip, our trip plan. I simply hope her boss will find out what had happened today, as that woman is on the front line of their customer service. Her unruly and aggressive behavior should really be looked at.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-05 05:08:50

Posted By : ozziewanderer
Travelling with my husband who uses a small mobility scooter, I was worried that some reviews said staff were rude and kept yelling, and that the boat doesn’t wait long. Absolutely the opposite! Staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Yes there is a lot of yelling, but I think this is just their way to encourage people to keep moving. Everyone was wonderful. We had a lovely day! Thank you.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-26 05:30:37

Posted By : laormc
Great way to explore Bangkok. Enjoy the views from the upper deck of the boat. A bit crowded in the evening but still good!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-02-12 22:50:30

Posted By : John B
We used the hop on, hop off ferry a couple of times and found it a really great way to get around and to get quickly to some of the major tourist sites. The cost of an all day ticket at 200Baht we thought was excellent value. The boats run every half hour between 9am and about 10pm. A running commentary of what was at the various stops was given and with the all day ticket you receive a small tourist guide which we found very helpful. Highly recommended.
Rating :
Posted On : 2020-03-04 06:02:52

Posted By : Rachel P
We had no intention of doing this trip however the lovely man grabbed us when we got off the train. Only 200 Baht for unlimited hop on hop off boat trip along the river. It was suggested that we go straight to the Grand Palace as it closes at 3.30pm. Waiting time was minimal and we had a fantastic view of the river and everything along it. Great value for money and a relaxing day out.
Rating :
Posted On : 2020-02-27 01:14:50

Posted By : CorinT10
We only had 24 hours in Bangkok and wanted to get around as many sights as possible in that time. This is a fantastic way of doing that. We rode the boat one way up the river, getting off at each stop, visiting the sights, then hopping back on the next boat to continue the journey. Following a meal at the last stop, we made the return journey, riding the whole route without stopping. The boats were extremely efficient and stuck relentlessly to the time table. You have to be ready to hop on or off quickly! The cooling breeze out on the water was an added plus to the amazing sights and sounds of Bangkok.
Rating :
Posted On : 2020-02-16 05:45:57

Posted By : Nikki K
We took this boat tour and we were glad we did. It is the best way to see sights, it stops in all major sights like Wat Arun, Flower Market, Grand Palace.We paid 200 Bhat each for all day, it is pretty dissent. Boat is clean, well maintained, there is toilet and snack bar if I remember correctly.
There is a guide talking throughout the tour. Boat is very punctual so do not miss the last boat. Arrive on the pier 10 min before the departure time.
Rating :
Posted On : 2020-02-13 12:28:03

Posted By : lucasgeroni
Very handy, stopping at many points along the River. Seems easier than working out the public boats as can get on the wrong one. Boats keep to schedule and come every half an hour. Staff were friendly.
Rating :
Posted On : 2020-01-25 05:54:44

Posted By : Scenicview337
We bought this pass thinking it was a good deal. The boat schedule is unreliable, so don't count on it. On our way back, we had to wait one hour for this boat. Yes one hour! My kids were screaming bored to death. I should have just taken boat taxi paying as I go. This is a tourist trap. I don't recommend it.
Rating :
Posted On : 2020-01-20 17:54:14

Posted By : JoelK382
My wife and I enjoyed the hop and hop off option that this offered to see a variety of sites in Bangkok. We also used it during the daytime hours and at night to take pictures of the sites along the river. For $6 USD it is not a bad deal, but it is expensive for Thais.
Rating :
Posted On : 2020-01-10 20:08:10