Rating: 4/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily

Opening Hours: Generally 07:00 – 15:00 (chartered boats / contact the pier), with a scheduled passenger boat at 12:30

 

Tha Ton Pier (Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai) is one of Northern Thailand’s most classic starting points for a river journey. From this small pier on the Kok River, you can actually take a long-tail boat and “go with the flow” all the way to Chiang Rai—in a way that still carries the old-school charm of travel: the engine’s hum, the wind in your face, and riverside village scenery that slowly changes with each bend of the river.

 

Services at Tha Ton Pier generally fall into two main options: a daily scheduled passenger boat and private charter boats for small groups. Information commonly shared indicates that the passenger boat departs Tha Ton for Chiang Rai around 12:30. The overall trip typically runs from early afternoon into late afternoon or evening, but arrival time can vary depending on water levels and weather. If you have onward plans, it’s smarter to build in extra buffer time and keep the schedule flexible.

 

The charm of departing from Tha Ton is that it’s not simply “getting from point A to point B.” It’s a chance to watch the Kok River at work, see the deep green along both banks, pass homes and everyday life close to the water, and take a real pause from noise without forcing it. On clear days—or even with thin clouds—the light tends to soften, and the mountain views around Tha Ton can look especially gentle.

 

Safety and boat readiness are also reasons many visitors feel more at ease. Boats are described as providing life jackets, and the passenger capacity per boat is often shared as a small group (commonly around 6 people per trip in several sources). In some seasons—especially during very low water or after heavy rain—operators may adjust passenger numbers or temporarily suspend trips for safety. Before you go, it’s strongly recommended to call ahead to confirm river conditions and the latest schedule.

 

Costs for boat travel “depend on the destination and the type of service.” Information commonly found suggests the Tha Ton–Chiang Rai passenger boat fare is approximately 350–400 THB per person. There are also shorter route drop-offs such as Had Wua Dam, hot springs, or the Ruam Mit village area, where prices vary by distance and current arrangements. If you want full control of timing—stopping for photos or taking breaks at spots you like—a charter boat is more flexible, but you should confirm pricing and conditions clearly before departure.

 

Getting There If you are driving, set your map to “Tha Ton” in Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai, then head into the riverside community area where the pier is located. The key is to arrive well before the scheduled passenger boat time to allow for ticketing, contacting the boat team, and getting your belongings ready—especially if you plan to take the 12:30 departure. If you intend to charter a boat, it’s best to call in advance to confirm your preferred time and the river conditions on your travel day.

 

 

A: It is in Tha Ton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai. The pier sits on the Kok River and is used for both scheduled passenger boats and private charters, including routes toward Chiang Rai.

 

A: The scheduled passenger boat is commonly reported to depart Tha Ton at 12:30. Travel time and arrival can vary depending on water levels and weather, so it’s wise to allow extra time.

 

A: It generally takes several hours and typically arrives in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on stops, river conditions, and the weather on the day.

 

A: The fare is commonly reported at around 350–400 THB per person, but it may change. For the most reliable number, call the pier before traveling.

 

A: A hat, sunglasses or wind protection, sunscreen, drinking water, and splash protection for valuables are recommended. Checking the weather in advance is also important, as trips may be suspended after heavy rain for safety.