Using the river boat system on the Chao Phraya is a must! It is affordable and convenient with access to the many tourist attractions. Most people start from the Central Pier (Saphan Taksin is the stop from the Sky Train). But once at the Central Pier, things can be very confusing.
First, do not buy a ticket from anyone that approaches you. They will try and sell a ticket at an inflated cost and push a private long boat for about 500 baht.

You have two options, there is a tourist boat and all day pass for 150 baht or 40 baht for one way trip. Or, do what the locals do and just pay the local transport boat which is only 15 baht. The tourist boat does have an English speaking tour guide that explains what is at each pier they stop. This is good if you have not done much research. I did the tourist one way route for 40 baht and did learn a good amount of what is at each stop. The remaining days I just paid the 15 baht and explored on my own.

The key here is not to buy a ticket from anyone that approaches you. In the photos you can see people in the light blue polo shirts. They work for the tourist boat. a line forms behind this area for the local boat that cost 15 baht. If you’ve done your research this is the best way to go. All the piers are well marked so you know where you are.

Note: The tourist guide boat has blue flags on the boat while the local boat has orange flags flying.

Address:  If you are staying near a BTS station, take the Skytrain to Saphan Taskin stop.

Smooth Curry is located in the Atheena Hotel. This is an upscale place but is not stuffing at all. The staff are very attentive and I was escorted to a table immediately. This restaurant is known for their signature dishes. I looked through the signature dishes and the Massaman Curry caught my eye. Specifically this was the Beef Cheeks Massaman Curry and according to staff this is the most popular dish at the restaurant. Although it is rather expensive at 675 Baht, it was my last meal in Bangkok so I went for it.

The dish did not disappoint. It was not much to look at as far as plating. It is brought out in a very large pot. This meal is big enough for two. A special rice is bought out separately and as you run out, wait staff are fast to be right a table side with more. The Massaman was truly excellent. The curry itself had amazing flavor and could be a meal without the beef and just add to the rice. I wish I found this place sooner. I would eat this dish again even though it is very pricey by Bangkok standards. After all is said and done, I only had the Massaman and the total was 800 Baht because tax and service is included.

Address:  Located on the 3rd floor of the Atheena Hotel on Wireless Road.

Hours: Lunch is only Monday through Friday 11:30am to 2:30pm.  Dinner is Monday through Sunday from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

This street vendor is very popular and well advertised on Soi Rambuttri. I walked past several times and I noticed how clean everything looked. So I decided to stop in for some Pad Thai which I haven’t had yet on this trip. The cook makes everything to order. The Pad Thai is made with four different type noodles. You have an option to add only egg (30 baht), chicken and egg (50 baht) or shrimp and egg (50 baht). I chose the chicken and egg pad Thai. There is a small counter directly in front of the cart where I sat. On the counter is slices of lime, fresh cut red chile’s and chopped peanuts which you can add for taste.

This was a very large portion. And it taste great. I like that I can add as much lime as I like. This was one of the better street food experiences I’ve had. I definite must try when on Soi Rambuttri.

Address: Street Vendor, Soi Rambuttri about 50 meters from Madame Musur.

This restaurant is right on Soi Rambuttri in a nice shaded location. They have a few tables out front right on the edge of Rambuttri. This is a nice place to kick back, enjoy a drink and do some people watching. They have a nice selection of menu items so I ordered a little snack.
I ordered the Tao Hoo Pad Medmamuanghimmaphan, which is stir fried cashews, Tofu and chili paste. When the dish came it was nice to see more vegetables but it did lack in a good portion of cashews. The plate is on the sweet side which is fine. The cost was only 120 Baht which is a pretty good deal. They also have good wifi.

I really enjoyed the meal and watching the goings on of Rambuttri. I would definitely go here again.

Address: 41 Soi Rambuttri, Bangkok

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 8:00am to 12:00am.