One private boat. One river. Endless stories of Bangkok.
A one-of-a-kind designed boat that blends craft, culture, and river views into a quiet journey through Bangkok. Cruise the city’s waterways on a private boat and take in the stories along its shores.
Preserving the Legacy of Thai Wooden Boats
For decades, wooden taxi boats have glided along the Chao Phraya River, carrying people, stories, and the spirit of riverside life. First built in the 1940s–1950s to ferry ship crews, these handcrafted vessels soon became icons of Thai ingenuity and craftsmanship. Each boat is a masterpiece of Thai craftsmanship, Built from hardwood and maintained with traditional know-how, these boats are living examples of Thailand’s riverside ingenuity.
Today, Jon Pichaya, in collaboration with The Roots Routes to keep this tradition alive, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to preserve the soul of Thai wooden boats for generations to come.
Revitalize and Re-design
A classic Chao Phraya taxi boat, restored in Krathum Baen and reimagined as a boutique cultural cruiser. The original timber hull and lively Thai lines remain, refreshed in red-orange, yellow, and black, while a teal roof with refined gold accents carries the John Pichaya signature. Inside, ergonomic wrap-around seating and hidden storage keep the deck open and photo-ready. Naga-scale detailing on rails and fascia, a sculpted gold prow crest, and a bold roof mark complete a vessel made for Thonburi canals and the Chao Phraya river, authentic heritage with modern comfort.
