Maha Rat Road runs behind the Grand Palace along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin district. This lively street connects famous temples like Wat Pho, known for its giant reclining Buddha, and Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace, both important stops for most visitors. Walking Maha Rat, you’ll find a mix of street food stalls, heritage shophouses, and small cafés, with several local restaurants and some trendy ones listed in the Michelin Guide. Small sois lead down to the river, offering peaceful views, quiet riverside cafés and vintage guesthouses with balconies over the water on one side, and amazing views of Wat Pho on the other.
Maha Rat Road offers a taste of old Bangkok: daytime markets, curry rice vendors and classic noodle shops are found especially near Tha Tien and Tha Chang piers. Some riverside hotels and bars offer rooftop terraces with sunset views of Wat Arun across the river. Maha Rat Road is for those who want to experience Bangkok’s royal landmarks, lively local food, hidden cafés and the charm of riverside living; all within a short walk. The unique mix of historic sights and everyday life makes it popular with visitors looking for something more authentic than the city’s modern centres.
The Grand Palace of Bangkok, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Phra Kaew (or Wat Pra Kaew) are, without a doubt, the most famous landmarks in Bangkok, and they are often seen in many movies. Despite being such a touristic icon, this is still the number one place to see while in Bangkok, a marvel of delicate and intricate craftwork, architecture, carving and painting.
Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, is such an iconic landmark of Bangkok that it is on everyone's list of places to visit, even on a short trip.
Ha Tien Cafe hides near Maharat Road in the Tha Tien district, steps away from Wat Pho. This vintage-style cafe occupies a century-old shophouse transformed into a three-storey space filled with antique furniture, taxidermied animals, and vintage collectables.
Nusara is one of the best dinners we've had in Bangkok for a long time. Chef Ton, a long-time friend, created this restaurant as a tribute to his grandmother, who inspired his love for Thai cooking.
Chakrabongse Dining occupies a unique location by the riverside of Bangkok. Built in 1908 by Prince Chakrabongse as a riverside retreat, the villa overlooks Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River, creating an unmatched backdrop for a romantic dinner.
Eagle Nest is one of those rooftops I keep going back to. It’s not high up like many others in Bangkok, but the view is hard to beat. Located right on top of Sala Rattanakosin Hotel, the bar looks directly across the river to Wat Arun.
Tha Tian Market is a sizable community marketplace on Rattanakosin Island, right next to Wat Pho. It offers a unique shopping experience, thanks to its largely local clientele. Most of the vendors sell dried salted seafood wholesale and retail, but you can also find fresh produce and daily necessities.
Sala Rattanakosin is a small hotel tucked into a narrow alley along the Chao Phraya River, just a few steps from Tha Tien Pier. It’s easy to miss from the street, but once inside, the setting is striking
Tha Phra Chan is a historic pier on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Named after a bronze bell that once hung in a nearby temple, this important transportation hub serves as a gateway to many notable attractions in Bangkok Old Town, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho.
Tha Maharaj is a riverside community mall in Bangkok’s Old Town, just next door to Tha Phra Chan Pier. It’s one of those places I like to stop by after wandering around the temples or the amulet markets nearby.
Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit doesn’t always show up on first-timers’ lists, but it’s one of the oldest and most significant temples in Bangkok. You’ll find it tucked between the Grand Palace and what used to be the Front Palace — not far from Sanam Luang.
Museum Siam in Bangkok Old Town offers an interactive and engaging way to learn about Thailand’s history and culture. It occupies a 19th-century building on Sanam Chai Road, which puts you within a 5-minute walk of Wat Pho.
Willy Thuan is the founder of Phuket 101, which was first published in 2011.
After travelling through 40+ countries and working with Club Med and Expedia, he settled in Phuket in 1994. He shares real travel insights with original photography and videos from across Thailand.View Author posts
