What to Do by the Riverside in Bangkok?
No visit to Bangkok is complete without exploring its sights along the Chao Phraya River, the mighty waterway that weaves through the heart of the city. Explore the cityโs cultural treasures at such temples as Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, at the art and antiques galleries of River City Bangkok, or by wandering along the streets of Talad Noi. Delve into the lively entertainment hubs of Asiatique and IconSiam, or enjoy a night out amidst the old-town charm of Phra Athit Road. Read on to find out more about the 10 top things to see and do on Bangkokโs riverside.
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is an ornate Buddhist temple found within the sprawling grounds of the Grand Palace. One of Thailandโs most sacred sites, this temple, built in 1782 by King Rama I, is named for the Emerald Buddha statue that sits in the main ordination hall. Visitors could spend hours wandering the temple grounds, taking in its glittering spires, colourful Ramakian murals, and the large statues of Yaksha, the mythological giants that protect against evil spirits.
Filled with tourists and devotees every day, Wat Phra Kaew is a busy place, so expect to find crowds here no matter when you visit. Thereโs an entry fee to visit Wat Phra Kaew, and a modest dress is required. Sarongs are available if you need more clothing to cover up.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkokโs must-see landmarks with its shimmering spires and stunning riverside location. Dating back to the Ayutthaya period, this Buddhist temple was renovated and expanded during the reign of King Rama II in the early 19th century. Set on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arunโs 82-meter prang (tower) decorated with intricate glazed porcelain tiles is a sight to behold.
For a small entry fee, you can explore the temple grounds and even climb the central prang for breathtaking views across the river and city. The real magic happens at sunrise or sunset when the templeโs spires shine in the golden light. Remember to dress modestly; if you forget, sarongs are available for visitors to rent.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho is Bangkokโs largest temple, best known for its huge 46-metre-long reclining Buddha statue. This awe-inspiring golden statue is 15 meters tall and takes up most of the space inside the templeโs main assembly hall (viharn). Wat Pho is also a centre for Thai traditional medicine, and you could book a Thai or foot massage session through its massage school, or even take a massage course to learn how to practise this healing art.
Wat Phoโs expansive grounds have many statues, buildings, murals, and gardens to explore, including the impressive Phra Ubosot ordination hall and large granite statues of Chinese warriors. Visitors are asked to dress politely, and thereโs a fee for entry to the temple.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex with a 60-metre Ferris wheel, carousel, and riverside walkway. Once the location of the East Asiatic Companyโs port warehouse, Asiatique is now a lively shopping area with a night market, dozens of shops selling clothing and souvenirs, several restaurants, game rooms, and a haunted house ride called Mystery House. Itโs also home to Calypso Bangkok, a colourful cabaret show with 2 performances every evening.
Entry to Asiatique is free, but tickets must be purchased for the Calypso show, as well as rides on the Ferris wheel and Mystery House attractions. Asiatique offers a free shuttle boat service connecting its pier to the Sathorn pier every half hour from 4 pm to 11.30 pm daily.
IconSiam
IconSiam in Bangkok is a premier shopping destination offering a blend of luxury, culture, and entertainment. The mallโs IconLuxe zone features world-renowned luxury brands, while its SookSiam area provides an immersive cultural experience with traditional Thai crafts, street food, and performances. Another highlight at IconSiam is its many dining spots, with a great choice of cafes and restaurants offering everything from local street food delights to global cuisines.
IconSiam also hosts numerous events and exhibitions year-round, ranging from fashion shows to cultural festivals. Tech enthusiasts will not want to miss the Apple Store, with its unique glass design and shiny new gadgets on display. IconSiam offers a complimentary boat shuttle service connecting the mallโs pier to the Sathorn and Si Phraya piers, and itโs also easily accessible via the BTS service.
Talad Noi
Talad Noi is one of the best places to go in Bangkok to taste the cityโs history and authentic roots. The Talad Noi neighbourhood sits next to Chinatown, and its narrow alleys, shophouses, temples, and markets offer a colourful view of the cityโs Chinese and Thai cultural mix. Established some 200 years ago, Talad Noi was once a bustling port and industrial area and home to many Chinese immigrants who stayed and built their fortunes there.
So, the Heng Tai Mansion is a landmark building in Talad Noi, which is a fine example of the early 20th-century European-Chinese style architecture of the area. Take some time to wander and see all the murals and street art, and be sure to stop at some of Talad Noiโs trendy cafes set in historic shophouses.
Tha Maharaj
Tha Maharaj is a shopping and dining destination in the old town area of Bangkok, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Found within easy reach of some of Thailandโs well-known landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Tha Maharaj is a cultural hub that offers a mix of old-town charm and contemporary amenities.
The restored shophouses feature a variety of shops, including clothing, jewellery, accessory stores, and souvenir shops, as well as restaurants and cafes like S&P, Swensenโs, Subway, and Starbucks. Visitors can enjoy scenic river views from the riverside eateries and the upper levels. Tha Maharaj is easily accessible by ferry, bus, and MRT, and even has its own pier for convenient riverboat access.
Wang Lang Market
Wang Lang Market is the perfect choice if you like to try authentic Thai street food and see the real Thai market. It is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, opposite the National Museum and the Grand Palace of Bangkok. The market is trendy for all ages, and you will find all types of food and clothing stores.
Wang Lang market is full of street food vendors, you can find all types of Thai food along the way, popular dishes you can find are Som Tum, Egg noodles and Thai seafood. Other than that, the market is also famous for its desserts ranging from local Thai desserts such as coconut ice cream and kanom krok to famous Thai dessert brands like Bearhouse and Kamu.
River City Bangkok
River City Bangkok is a large arts centre filled with antique shops and art galleries spread over its four-storey building on the riverbank. River City is host to several exhibitions and art-focused events throughout the year, so thereโs always something new to see when visiting. Serious collectors or casual visitors alike could enjoy hours of exploration amid centuries-old treasures from across the region and cutting-edge creations by local artists.
Meet artists in their on-site studios, and have a chance to see their latest works in progress. The Gallery Shop is worth a stop to find art prints, postcards, jewellery, art books, and more. Just a 5-minute walk away from River City Bangkok is Warehouse 30, a former industrial space turned community arts centre with several galleries, shops, and cafes to discover.
Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan
Wat Kanlayanamit is a magnificent temple on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It was constructed in 1825 during the reign of King Rama III on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famous for its Buddha image of Phra Phuttha Trai Rattananayok, more commonly known as Luangpho To.
The main attraction of this temple is the Buddha image of Luangpho To. The Buddha image stands at a staggering height of 14 metres and spans 10 metres. What makes it unique is that during the reign of King Rama III, this Buddha image was the only image with a Palilai posture. It is located at the centre of the temple in the main sanctuary.
Seen Rooftop Bar at Avani Hotel Bangkok
Seen Rooftop Bar at Avani Hotel has an interesting location on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, just opposite the famous Asiatique night market. In case you are not familiar with the Thonburi side of Bangkok, most people only visit when they go to Wat Arun. It might be why this rooftop can afford to be so vast, and Seen took full advantage of so much space. The place is well-designed, with a bar next to a very cool open lounge. Further, you will even find a massive infinity pool, but itโs probably reserved for hotel guests.
Being on this side of the river is a challenge; there were only two other rooftop bars: the beautiful but not-so-well-known 360 at Millennium Hilton and the small 342 Bar opposite Grand Palace. Most of the time, residents and travellers are a little reluctant to travel on this side of Bangkok; it seems to be a bit remote, and they are always worried about the traffic. But such a beautiful view with a good atmosphere and super comfortable sitting is worth going.
Three Sixty Rooftop Bar at Millennium Hilton Bangkok
The Three Sixty Rooftop Bar at Millennium Hilton Bangkok is superb but underappreciated. This might be because, from a distance, the bar appears to be situated inside an indoor panoramic cupola. Located just next to IconSiam, this bar boasts fantastic views, as it appears to hang high above the busy Chao Phraya River. However, it would not qualify as a rooftop bar if there were no outdoor area.
You need to walk behind that cupola to find the real outdoor terrace and its dedicated bar with plenty of super comfortable sofas to hang and watch boats and barges gliding down the river and the daylight fading away on the Bangkok skyline.
EAGLE NEST Rooftop Bar
Eagle Nest is one of those rooftops I keep going back to. Itโs 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, and just behind you is Wat Pho. The view becomes quite special when the sun starts to set and the lights come on.
I usually come here after a walk through the old city or following a temple visit. Itโs a great way to wind down with a drink and a bit of quiet. The space is small โ just a few tables and a bar โ but thatโs part of the charm. Thereโs no loud music, no flashy design, just a peaceful view and a nice breeze from the river.
342 Bar
342 Bar is one of those rooftops you almost miss unless someone points it out. Itโs located on the fifth floor of Baan Wanglang Riverside Hotel, right on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. Itโs not high up, but the view is hard to beat โ directly across the water, youโre facing the Grand Palace, and the golden spires of Rattanakosin. At sunset, the whole area glows.
Getting there is part of the experience. You can take a ferry across from Tha Chang Pier or just walk from Wang Lang Market if youโre already on this side of the river. Once you arrive, the rooftop is small and simple, with a handful of tables and a casual setup. Itโs quiet, relaxed, and refreshingly free of crowds.
Pak Khlong Talad
Pak Khlong Talad is Bangkokโs largest wholesale and retail fresh flower market, located on Chak Phet Road near the Memorial Bridge of the Chao Phraya River. The marketโs vast array of local and imported flowers, such as roses, tulips, lilies, and orchids, on display offers an all-sensory delight to those wandering through.
Pak Khlong Talad is open 24 hours, but it is best seen at nighttime when itโs most colourful and lively. The busiest hours at the market are from midnight to dawn, when floral suppliers are bringing their fresh goods to market vendors. The market is a short walk from the river, and several sights like Wat Pho are found nearby.
Phra Athit Road
Phra Athit Road, a well-known street in the Banglamphu neighbourhood, is a colourful area to hang out in, with its restored buildings and vibrant dining and nightlife choices. Historically, it was home to nobility and foreign ambassadorsโ residences. Today, the road features important institutions like the Office of the Council of State and UNICEF Thailand.
Visitors can explore the historic Phra Sumen Fort, built in 1783 for city defence, now a landmark with a museum and original cannons. Phra Athit Road offers diverse dining options, live music venues, and cosy cafes. At the north end of Phra Athit Road is Santi Chai Prakan Park, a leafy-green place to relax with views of the Rama VIII Bridge, jogging paths, and spots for tai chi and music. Lively Khao San Road is less than 10 minutes away on foot.
Che Chin Khor Temple
Che Chin Khor Temple is a small but beautiful Chinese-Thai temple located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is easy to recognise because of its colourful and detailed Chinese pagoda that rises over the river. The temple is peaceful, and not many tourists visit it, which makes it a pleasant stop if they are exploring the riverside area.
The main highlight is the 8-storey pagoda, called Phra Phothisat Kuan Im Chedi. It is built in a traditional Chinese style, covered with red, gold, and green tiles. The pagoda is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, who is very important in Chinese Buddhism. Unfortunately, visitors are usually not allowed to climb the pagoda, but they can admire it from the outside and enjoy the quiet temple grounds.
Guan Yu Shrine (Khlong San)
Guan Yu Shrine (Khlong San) is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Guan, the god of loyalty and morality according to Chinese beliefs. The shrine is located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi. It is another go-to place in Thonburi and is easily accessible as it is only 1.5 km away from Iconsiam and only 1.4 km away from Wat Arun.
Guan Yu Shrine is thought to be over 280 years old and is the oldest Guan Yu shrine in Thailand. It was built during King Borommakotโs reign and the late blooming period of the Ayutthaya era. There is a belief that King Taksin (The King of Thonburi) would come to worship at this shrine before going to battle to give him good luck.
Princess Mother Memorial Park
Princess Mother Memorial Park is a quiet and respectful place dedicated to Princess Srinagarindra, the mother of the late King Rama IX. Itโs located on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, just a short walk from the Chao Phraya River and near the small Guan Yu Shrine. Despite being in a busy part of the city, the park feels peaceful and a bit hidden, making it a pleasant place to take a break.
The park is a mix of well-kept gardens, shady walkways, and a group of small museum buildings. Inside the buildings, visitors can learn more about Princess Srinagarindraโs life and her important role in modern Thai history. She was deeply involved in improving public health, education, and rural development across the country.
The Old Customs House Bangkok
The Old Customs House Bangkok is one of those places that used to feel like a secret. Right on the Chao Phraya River in Bangrak district, just next to the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel and directly opposite the massive IconSiam shopping mall, this beautiful European-style building sat quietly for decades, long after it had any official use. We visited a few times over the years, always amazed at how such an important piece of history could be hiding in plain sight, abandoned and slowly fading.
Built in 1888 during the reign of King Rama V, the Old Customs House was designed by an Italian architect and originally served as the first customs office in the capital. Back when Bangkok was starting to open up to international trade, this spot was the gateway for goods entering Siam by river. It was a symbol of modernisation, and a sign that Bangkok was
Tha Phra Chan
Tha Phra Chan is a riverside pier in Bangkok Old Town, just a short walk from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Itโs more than just a place to catch a ferry โ the area has a great old Bangkok feel that I always enjoy. The name comes from an old bronze bell that once hung in a nearby temple, and it still feels like a piece of the cityโs past.
Right next to the pier is a maze of covered lanes, packed with tiny shops selling amulets and religious charms. The atmosphere is lively and a bit chaotic, but itโs fascinating to walk through โ people come from all over to browse or trade amulets here. Itโs one of those places where you feel like not much has changed in decades.
