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 city’s 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 Bangkok’s riverside.
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is an ornate Buddhist temple found within the sprawling grounds of the Grand Palace. One of Thailand’s 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. There’s 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 Bangkok’s 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 Arun’s 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 temple’s 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 Bangkok’s 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 temple’s 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 Pho’s 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 there’s 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 Company’s port warehouse, Asiatique is now a lively shopping area with a night market, dozens of shops selling clothing and souvenirs, several restaurants, games rooms, and a haunted house ride called Mystery House. It’s 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 mall’s 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 mall’s pier to the Sathorn and Si Phraya piers, and it’s also easily accessible via the BTS service.
Talad Noi
Talad Noi is one of the best places to go in Bangkok for a taste of the city’s 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 city’s 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 Heng Tai Mansion is a landmark building in Talad Noi that’s 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 Noi’s 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 from some of Thailand’s 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, Swensen’s, 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.
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 there’s 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.
Phra Athit Road
Phra Athit Road, a well-known street in the Banglamphu neighbourhood, is a colourful area to hang out with its restored buildings and vibrant dining and nightlife choices. Historically, it was home to nobility and foreign ambassadors’ 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.
Pak Khlong Talad
Pak Khlong Talad is Bangkok’s largest wholesale and retail fresh flower market, located on Chak Phet Road near the Memorial Bridge of Chao Phraya River. The market’s vast array of local and imported flowers such as roses, tulips, lilies, and orchids on display offer an all-sensory delight to those wandering through.
Pak Khlong Talad is open 24 hours but best seen at nighttime when it’s at its 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.
