Piers/Trip No. 1
2
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
HO
13
P
ON
HO
14
P
OF
F
15
16
17
18
11.30 12.00 12.30 13.00 13.30 14.00 14.30 15.00 15.30 16.00 16.30 17.00 17.30
4 11.00
8
Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Timetable 3
From Sathorn (Central) Pier to Phra Arthit Pier 09.00 09.30 10.00 10.30 11.39 12.09 12.39 13.09 13.39 14.09 14.39 15.09 15.39 16.09 16.39 17.09 17.39
11.34 12.04 12.34 13.04 13.34 14.04 14.34 15.04 15.34 16.04 16.34 17.04 17.34 11.42 12.12 12.42 13.12 13.42 14.12 14.42 15.12 15.42 16.12 16.42 17.12 17.42
11.09 11.45 12.15 12.45
11.04
09.12 09.42 10.12 10.42 11.12 11.49 12.19 12.49 13.19 13.49 14.19 14.49 15.19 15.49 16.19 16.49 17.19 17.49 13.21 13.51 14.21 14.51 15.21 15.51 16.21 16.51
17.21 17.51
13.15 13.45 14.15 14.45 15.15 15.45 16.15 16.45 17.15 17.45
09.15 09.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.51
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
12.00 12.30 13.00 13.30 14.00 14.30 15.00 15.30 16.00 16.30 17.00 17.30 18.00
12.21 12.51
09.19 09.49 10.19 10.49 11.19
5
09.42 10.12 10.42 11.12 11.42 12.12 12.42 13.12 13.42 14.12 14.42 15.12 15.42 16.12 16.42 17.12 17.42 18.12
11.38 12.08 12.38 13.08 13.38 14.08 14.38 15.08 15.38 16.08 16.38 17.08 17.38 18.08
11.30 12.00 12.30 13.00 13.30 14.00 14.30 15.00 15.30 16.00 16.30 17.00 17.30 18.00
11.00
4
09.30 10.00 10.30 11.08
11.06 11.36 12.06 12.36 13.06 13.36 14.06 14.36 15.06 15.36 16.06 16.36 17.06 17.36 18.06
3
09.38 10.08 10.38
09.36 10.06 10.36
2
N13 Phra Arthit N11 Thonburi Railway
1
From Phra Arthit Pier to Sathorn (Central) Pier
11.00 11.30
09.21 09.51 10.21 10.51 11.21
09.09 09.39 10.09 10.39
Asiatique Sathorn (Central) River City Bangkok N5 Ratchawongse N6/1 Pak Klong Taladd Wat Arun
09.30 10.00 10.30
One-day River Pass 09.04 09.34 10.04 10.34
Tha Maharaj N11 Thonburi Railway N13 Phra Arthit
1/11 Trok Mahathat Maharaj Road Phra-borommaharatchawang Phra-nakorn Bangkok 10200 Tel: 02-024-1342 Fax: 02-024-1343 www.chaophrayatouristboat.com
Tha Maharaj
Piers/Trip No.
Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Co.,Ltd Charoen Krung Road
Rachavithi Road
BTS
SATHORN (CENTRAL) PIER
ng
17.24 17.54 18.24 18.10 18.40
17.30 18.00 18.30 17.40
Temple Pier
ing ar Be
Public Transport Map
ng
Na Ba
CHAO PHRAYA RIVER
i
17.19 17.49 18.19
09.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 12.45 13.15 13.45 14.15 14.45 15.15 15.45 16.15 16.45 17.15 17.45 18.15
m o Ud ASIATIQUE PIER
ti
ak
wi na n Pu
s ra Su a ph Sa
ak ng
k Su Sathorn Bridge
g un ri Kr n Bu o Th
si Memorial Bridge
Ch RATCHAWONGSE PIER
Rama IV Road
MRT
t Nu On ng
n No o Ch CMY
Ba
in s ak nT RIVER CITY BANGKOK PIER
K
Sala Daeng
PAK KLONG TALADD PIER
CY
Wat Arun MY
BTS Sukkhumvit Line BTS Silom Line MRT Airport Rail Link
Wat Arun N6/1 Pak Klong Taladd
Ratchadamnoen Road
N5
THA MAHARAJ PIER
ng
g ra on Ph han K Queen Sirikit National Conv. Centre Grand Palace WAT ARUN PIER
ai m ka Ek
ok As i in ng h o p m Khl oei Lu T
o Th Pinkao Bridge
ha tc i Ra amr d m lo Si
l Siam na tio um Na tadi S ng o u h m Sa n Ha mp Ya La CM
Lo Giant Swing M
THONBURI RAILWAY STATION PIER
Y
o Ph m ro Ph
Airport Rail Link
vit kh
ur ab tch
ek
09.49 10.19 10.49 11.19 11.49 12.19 12.49 13.19 13.49 14.19 14.49 15.19 15.49 16.19 16.49 Ratchawongse River City Bangkok 09.54 10.24 10.54 11.24 11.54 12.24 12.54 13.24 13.54 14.24 14.54 15.24 15.54 16.24 16.54 Sathorn (Central) 10.00 10.30 11.00 11.30 12.00 12.30 13.00 13.30 14.00 14.30 15.00 15.30 16.00 16.30 17.00 16.40 17.10 Asiatique
Victory Monument
k Su Democracy Monument PHRA ARTHIT PIER
m
um C
a an
o Pa ae ph
ng
9
a Th
i Ar m Ka
n tc Ra ai hw nK
e Ph Rama 8 Bridge
et
m Ra ra Ph S
g re nt an Ce hw al iK ur t l Cu nd ila Ba
t ry n to me Vic onu p ro M ai h ai ra Th ap aT ch ay aya t h P Ra Ph wi he at h tc n sa hit Ra om kka C it L Ma loen na h Ch Na P Rachavithi Road Krungthon Bridge
a Hu
Sa Ph
e Su ng
isa th t Su a ph
d ha C
o M hit C
his ap Ph t La Ph a h uc t ha
o ra in h ot nY k
o ah ar kP
4:04 PM 8/11/2560 BE 1 Outside_Back_Cover_2017_NEW.pdf
Inside Back Cover_2017_NEW.pdf
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
1
8/11/2560 BE
3:48 PM
INTRODUCTION Welcome to Bangkok, the City of Angels, and welcome to the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya teems with life, ferrying Bangkokians and tourists alike to the many hot spots dotted along its way. Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East, and its most extraordinary attractions still lie on its riverbanks. This handy guide introduces you, Chao Phraya Tourist Boat travelers, to the main attractions at the numerous piers along this historic waterway. From the glittering spires of the Grand Palace to the newest shops at Asiatique and the scrumptious street food at Tha Maharaj, here’s how to find the best of Bangkok using the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat.
USEFUL NUMBERS Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Call Center
TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Asiatique Pier Sathorn (Central) Pier River City Bangkok Pier Ratchawongse Pier Pakklong Taladd Pier Wat Arun Pier Tha Maharaj Pier Thonburi Railway Station Pier Phra Arthit Pier Map
3
02-024-1342
5
Tourist Police / Tourist Service Center
4 6 9
12 14
1155
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Hotline
16
1555
23
Bangkok Taxi Call Center
21 31
Timetable 32
1681 1661
02
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 2
8/11/17 4:48 PM
Established in September 1971, Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd. is Bangkok’s biggest public water transportation provider with a total fleet size of 65 boats carrying around 35,000 to 40,000 passengers each day or 13.5 million passengers per year. The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat service provides tourists with the opportunity to see Bangkok from a whole new perspective. With one-day tickets, tourists can easily travel from pier to pier without having to worry about purchasing boat tickets or getting lost.
ROUTING & PIERS
SERVICE CONDITION
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat services eight piers, which in turn give access to Bangkok’s most famous tourist attractions. The journey starts from the Sathorn (Central) Pier adjacent to BTS Saphan Taksin Station and proceeds up the river, stopping at seven different piers before returning back to Sathorn (Central) Pier on the same route.
Unlimited rides on the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat from Sathorn (Central) Pier to Phra Arthit Pier on the stamped date only.
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 3
MAINTENANCE Tha Tien pier is currently closed for renovation but the ferry crossing pier is still open. 03
8/11/17 4:48 PM
ASIATIQUE PIER
Asiatique
A
ASIATIQUE
Located on the former dock of the Denmark-based East Asiatic Company, a trade firm founded in Thailand in 1897, this open-air mall occupies more than 12 acres right by the river. Opened in 2012, Asiatique is packed with more than 1,500 shops and 40 restaurants serving both Thai food and international delicacies in classic colonial villas and old warehouses. After dinner, stroll
along the 200-meter-long deck or climb aboard the already iconic Asiatique Sky, the tallest ferris wheel in Bangkok, overlooking the city from a height of 60 meters. To get there: Tourists can use the One-day River Pass to go to Asiatique (4-6pm from Phra Arthit Pier) or take the free charter boat from Sathorn (Central) Pier. Open daily 4pm-midnight.
04
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 4
8/11/17 4:49 PM
iatique
h
B
SATHORN (CENTRAL) PIER
WAT YANNAWA
In the 19th century, King Rama III commissioned this pagoda resembling a Chinese fishing junk. To get there: From Sathorn (Central) Pier, walk to Charoen Krung Road. Turn right, walk 100 meters. Open daily 8am-9pm.
LEBUA HOTEL AT STATE TOWER C
Sirocco (63/F of The Dome, Lebua Hotel at State Tower) is one of the world’s highest alfresco restaurants and bars. Offering Mediterranean cuisine and sundowner cocktails, it serves up vertiginous views (and prices) over the river snaking its way through the city. No flip-flops, vests/ tank tops or shorts. To get there: Walk from the Sathorn (Central) Pier to Charoen Krung Road and turn left until you reach the junction with Silom Road. The hotel sits on the right hand corner. Open daily 6pm-1am. 02-624-9999. www.lebua.com
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 5
EAT
Wat Yannawa
Sirocco
ROAST DUCK
There are three famous grilled duck with rice restaurants in this area: Saenyod, Charoenviang, and Prajak (02-234-3755, open daily 8am-8:30pm. www.prachakrestaurant.com). To reach the latter, walk from Sathorn (Central) Pier toward Charoen Krung Road and cross the road. The shop-house restaurant is on the left.
05
8/11/17 4:50 PM
RIVER CITY BANGKOK PIER
h
River City Bangkok E
RIVER CITY BANGKOK
Head to this high-end shopping mall right by the river to hunt for unique souvenirs, antiques and art. It’s also home to a number of top restaurants and coffee shops, and is the main departure point for many of the popular nighttime cruises.
To get there: The shopping mall is right at the pier next to Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. Open daily 10am-10pm. 02-237-0077. www.rivercitybangkok.com
06
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 6
8/11/17 4:50 PM
F
HOLY ROSARY CHURCH
Standing out amid glittering Buddhist temples, the simple clean spire and muted cream colors of the Holy Rosary Church are a reminder of the trade between Portugal and Siam in the 18th century. The church was built in 1786, four years after Bangkok was founded. To get there: Turn left at the exit from the pier, walk past River City, and head into Soi Wanit 2 for about 80 meters. The church is on your left. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm. 02-266-4849. G
SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK
Prince Mahisara Rachaharuthai, a brother of King Rama V, founded Thailand’s first bank in 1906, in this classic European-style building. To this day, it still operates as a branch of Siam Commercial Bank. To get there: Turn left at the exit from the pier, walk past River City, and head into Soi Wanit 2. The bank is located on the left-hand side. Open 9:30am-3:30pm.
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 7
Holy Rosary Church
Siam Commercial Bank
EAT BUA LOY KHAI KHEM KLONG SAN This famous shop serves the traditional Thai dessert of flour and salted egg in coconut milk. Prices for their delicious sweets start from B25. Block E, Soi Charoen Nakhon 1, Charoen Nakhon Rd., 5/2 081-697-5971.Open daily 1pm-7pm.
07
8/11/17 4:50 PM
RIVER CITY BANGKOK PIER
h
THAILAND CREATIVE AND DESIGN CENTER (TCDC) D
Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) has found a new home at the old General Post Office on Charoen Krung Road. Now spread across 8,700 sq meters and five floors, the design resource center encompasses an exhibition space, a library and a fourth-floor rooftop garden.
TCDC
To get there: Walk from the pier to Charoen Krung Road and follow it until reaching Soi 32. The entrance is on the far left of the General Post Office. H
WAT TRAIMIT WITTAYARAM
The world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, the three-meter, five-ton Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn, peacefully sits in a white marble temple at the gates of Chinatown. The nearby Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center offers a fascinating insight into the history of Bangkok’s early Chinese immigrants.
Wat Traimit Wittayaram
To get there: Walk to Charoen Krung Road and follow the road all the way to the Chinatown Gate. Wat Traimit is just after the roundabout, on the right. The walk is around 30 minutes. Save some time by jumping in a taxi or tuk-tuk. Open daily 8am-5pm.
08
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 8
8/11/17 4:50 PM
N5
RATCHAWONGSE PIER
T&K Seafood
Yaowarat Road
I
Lek (Auan) Noodle
CHINATOWN (YAOWARAT)
The first place many Chinese immigrants settled on arrival in Bangkok, this remains the center of the city’s Thai-Chinese population, as well as a thriving business quarter and trading neighborhood. The path of the central Yaowarat Road is said to resemble a dragon’s curvy body, making it an auspicious location for business. From the healing herbs and spices of traditional medicine
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 9
stores to the ancient tea shops and open-front restaurants, there are plentiful glimpses of traditional Thai-Chinese culture. If you can, come at night for some of Bangkok’s best street food. To get there: From Ratchawongse Pier, walk along Ratchawong Road for 500 meters to reach Ratchawong Junction of Yaowarat Road. 09
8/11/17 4:51 PM
RATCHAWONGSE PIER
N5
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
J
WAT MANGKON KAMALAWAT
Built in 1871 during the reign of King Rama V, the first and foremost Chinese temple in Bangkok is at the center of important festivals such as Chinese New Year and the annual vegetarian festival in September-October. The temple, whose name means “dragon lotus,� contains Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian shrines, represent-
ing the diverse religious heritage of Chinatown. To get there: From Ratchawongse Pier, walk up Ratchawong Road and turn right onto Charoen Krung Road and continue walking 100 meters. The temple is on your left. Open daily 6am-6pm. 02-222-3975.
10
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 10
8/11/17 4:51 PM
K PHAHURAT (INDIAN) MARKET
Better known as Thailand’s Little India, this market is home to all manner of fabrics in every conceivable pattern and color. To get there: Walk straight along Ratchawong Road for 350 meters. Turn left onto Soi Wanit 1 and continue walking straight into Trok Hua Med until you hit Phahurat Road. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-4pm. L
SAMPHENG MARKET
Sampheng Market began in the reign of King Rama I and was the first trading center for the earliest Chinese immigrants. Today it is the oldest and biggest wholesale market in Bangkok for pretty much anything, from Chinese medicine to clothes, toys and kitchen tools. To get there: Turn left onto Soi Shun Lee and then right onto Ratchawong Road. Walk for another five minutes until you reach Soi Wanit 1. The market is on your right. Open daily 8am-5pm.
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 11
EAT
Phahurat Market
Sampheng Market
HUA SENG HONG
Though it now has branches all around Bangkok, the original, 40-year-old Chinese restaurant still sits right on Yaowaraj Road. They offer traditional Chinese dishes, dim sum and some quality Thai classics. 371-373 Yaowarat Rd., 02-2227053. Open daily 9am-1am. www.huasenghong.co.th 11
8/11/17 4:51 PM
PAKKLONG TALADD (YODPIMAN) PIER
N 6 /1
Flower Market
Flower Market M FLOWER MARKET (PAKKLONG TALADD)
Originally a fish market during the King Rama I period, it began to solely focus on flowers under King Rama V. Today, Pakklong Taladd is the largest wholesale flower market in Bangkok, and is home to every type of bloom imaginable. The best time to come is between 2-4am, when that day’s deliveries arrive.
YodpimanRiver RiverWalk Walk Yodpiman
To get there: You can walk through Yodpiman River walk, the market is right behind the market through out Chakaphet Road. Open 24/7. N
YODPIMAN RIVER WALK
This riverside shopping mall runs along the Chao Phraya for 300 meters, its walkway lined with 50 restaurants and shops with excellent views of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Get a Thai massage, indulge in some Bangkok-style ice
12
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 12
8/11/17 4:51 PM
N 6 /1
Market
verWalk Walk er
cream, or pick up a new pair of sunglasses—all within one handy location. To get there: The shopping mall locates right at the pier. O
MUSEUM OF SIAM
Set in a former palace, it is currently under renovation and will fully reopen late 2017. In the meantime, you can still admire its colonial architecture from the outside and visit a mini-exhibition on the Tom Yum Kung crisis, the regional financial debacle of 1997. To get there: Walk through Yodpiman River Walk to Chakaphet Road then turn left and cross the canal bridge to Soi Tha Klang reaching Sanamchai Road, the museum is on your left. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. Tickets: B50 for students over 15; B100 for Thai adults; B300 for foreigners. 02-225-2777. www.museumsiam.com
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 13
Museum of Siam
Museum of Siam
EAT
FARM TO TABLE
This organic cafe offers food and snacks prepared with organic ingredients directly from the owner’s farm in Chiang Rai. Don’t forget to try the cafe’s homemade ice cream. 179 Asadang Rd., 02-115-2625. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.facebook.com/FarmToTableOrganicCafe 13
8/11/17 4:52 PM
WAT ARUN PIER
h
Wat Arun
P
WAT ARUN
One of the most iconic landmarks in Bangkok, the majestic prang (or Khmer-style tower) of the Temple of Dawn dominates the skyline on the Nonthaburi bank of the Chao Phraya River. Construction began in the reign of King Rama II (18091824) and ended under King Rama III (1824-1851). The central tower is 76 meters high and decorated by thousands of tiny seashells and
pieces of Chinese porcelain depicting protective demons and monkeys. Arun means “morning� and the temple is best viewed at dawn or sunset from the opposite river bank. To get there: The boat stops in front of Wat Arun. The Temple entrance fee is B50. 02-466-3167. Open daily 8:30am-17:30pm
14
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 14
8/11/17 4:52 PM
Q
WAT PHO
Located next to the Grand Palace, the royal monastery is best known for the 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue housed in its Ordination Hall. Wat Pho has also traditionally been a place of education. Visitors can still enjoy a Thai traditional massage at its school. To get there: Take a ferry crossing from Wat Arun pier to Tha Tien pier. Ferries run from 6am-8pm. The fee is B4. R
THA TIEN MARKET
Tha Tien was a big trading, transport and cultural center during the late 18th century. Nowadays, it’s less busy but still famous for dry fish, seafood stalls, and the chance to see its numerous traditional Rattanakosin-period shop-houses, many of which are now home to quaint cafes and restaurants. To get there: Take a ferry crossing from Wat Arun pier to Tha Tien pier. Ferries run from 6am-8pm. The fee is B4.
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 15
EAT
Wat Pho
Tha Tien Market
ABOVE RIVA
Situated on the rooftop of the boutique hotel Riva Arun, Above Riva offers Thai food with a twist on an alfresco terrace facing Bangkok’s iconic Wat Arun. 4/F, Riva Arun, 392/25-26 Maharaj Rd., 02-221-1188. Open daily 7:3011:30am, 6-11:30pm. www.snhotels.com/snc/rivaarun 15
8/11/17 4:52 PM
THA MAHARAJ PIER
S
h
THE GRAND PALACE AND WAT PHRA KAEW
Construction of this stunning Bangkok landmark began in 1782 when King Rama I decided to move the capital’s center from across the river in Thonburi. It has served as the official royal residence since the first kings of the current Chakri Dynasty. Highlights include the Chakri Mahaprasat Hall, Dusit Mahaprasat Hall and Wat Phra Kaew. The most important building in the temple grounds is the ordination hall, or ubosot, which houses the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot), Thailand’s most revered religious icon. Don’t miss the exquisite mural paintings on the walls of the corridor enclosing the palace area,
which depict the classic story of Ramakhien (Thailand’s version of the Ramayana). To get there: Go straight until you reach Maharaj Road. Turn right and walk until you reach Nah Pralan Road in front of Grand Palace. No sleeveless shirts, shorts, miniskirts or flip-flops. Appropriate clothes are available for rent. Tickets for the palace and the temple are B500 (foreigners). Open daily (weekdays only) 8:30am-3:30pm. Free tours in English are available at 10am, 10:30am, 1:30pm and 2:00pm. www.palaces.thai.net
16
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 16
8/11/17 4:52 PM
T
THA MAHARAJ
Tha Maharaj is an open-air riverside mall that’s home to various riverside eateries, arts and culture centers that hold colorful events. Maharaj Road was built in the early Rattanakosin era (1782-present), and has since developed into a network of shop-houses as well as a vivid market. Tha Maharaj’s long walkway stretches along the river, allowing boats to float directly up to the shops. To get there: The mall is right beside Tha Maharaj Pier.
Tha Maharaj
U BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM
Formerly part of Wang Na Palace, these ornate pavilions are home to the royal collection of King Rama IV. The museum houses the gallery of Thai history starting from the Sukothai period, the Archaeological and Art History Collections, and the Decorative Arts and Ethnological Gallery. To get there: Go straight until you reach Maharaj Road then turn left until you reach Phra Chan Alley and turn right. Walk until reaching Na Phra That Alley and turn left then go straight for 200 meters, the museum is on the left. Open Wed-Sun 9am4pm. Closed holidays. Tickets: B30 for Thais; B250 for foreigners. Tours in English available at 9:30am on Wed and Thu. 02-224-1333. www. nationalmuseums.finearts.go.th
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 17
Bangkok National Museum
Bangkok National Museum 17
8/11/17 4:52 PM
THA MAHARAJ PIER
V
h
CITY PILLAR SHRINE
The original city pillar was built when Bangkok became Thailand’s capital in 1782. It was constructed based on the Brahmin belief that the establishment of the pillar in a favorable position would bring the city good fortune. After the original pillar fell into disrepair, King Rama IV had a new one made from teak and Javanese Cassia wood, and had an accompanying shrine constructed to house both the new and old pillars.
To get there: Go straight until you reach Maharaj Road. Turn right and walk until you reach Nah Pralan Road in front of the Grand Palace. Turn left, go straight past the intersection and you’ll be on Lak Mueng Road. The City Pillar Shrine is on your left. Open daily 5:30am-7:30pm.
18
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 18
8/11/17 4:52 PM
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 19
8/11/17 4:53 PM
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 20
8/11/17 4:53 PM
N 11
THONBURI RAILWAY STATION PIER
W SIRIRAJ BIMUKSTHAN MUSEUM
The four buildings of the old Bangkok Noi train station are now a museum exhibiting 4D films on the history of Thai medicine, Siriraj Hospital and medical science in Thailand, as well as the history of the train station. There are five more museums dedicated to medical study within Siriraj Hospital. To get there: Walk off the pier and turn right, you will find a long brick building along the river, the museum situates inside. Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm. Tickets: B200 for foreigners. B80 for Thais. B25 Baht for Children. 02-419-2601. X
Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum
WANG LANG MARKET
Steps from Wang Lang Pier, the market is a perennial favorite among office workers and locals looking for trendy street fashion at the best prices. It’s also handily compact with everything crammed into a series of narrow alleys. If brand new and secondhand shoes, clothes, bags and accessories aren’t your thing, there’s also excellent Thai food and desserts. To get there: Take the ferry crossing from Tha Maharaj Pier to Wang Lang Pier, which costs B4. The market is right at the pier and the small alley to the left. Open daily 10am-5pm.
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 21
Wang Lang Market 21
8/11/17 4:53 PM
THONBURI RAILWAY STATION PIER
Y
N 11
THE ROYAL BARGE MUSEUM
The royal barges, used by Thailand’s monarchy for centuries, are carved out of giant pieces of teak, gilded with gold, and feature prows depicting different mythical creatures. Each one needs up to 50 rowers to propel it through the water. The museum, which opened to the public in 1974, features eight barges still
EAT
22
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 22
used today in ceremonial events like the Royal Barge Procession. To get there: Walk straight to Arunamarin Road. Turn right and cross the bridge to small alley next to the canal. Follow the signs to the museum. Open daily 9am-5pm. 02-424-0004. Tickets: B20 for Thais; B100 for foreigners.
MOO THOD CHAO WANG
This famous small stall in Wang Lang Market has sold their delicious marinated fried pork for over a decade. To get there from the pier, turn left and walk through Siriraj Hospital until reaching Wang Lang Road, then walk straight into the small alley opposite which leads to the market behind the street. Turn right and the shop will be on your righthand side. Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm (close on Sunday), 089790-9695. bit.ly/2vPLEqa
8/11/17 4:53 PM
PHRA ARTHIT PIER
N 13
Banglumpoo Market Z
BANGLUMPOO MARKET
Formerly a major trading center, the bustling market atmosphere remains thanks to the amazing array of street food—try the traditional pastry of patong ko savoey or the noodle-based jira yentafo. The area was originally famous for the many fireflies that lived in the Lumpoo trees that grew there. To get there: From the pier, walk to Phra Arthit Road and turn left. Follow the road past Phra Sumen Fort and continue another 500 meters to the intersection with Chakrabongse Road. Cross Chakrabongse Road then turn right. Walk about 100 meters and the market is on your left. Open daily 8am-6pm.
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 23
Khao San Road AA
KHAO SAN ROAD
Established almost 150 years ago, Khao San Road was originally the site of a milled rice (khaosan) market. Nowadays, tourists come for the shopping, cheap guesthouses, cafes and laidback bars and clubs. From hair braiding to funky tees to secondhand books, it’s a backpacker’s heaven that’s gathered popularity among young bohemian locals. To get there: From the pier, walk to Phra Arthit Road and turn left. Follow the road past Phra Sumen Fort and continue another 500 meters to the intersection with Chakrabongse Road. Cross Chakrabongse Road then turn right. Walk about 500 meters and Khao San Road is on your left.
23
8/11/17 4:53 PM
PHRA ARTHIT PIER
N 13
RATTANAKOSIN EXHIBITION HALL AB
Also known as Nitasrattanakosin, this impressive building was renovated in 2008 to help fulfil King Rama V’s original objective of creating Thailand’s very own version of the Champ Elysees on Rachadamnoen Road. The exhibition center traces the history of the city from the late 18th century to the present day. Don’t miss the stunning view over the Old City from the rooftop. To get there: Exit Phra Arthit Pier then turn left. Go past Phra Sumen Fort on your left then walk along Phra Sumen Road for about 1.3km until reaching the intersection of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Cross the road and turn right, the hall is around 100 meters away. Open Tue-Fri 11am-8pm; Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. B800 for adults ; B30 for children. 02- 621-0044.
EAT
BABBLE & RUM
Babble & Rum serves strong cocktails with sweeping river views. Reach the bar by walking from the pier until you reach Phra Arthit Road. Turn right and head straight for 300 meters. Open daily 11am-10:30pm. bit.ly/2sWWgCP 24
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 24
8/11/17 4:54 PM
AC
PHRA SUMEN FORT
The lesser-known Phra Arthit Road has a more laidback vibe than Khao San. Formerly a center of politics and art, it now boasts numerous restaurants, cute cafes and hip bars in beautiful old shop-houses that retain many period details like wooden shutters. It’s also home to Phra Sumen Fort. King Rama I constructed the stocky citadel overlooking the river to protect the city from invasion. The area around the fort is now Suan Santichaiprakarn park, which plays host to regular events, including the Bangkok Theater Festival every November. To get there: From the pier, walk straight to Phra Athit Road then turn left and walk for a 150 meters, the fort is on your left. AD
Phra Sumen Fort
NATIONAL THEATRE
The first official national theater of Thailand was built in 1961. It typically showcases Thai khon (a traditional masked dance) and other cultural performances. To get there: Turn right at Phra Arthit Road and walk along the road before going under Pinklao Bridge. Turn left at Rachini Road and follow it to Sanam Luang. The National Theatre is to the right. Open MonFri 9am-4pm. Bookings and enquiries at 02-224-1342.
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 25
National Theatre 25
8/11/17 4:54 PM
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 26
8/11/17 4:54 PM
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 27
8/11/17 4:54 PM
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 28
8/11/17 4:54 PM
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 29
8/11/17 4:54 PM
Chao Phraya_2017_NEW.indd 30
8/11/17 4:54 PM