Local Route: Khaosan Road → Trok Mor Morning Market → Ban Mo Market → Pak Klong Talad → Saphan Phut → Wat Prayoon → Santa Cruz Church → Kian An Keng Shrine → Wat Kanlayanamit → Wat Arun
Take a leisurely walk in Bangkok’s SokSoi area with the Old City & Chao Phraya River route. It’s about 6 kilometers long and takes around 2 hours.
During this walk, you’ll wander through charming small alleys, visit local markets and flower shops, and cross the impressive Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge).
Come along as we explore this cool route, tasting delicious local food and desserts, and meeting the friendly locals living near the temples and church along the Chao Phraya River.
1. Khaosan Road
Start the route at Khaosan Road, the iconic nightlife street. You can begin in front of Bangkok City Library and navigate through the small alleys to reach a local market.
2. Trok Mor Morning Market
Trok Mor Morning Market hides in Bangkok’s small alleys, away from tourists. Here, locals gather to sell fresh food and goods, offering a glimpse into authentic Thai life.
3. Ban Mo Market
Ban Mo market offers a diverse range of goods, from phone accessories to street food and clothing. It’s renowned as a speaker hub, drawing audio enthusiasts and bargain hunters. Plus, you can get electric appliances repaired here.
4. Pak Klong Talad
Pak Klong Talad (Flower Market) in Bangkok is a busy flower market open 24 hours a day. It’s known for its many types of fresh flowers, like Thai ones and fancy ones such as orchids and roses. Local teenagers often buy flowers here and then head to Saphan Phut to take pictures.
5. Saphan Phut
Saphan Phut, or Memorial Bridge, goes over the Chao Phraya River. It was built to honor the Chakri Dynasty and has a mix of European and Thai styles. People like to visit to take pictures and see the river and city views.
6. Wat Prayurawongsawat
Wat Prayurawongsawat, or Wat Prayoon, features a Giant White Pagoda, as well as Khao Mor, a hill adorned with small stupas containing royal ashes. Visitors can also enjoy feeding turtles in the temple’s pond.
7. Santa Cruz Church
Santa Cruz Church, also known as Wat Kudi Jeen, is a well-known pink church by the Chao Phraya River. It was once important to the Portuguese community. They make a famous cake called Khanom Farang Kudi Chin, which is a traditional Thai cake with influences from Portuguese and Chinese cuisine.
8. Kian An Keng Shrine
Kian An Keng Shrine is an ancient Hokkien temple on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. It was built by King Taksin and houses a special statue of the Goddess Guanyin, who is seated, unlike other statues of her.
9. Wat Kanlayanamit
Wat Kanlayanamit was built in 1825 by a rich Thai-Chinese trader named Chaophraya Nikonbodin. Unlike many other Thai temples, it mixes Thai and Chinese styles in its design. You can walk through a local community behind the temple, cross Anuthin Sawad Bridge, enjoy stunning city views, and visit Wat Arun.
10. Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a famous Buddhist temple located along the Chao Phraya River. It is renowned for its stunning architecture adorned with colorful porcelain tiles and towering spires, offering impressive views of the river and city skyline.
Note: The entrance fee for Wat Arun is 100 Baht, but if you want to skip it, you can take a small alley (Wang Doem 8) in front of Taweethapisek Elementary School directly to Wat Arun Ferry Pier.
You can take the ferry from Wat Arun Ferry Pier back to Tah Tian Pier, departing every 10-15 minutes, for only 5 Baht. Be careful of scammers and boat tours that may cost you more.
I hope you enjoy exploring this Old City & Chao Phraya River route through the small alleys. But if you’re hesitant to walk alone or prefer company, Let’s walk together!
I can show you around, introduce you to some local food, and use the secret alleys to guide you through this route.
Together, we’ll support local businesses, immerse ourselves in the community, and uncover the authentic charm of Bangkok’s small alleys.
