River City Bangkok is a renowned shopping complex located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
There a numerous Galleries and places to eat. It’s open from 10am – 8pm every day and is also the boaridng point for many of the evening dinner cruises on the river.
It is easily accessed from the Charoen Krung Road or by Public boats (Yellow, Orange, and Green Flag) which stops at Si Phraya Pier or cross from the Klongsan Pier to the Si Phraya Pier next to Millenium Hilton (near Icon Siam).
Bangkok has seen a flourishing street art scene in recent years, with artists transforming public spaces with colorful murals, graffiti, and other forms of urban art. Here are a few notable areas where you can find street art in Bangkok:
Ratchatewi and Phaya Thai: These neighborhoods are home to several vibrant street art pieces, including murals depicting Thai culture, politics, and social issues. You can explore alleys and side streets to discover hidden gems.
Charoenkrung Road: This historic street in Bangkok has become a hub for street art, with numerous murals adorning its walls. Artists from Thailand and around the world have contributed to the colorful transformation of this area.
Sukhumvit Soi 11: Known for its nightlife and entertainment, Sukhumvit Soi 11 also features street art that adds to its lively atmosphere. You can find murals depicting various themes, including pop culture references and abstract designs.
Chalermla Park: Located near the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, Chalermla Park is home to a graffiti wall where local artists showcase their work. The park often hosts street art events and exhibitions, making it a vibrant spot for art enthusiasts.
Warehouse 30: This creative space in the Charoenkrung area features galleries, shops, cafes, and outdoor murals. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists interested in contemporary art and design.
Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC): While not strictly street art, the BACC often hosts exhibitions and events featuring urban art and graffiti artists. It’s a great place to explore contemporary art trends in Bangkok.
These are just a few examples of where you can find street art in Bangkok. The city’s street art scene is constantly evolving, so keep an eye out for new murals and installations as you explore its diverse neighborhoods.
The photos below all came from around the Charoen Krung Soi 32 area and also up in the side streets nearly the Marine Department which is only a few minutes walk away.
Looking for a traditional floating market in Bangkok
Whilst Taling Chan floating market isn’t as well know as the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market it isn’t a tourist trap and it’s in Bangkok (unlike Damnoen Saduak) so it’s my favourite market and it’s where the locals go.
It is only open at weekends and public holidays. It is possible to get boat tours which also include a nice stop at a temple and an orchid farm which is really worth a look.
This Landmark, on the only hill in Bangkok, is of great significance for all followers of The Lord Buddha. 320 stairs take you up to the top for panoramic views of the Rattanakosin Island. It gives great views of Bangkok especially at sunset.
If you like your markets and you like seafood then Thonburi Market is a great place to visit. What’s slighlty unusual is that after buying the seafood you can have it cooked and eat in the market!
While it’s not solely dedicated to seafood, you can find a variety of fresh seafood vendors alongside other food stalls and shops selling clothing, souvenirs, and more. This market is popular with locals and tourists alike and offers a glimpse into everyday life in Bangkok.
One of the best ways to see Bangkok is from the water. You get to see a side of Bangkok that few get to see.
Historically, Bangkok was known as the “Venice of the East” due to its extensive network of canals. While many of these canals have been paved over or replaced with roads, there are still several significant canals remaining in the city. Some estimates suggest there are around 1,500 kilometers (about 930 miles) of canals in Bangkok and its surrounding areas.
These canals, which are locally known as “khlongs.” were historically, the primary mode of transportation for locals in the city before the advent of roads and cars. These canals are still used on a daily basis by the locals for transportation, as well as for tourism purposes, with boat tours allowing visitors to explore the city from a unique perspective.
Where to find a canal boat tour
The best place to pick up a canal boat tour in Bangkok is typically along the Chao Phraya River. This river runs through the heart of Bangkok and is a major transportation artery in the city. You’ll find numerous tour operators and boat services along the riverbanks, particularly near popular landmarks and piers such as Tha Maharaj, Saphan Taksin, and Tha Chang.
These locations are convenient starting points for exploring the canals of Bangkok, as they offer easy access to both the Chao Phraya River and the network of khlongs (canals) that branch out from it. From here, you can board a long-tail boat or a canal tour boat to explore the city’s waterways and experience the unique sights and sounds of Bangkok from a different perspective.
We recommend the Sathorn Pier as it’s easy to get to and there are lots of boats there. It’s also possible to see the the big buddha by the canal when you take a trip from here.
Take the BTS Silom Line to Saphan Taksin and head towards the river keep to the right and you will see the little information desk.
I believe the tours run from around 9:30 to about 3:30-4:00. Bear in mind it gets dark around 6:00 – 6:30pm. You can either have aboat all to yourself or share with others. There is no need to book as there are usually plenty of boats. If you look carefully you may see then waiting on the other side of the river in the shade of the bridge.
Where does the Canal tour go.
Depending upon the length of the tour (we recommend the two hour tour) you will see a large section of the “Thonburi” side of Bangkok.
In 1767, the capital of Thailand (Siam) was moved to Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. In 1782, King Rama I founded the new capital of Bangkok (then known as “Krung Thep”) on the east bank, across from Thonburi, establishing the Chakri Dynasty which still rules Thailand today.
The tour is usually in what is called a long tail boat. This is a thin boat powered by an old car engine with a long “tail” with a propeller on the end. Although they look a big precarious they are very safe and great fun. They are also quite noisy but this won’t ruin the trip.
The tour starts in the Chaophraya River and either heads North or South to a large lock to gain access to the Canal system. Once through the lock you will see the real behind the scenes Bangkok. Keep you eyes out for a large lizards which can often be seen sunbathing on the banks.
You will see what looks like old run down houses that are falling into the canal. People live in these houses and maybe the homes of the very same people who served you in the local 7-11 earlier that day. If you are lucky you will see Water Monitor Lizards some of which are upto six feet long. On our last trip (we’ve done many) we saw three!
Cost: (March 2024) – 700baht per person (1.5hrs), 1000baht per person (2hrs) from the Khlong San Pier other timings and locations may vary.
If you want to see the large Buddha by the canal (Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen) then mention this to the booking agents as some tours that take in Wat Arun don’t feature this. You can see Wat Arun from the standard River boats that go up and down the river (and even stop there) anyway.
The Khlongs are also situated on the West side of the river but are usually busy with boats ferrying people around on a set route. If you get to visit Jim Thompsons House you will see these boats travelling in the Khlong from his garden.
Certain areas of Bangkok are named after these waterways. Klongsan, Klong Ton Sai etc
