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Bucket list experience:

A bustling road with a historical building in the background and tuktuks in the foreground
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Chris Schalkx

Over the past few years, forward-thinking creatives have transformed Bangkok’s riverside Bang Rak area into the city’s de-facto design district.

Here, boutique concept stores and art galleries blow new life into dilapidated shophouses, while wall-spanning street art by some of Thailand’s top artists infuses the winding alleys with a much-needed pop of colour.

Most galleries congregate around the Thailand Creative & Design Center in the Grand Postal Office, the creative hub that kick-started the artistic renaissance back in 2017, but new ones pop up almost monthly.

Highlights include Warehouse 30, a multi-use creative space in a WWII-era industrial complex; artsy concept store-meets-tea parlour Citizen Tea Canteen; and ATT19, a contemporary art gallery taking over a 120-year-old former school building.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Creative District is best explored on foot, with the Saphan Taksin BTS station as a handy starting point. As you weave through Ban Rak’s alleys, you’ll pass street art by local artists and a handful of quirky coffee shops that have popped up here over the past few years.

There is no signposted route, but the Creative District’s website has some good suggestions. You’ll find the highest concentration of galleries and creative businesses (including ATT19 and Warehouse 30) in the blocks around the Grand Postal Building on Charoenkrung Road, a 20-minute stroll north of the Saphan Taksin BTS station.

When to do it

All galleries have different opening times, but you’ll likely find most open on the weekend. With frequent art fairs and handicraft markets popping up, this is also when the district is at its liveliest.

Keep an eye out for the bi-monthly Gallery Hopping nights happening in the district, when galleries and studios open their doors until well after sunset.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.5 miles]

Landmark luxury at Bangkok’s most famous hotel, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Official star rating:

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.1 miles]

A fabulous five-star with the atmosphere of a boutique stay, with both the glitz and glamour of Phloen Chit and the serenity of Lumphini Park within walking distance.

Official star rating:

Loy La Long

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.2 miles]

A disarmingly eclectic boutique hotel with river views like no other, and rooms with balconies over the water. One of Bangkok’s best budget stays.

Official star rating:

Sukhothai Bangkok

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.4 miles]

Lush gardens and a lavish pool at this elegant, enchanting hotel oasis near Lumphini Park.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions, and one of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Bicycle tours of Chinatown

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

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Flower Markets

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