Best places to stay:
There are riverside hotels and there are hotels right on the river. Artsy Loy La Long, taking over a century-old wooden house near Chinatown, firmly belongs to the latter category.
Most of its rooms—all recycled wood, floral curtains and mis-matched furnishing—open to verandahs and balconies with the murky Chao Phraya sloshing just beneath your feet, while the pillow-strewn lobby lounge delivers front-row river views with a cold beer and a jazzy soundtrack.
Luxury lovers might find it a little too back-to-basics (the river doesn’t smell of roses after all), but anyone after a slice of laid-back Bangkok life – for a very reasonable price – will soon find themselves plotting their return.
Oil-slicked Talad Noi might not look like much on first impression, but this busy district on the fringe of Chinatown has grown into Bangkok’s de-facto creative center over the past few years.
Look beyond the piles of rusty car parts and noodle stalls, and you’ll discover hip cafes, pop-up art galleries and a fascinating culinary scene.
It’s a short walk to Chinatown and close to a water taxi pier for destinations further afield.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[0.3 miles]
Bicycle tours through the back-alleys of Chinatown and Bangkok’s rural suburbs offer a fascinating peek into the daily lives of the city’s residents.
Best for ages: 13+ | £20 | 3-5 hours
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.5 miles]
The former home of silk magnate Jim Thompson – who mysteriously disappeared in the jungles of Malaysia – is a must-see for its well-preserved teak buildings and art.
Best for ages: 13+ | £4
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.6 miles]
From fancy river cruises to public transport boats, seeing Bangkok from its many waterways gives you a whole new perspective of the city and lives of the locals.
Best for ages: 4+ | £3 | 30+ minutes
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.6 miles]
A glittering complex of jaw-dropping magnificence dating back to 1782. This former seat of power of Siamese kings houses the Emerald Buddha – Thailand’s palladium.
Best for ages: Any | £11
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.2 miles]
One of Bangkok’s most popular little museums. The charming, 70-year-old restored teak house offers a compelling glimpse of family life in Bangkok from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.7 miles]
Heaving with jasmine, orchids and marigolds, Bangkok’s flower market is a mesmerising riot of colours, floral scents and boisterous vendors. Visit after midnight, when wholesalers drop off their wares and the market is at its liveliest.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.1 miles]
A short stroll from Bangkok’s Old City sights and set within the Wat Saket temple complex, Phu Khao Thong (the Golden Mount) boasts a 58m gleaming golden chedi. Most visitors climb the 318 steps to savour the views over Bangkok, which are particularly spectacular at sunset.
Best for ages: 13+ | £1
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.1 miles]
Flaming woks balancing on tiny canoes, mountains of fresh fruits – Bangkok’s floating markets are a kaleidoscope of Thai-tinged wonder. That said, their old-timey charm has long faded as souvenirs shops have replaced most noodle joints. It’s a fun day out, but no longer an authentic experience.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Central Thailand, Thailand
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.
