Touring guide of Thonburi District in Bangkok City for your next vacation in Thailand.
Thonburi district in Bangkok is located on the west side of Chao Phraya River where you can see more of the "real" Thailand away from the highrise hotels and shopping complexes of the main Bangkok city districts.
The Thonburi canals network off the river where long tail khlong boats can take you on tours to the floating markets, floating vendors selling cooked food and where you can see the different communities and daily life of locals. Take a fixed price public tour because private charter long tail boats can be very expensive.
Wat Arun would be the "must see" in Thonburi. Other attractions are the Royal Barge Museum, Wat Rakhang, Wat Prayoon, Wat Kalayanamit, Pinklao Cineplex Shopping complex, Santa Cruz Church, many more markets and museums.
See the article on places to stay in Bangkok that has the Thonburi district with recommended accommodation and touring maps.
Many other detailed maps including each Bangkok district map are listed at the end of this article.
Globe-trotter [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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Things to do in Thonburi District: A guide to Top Tourist Attractions
Temples and Cultural Sites
Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. This magnificent temple is also known as the Temple of Dawn. Its towering spires, known as prangs, glisten in the sunlight, and it is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset.
The temple’s intricate design, covered in colored glass and Chinese porcelain, makes it a photographer’s dream. The address is 58 Wang Doem Road, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok.
To get there, take the Silom Line to Saphan Taksin Station. From there, take a Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Tha Tien Pier and cross the river via a shuttle boat. Locate Wat Arun on the map above under See and Do number 1.
Wat Kalayanamit is a significant temple located along the Chao Phraya River. It’s lesser-known to tourists but well-loved by locals for its peaceful atmosphere. The temple is home to one of the largest seated Buddha statues in Bangkok, making it a wonderful place to learn about Thai Buddhism and experience local worship. The address is 65 Arun Amarin Road, Wat Kanlaya, Thonburi, Bangkok. To get there, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Wat Kalayanamit Pier. Locate Wat Kalayanamit on the map above under See and Do number 3.
Santa Cruz Church is a beautiful example of Bangkok’s multicultural heritage. This Roman Catholic church was built by Portuguese settlers in the 18th century. Its striking pink exterior and peaceful location near the river make it an interesting stop for history and architecture enthusiasts. The address is Soi Kudi Chin 4, Wat Kanlaya, Thonburi, Bangkok. The easiest way to get there is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Wat Kalayanamit Pier and walk the short distance to the church. Locate the Santa Cruz Church on the map above under See and Do number 2.
Royal Barges National Museum houses the majestic royal boats used in ceremonial processions along the Chao Phraya River. Each barge is ornately decorated and showcases Thailand’s exquisite craftsmanship. Visiting this museum offers a closer look at Thailand’s royal maritime heritage. The address is 80/1 Arun Amarin Road, Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok. Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Phra Pin Klao Pier and walk or take a tuk tuk or taxi to the museum. An easier way is to join a tour that takes in the cultural sites of Bangkok. Locate Royal Barges National Museum on the map above under See and Do number 10.
Wat Prayoon , or Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan, is a 19th-century temple known for its enormous white stupa (chedi), intricate architecture, and peaceful surroundings. The temple was built during the reign of King Rama III and is home to a large turtle pond, where visitors can feed the turtles, making it a hit for families. The large white stupa, known as Phra Borommathat Maha Chedi, is the centerpiece of the temple and is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its interior.
The address is 24 Thesaban 1 Road, Wat Kanlaya, Thon Buri, Bangkok. To get there take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Memorial Bridge Pier (Saphan Phut). From the pier, it’s a 10-minute walk to Wat Prayoon. Locate WatPrayoon on the map above under See and Do number 4.
Wat Rakhang , also known as the Temple of the Bells, is situated on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period but was restored and expanded during the reign of King Taksin in the late 18th century. The temple earned its name after an ancient bell was found on the grounds. King Rama I later moved the bell to Wat Phra Kaew and gifted five new bells to Wat Rakhang, which now hang in its bell tower. Wat Rakhang is known for its peaceful ambiance, intricate murals, and beautiful riverside location.
The address is 250/1 Arun Amarin Road, Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok. The easiest way to get there is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Wat Rakhang Pier.
The temple is located right next to the pier. Locate Wat Rakhang on the map above under See and Do number 5.
Wat Suwannaram is another lesser-known gem located along the banks of the Chao Phraya River and often referred to as Wat Suwan. Once a royal cremation ground, the temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period but was extensively restored during the reign of King Rama I. Wat Suwannaram is famous for its stunning 19th-century murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. The main ordination hall (ubosot) houses a large golden Buddha statue and beautifully detailed ceiling art.
The tranquil grounds and the historical significance of the temple make it a must-visit for those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Locate Wat Suwannaram on the map above under See and Do number 6.
Malls and Markets
Wang Lang Market If you're a food lover, Wang Lang Market is the place to be. Located just behind Siriraj Hospital, this bustling market offers a wide array of street food, local snacks, clothing, and accessories. Wander through the narrow alleys and sample authentic Thai dishes, from grilled meats to exotic desserts. The address is 112/14 Soi Wang Lang, Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok. To get there, take the Silom Skytrain Line to Saphan Taksin station, walk down the riverside exit, then hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Wang Lang Pier (Siriraj Pier).
Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market offers a more local experience compared to the more famous floating markets of Bangkok. It’s a quiet, relaxed space where you can sit by the canal, eat Thai street food, and watch life on the river. It is not a true floating market anymore, there are no vendors on boats in the canal. Art shops and street performances are common in the area, making it a creative and fun destination for families. Address is Soi Phet Kasem 20, Khlong Bang Luang, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok. To get there, take the Silom Line to Bang Wa Station. Then, a short taxi ride will take you to the floating market. A boat tour is not recommended as it is an expensive option.Bangkok Tour Maps
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