Guide to Bangkok’s Thonburi district

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Coming to the Thai capital soon? Find out all there is to know about visiting Thonburi, Bangkok’s famous district!

Bangkok is often referred to as the city of a thousand architectural influences. From one district to the next, the style of the monuments and buildings juggles various trends. You’ll see American, European, Chinese and, of course, traditional Thai influences. If you’re lucky enough to visit Thonburi and sail on a canal, or khlong in Thai? Then you’ll immediately witness the beauty that is unique to this part of Bangkok. Indeed, the Thonburi klongs running through this part of the city are still in use today. Some even say that visiting Thonburi is like stepping back in time. These small canals serve as transportation for locals and travelers, as well as trade routes. Travelling through this unique way of life is a unique experience.

To help you prepare for your next trip to Thailand, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. It will give you all the information you need to visit Thonburi in Bangkok!

Thonburi in a nutshell

quartier de Thonburi

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / asam3dv

Thonburi was once its own province. It wasn’t until 1972 that it merged with Bangkok. Since then, some canals have been closed to make way for roads, but fortunately most have remained intact. As in the past, before skyscrapers and freeways, traders still navigate the narrow waters. They use small wooden boats filled with a variety of goods.

These days, it’s easier than ever to visit Thonburi, thanks to the BTS and MRT lines. In fact, Thonburi lies between two equally important districts. These are the Khlong San district along the river, and the Bangkok Yai district on the west side. Life in these neighborhoods is generally described as the quiet side of Bangkok. To visit Thonburi is also to take a moment away from the incessant noise of the big city. In fact, visitors sometimes even wonder if they’re still in Bangkok!

What to see and do in Thailand’s Thonburi district?

It’s true that visiting Thonburi on the waters of the khlongs has its charms. But what about its other attractions? Here’s a short list of our favorite activities.

North of Thonburi: temples, church and turtles

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Studio Hito

Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan temple is located in northern Thonburi, close to the Memorial Bridge. This Buddhist complex also includes a small museum with several relics, and a replica of Khao Mo Mountain. If you have children, they can have fun feeding the turtles that swim around the mountain. If you still have a little time before the next attraction, consider a tour of the Portuguese Santa Cruz Church.

A little further along the river, you’ll see huge towers jutting out of the ground. In fact, this is the resting place of one of Bangkok’s most popular Buddhist temples, Wat Arun Ratchavararam. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is particularly colorful at sunset. This temple is absolutely magical! It’s a must-see if you’re visiting Thonburi and the surrounding area.

West of the district: Artist’s House

Artist's House

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / artapartment

In the western suburbs of Thonburi, you’ll find the Maison de l’Artiste, orArtist’s House. This century-old house, which has been converted into an art gallery, will impress you with its charm as much as its accessibility. The house can be reached by boat via a canal. What’s more, restaurants and the Khlong Bang Luang floating market are just around the corner. This should make for a pleasant afternoon in this quiet corner of the khlongs.

Khlong Lat Mayom floating market

Khlong Lat Mayom, l'un des meilleurs marchés flottants de Bangkok

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vassamon Anansukkasem

The floating market of Khlong Lat Mayom is a little far away, of course. Nevertheless, you’ll be glad you took the trouble to make the adventure! To get there, you’re spoilt for choice with cabs, buses, trains and boats. However, you’ll need to combine different means of transport to reach Khlong Lat Mayom, Bangkok’s largest water market.

Once there, all you have to do is visit the hundreds of floating boutiques and local restaurants.

Guided tours of the Thonburi district

While visiting Thonburi, it can be easy to get lost among the district’s khlongs. So here are a few ideas for guided tours to keep you on the right track.

Guided tour of Thonburi’s Khlongs

Palais Royal de Bangkok

Photo credit: Shutterstock / apiguide

A guided tour of Thonburi’s klongs is necessarily the area’s main attraction. True, it’s possible to explore on your own without a guide. However, having a local professional who can show you the best spots is always a plus.

After a visit to the floating markets and routine life of Thonburi, the boat will take you to the Grand Palais Royal. Bordering the river in all its splendor, this enormous monument is undoubtedly one of Bangkok’s must-sees. A guided tour of Thonburi and the Grand Palace costs around €90 per person.

Guided tour to Khlong Lat Mayom market

Khlong Lat Mayom

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Sorakrai Tangnoi

For the experienced traveler, visiting Thonburi can be a complex task, but not an impossible one. Where it gets tricky, however, is making your way to the famous Khlong Lat Mayom market. There are several guides on hand to offer you a safe, guided tour of this coveted Bangkok market. Please allow between €40 and €50 per person for this guided tour.

Guided bike tour

visite guidée de Thonburi à vélo

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / deejungloei

Original and sporty, the Thonburi bike tour is a refreshing change from the usual tours. With an experienced and friendly local tour guide, you’ll discover the must-sees of this district, as well as its local cuisine! On this itinerary through Thai streets, you’ll see the Santa Cruz Church, Wat Kalayanamit and the Temple of the Dawn, as well as the Tian Fa Joss House.

This bike tour lasts around 4 hours, so don’t forget to wear sporty clothes. For €60 per person, this guided tour is full of surprises and includes a typical Thai meal.

Street Food-tour

bangkok food

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Room98

Bangkok is teeming with street vendors and typical little restaurants. However, as foreigners, we’re not too daring, as we don’t know what the ingredients are, how spicy it is… The gastronomic guided tour is the solution! What’s more, the waterfront district of Thonburi serves some of the best street food in Bangkok. Original and entertaining, this street food tour lets you discover Thonburi as you’ve never seen it before!

For 3 hours, an experienced and professional guide introduces you to authentic local foods. This gustatory adventure lets you feast, learn about the local culture and, in some cases, cook. Prices range from €50 to €100 for this type of activity. Bon appétit!

The best hotels to stay in Thonburi district

For an unforgettable travel experience in Thonburi, here are our favorite hotels. Here, you can relax in absolute comfort. Nevertheless, don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparator to find the one that suits you best.

  • Visit Thonburi in ultimate comfort, that’s whatAvani Riverside has to offer. The Avani Riverside is a 5-star luxury hotel and one of the city’s top establishments. It’s close to the main attractions, but far enough away from the noise and hustle and bustle of Bangkok. The views from the rooms on the upper floors are magnificent.
  • Thinking of visiting Thonburi with a view to living a modest lifestyle while staying in the heart of the district? Then much more affordable hotels and motels are available. These include the One of Us House, theZENNIQ Hotel and the Star of Sathorn. Expect to pay between €20 and €50 a night for these establishments.

Where to eat in Bangkok’s Thonburi district?

Need a romantic evening or just a restaurant with a good atmosphere? Then Borkung Ratchada is the place for you. A rather special activity is even offered to customers. You can fish for your future meal in a special pond. In any case, whether you catch your meal or not, the food is a delight for the taste buds.

Would you rather break your fast with something other than rice and spicy food? Then Sorry I’m Hungry Burger Café is the answer! You can enjoy a good American-style burger at affordable prices. The restaurant is located in the heart of the district, next to the Wongwian BTS station. Just one more reason to visit Thonburi.

How do I get to Thonburi?

For a trouble-free visit to Thonburi, you can use :

  • BTS to Krung Thon Buri, Wongwian Yai or Pho Nimit stations.
  • A little further north, the blue line of the MRT subway through Thonburi stops at Itsaraphap and Tha Phra stations.
  • Alternatively, the many ferries on the Chao Phraya River can link the two sides. You can travel between the docks at Tha Tien and Wat Arun temple, for example.
  • A cab from the airport will cost you between €15 and €20 for a 30-minute journey.

Map of hotels and accommodation – Bangkok,th