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The Chao Phraya River is the epicenter of Bangkok. The river itself starts in northern Thailand where four rivers meet to form the Chao Phraya River. It is often referred to as the ‘bloodline of Thai people.’ To this day it remains an important transportation hub for goods and services. Many Thais still live along the banks of the river in stilt houses.

As the city expanded and modernized, the Chao Phraya River boasts some of the top tourist attractions in Bangkok. These include 5-star hotels, active nightlife, luxury shopping, premium condominiums, ancient temples, and the Grand Palace. It has become a mixture of old and new.

These are 10 places that I would recommend visiting along the Chao Phraya:

1. Asiatique

Asiatique is an upscale outdoor shopping market. There are also tons of restaurants and activities to suit everyone’s interests. A giant ferris wheel will be lit up at night, and the market really comes to life after 7pm. Sometimes there are events held near the river front. When I visited, there was an international police marching band performance. It is open everyday from 4pm – midnight. There is a free shuttle boat that you can catch from BTS Saphan Taksin.

2. Icon Siam

The Icon Siam is the newest luxury shopping mall that opened in 2018. On the first floor, you will find an over-the-top indoor-outdoor market complete with small canals to reference Bangkok’s popular floating markets.

The vendors dress in traditional Thai clothing and serve street food from their boats. Head upstairs and you will find all the famous luxury brands from Tiffany & Co., Maserati (yes, you can buy a car in the mall), Chanel, Gucci and so on. On the sixth floor, there is an IMAX movie theater, sit-down restaurants, and a floor-to-ceiling waterfall.

Some of the restaurants throughout the shopping center have terraces that face the Chao Phraya River for a unique dining experience. At night, there is a water and light show outside along the riverfront. Free shuttle boat service is available from BTS Saphan Taksin.

3. Warehouse 30

Warehouse 30 is an up-and-coming market located near the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. It is a renovated warehouse that features local artisans and beauty products from natural ingredients.

You’ll be able to find products like metal straws, bar shampoo, bamboo toothbrushes, leather accessories, pet accessories, and antiques/collectible items.

There are also a few restaurants, a coffee shop, and an ice cream stand. They even show foreign films in the showing room. When I went it was German Film Week.

To get to Warehouse 30 you can either take a taxi from Saphan Taksin or take the free shuttle to Icon Siam, then go to pier 4 & 5 and take another free shuttle across the river to Si Phraya Pier.

4. Flower Market

The Flower Market is a place you must go to early in the morning to see the most activity. Referred to by locals as Pak Khlong Talat, this market is the main hub of flowers throughout Bangkok and also sells fruits and vegetables.

You’ll find many different varieties and learn how much flowers play an important role in the lives of Thai people. It is unfortunate that as a tourist, you have no real need for a bouquet of flowers. Nevertheless, it’s still a good place to walk around and take in the scents.

To get here, take the orange flag boat to Yodpiman Pier.

5. Llong 1919

This newly renovated 19th-century Chinese mansion showcases restaurants, shops, a shrine, and Instagram-worthy street art. During the day there isn’t much going on.

I would recommend visiting in the evening after 6pm. There were only three restaurants open for lunch and a few shops.

On the second floor of the mansion, you can rent Chinese costumes and take pictures in the complex. Along the back alley of the shops, there are Chinese murals where you will find everyone taking photos.

There is also a free shuttle boat to get here, but it is not advertised. The tourist boat will try and convince you to pay 60 baht to get there. I’m also not sure if it runs in the evening.

From Icon Siam go to pier 4 and 5 and take the boat to Llong 1919.

6. Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Hotel

There are a number of 5 star hotels along the Chao Phraya River. Each of these hotels puts together different events and dining experiences. I had the opportunity to have afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel. They put together an Easter Afternoon tea set that was absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for a little luxury, I’d definitely recommend checking out the events at any of these hotels:

• The Peninsula Hotel
• The Mandarin Oriental
• The Shangri-La
• The Marriott Hotel
• The Anantara Hotel

All of these hotels have free shuttle boats from Saphan Taksin.

7. Wat Pho

Did you really go to Bangkok if you didn’t see the famous reclining Buddha that lies inside Wat Pho?

Usually, I don’t really like following the hordes of tourists when visiting popular destinations, but these places are popular for a reason. The temple is stunning and the Buddha is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf.

Be sure to walk around the grounds and take in the scenery. While you’re here, you might as well get a traditional Thai massage from the leading school of Thai massage at the temple.

The entrance fee to the temple is 100 baht and you must dress appropriately.

8. Wat Arun

Nicknamed the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is across from Wat Pho. It is a famous white temple that sits along the Chao Phraya River and is arguably the most popular temple in Bangkok.

The temple is made up of porcelain spires that glisten in the sunlight. You can explore most of the temple, but some parts are blocked off.

It is 100 baht to enter and you must dress appropriately.

9. Grand Palace

The majestic Grand Palace is the former home to the Royal Thai Family. No one lives at the palace anymore as it is a place where important ceremonies take place.

Within the palace, you will find the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Buddha is carved out of a single block of jade dating back to the 14th century.

Entrance to the palace is 500 baht and a strict dress code is required.

10. Khao San Road

Khao San Road isn’t a place that I would willingly go to, to say the least. However, most people swear it’s the best time ever. (I prefer classier rooftop bars.)

If you like eating weird things like scorpions on a stick or getting drunk on buckets of alcohol then this is the place for you.

It’s known from the movie The Island starring Leonardo DiCaprio and is a popular backpackers hub. You can take a local boat to Phra Arthit Pier for 15 baht from Saphan Taksin. It has an orange flag and it goes north up the river.

Be warned that you may get sucked into paying more if you take the tourist boat. The people that run the tourist boat are a little pushy and will definitely take advantage of you being a tourist and not knowing how the boats work.