Last Updated: 4 December 2022
Did you know that Charoenkrung is the first road in Thailand? Built during 1862-1864, the road was a main commercial district. And though Bangkok’s central business district has expanded to other areas, Charoenkrung has been retaining the charm in forms of old shophouse businesses, while new places are shaping it into a so-called creative district.
To get to Charoenkrung, take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station (Exit 3) and be greeted by these iconic red pickup trucks called Songthaews. Walk towards the main road and you will be amazed by the number of things that you can explore in Charoenkrung.
This ultimate list of recommendations is extensive, so we have plotted every location onto the map below for your easy reference. Happy exploring!
OLD
As usually the case for an older area of a town, these shops range from several decades to over a century old thanks to generations of owners who have been carrying on the legacy.
Eat + Drink
Prachak
This no-frills, 100+ year-old eatery is an OG for Chinese-style roast duck and pork. You’ll just have to decide whether to top the goodies on rice or noodles. [Map]
Sanyod [Michelin Bib Gourmand]
While Prachak has been there for longer and located on the main street, Sanyod is an upscale version, tucked in an alley not far. For a quick meal, we recommend char siu and noodle dishes but do come here for a full Chinese feast besides roast meats too. [Map]
Khao Tom Ped Lao Tee
An evening spot for something hearty, hot and soupy. To go with boiled rice, choose between mixed duck (meat, entrails and blood), duck feet, chicken thigh, chicken feet, pig maw and pork ribs, all cooked to perfection. [Map]
Jok Prince [Michelin Bib Gourmand]
Taking the name from the old Prince cinema, this decades-old establishment is notable for the unique smoky charcoal flavour in their congee. [Map]
Hanaya
Unlike other businesses in the area that is mostly in a shophouse, this first Japanese restaurant in Thailand speaks of its high-end status with the space that it has. Instead of using Japanese rice, Hanaya proudly showcases Thai jasmine rice in their sushi. [Map]
Panlee Bakery
The bakery has been around for over seven decades, offering the neighbourhood some of the best bread and buns in the area. Though the shop has now been renovated to a modern look and the menu has evolved so much, you can still (and you should) get the BBQ pork bun that is truly their signature. [Map]
Sor Boon Prakob Panich
A neighbourhood dessert shop that has been serving traditional sweets at pocket-friendly prices. If you’re looking to try out Thai desserts, this is a great place to start. They also make yummy sticky rice that will go well with mango or steamed custard. [Map]
Hung Huad Ice Cream
A small ice cream maker that has been churning their Thai-style ice cream for several decades. Their coconut milk ice cream and red jelly are the neighbourhood’s favourite. [Map]
Le Normandie [Michelin 2 Star]
Awarded two Michelin stars, the restaurant has won trust from local and international foodies for its fine French fare. Besides, its location in Bangkok’s first, and arguably best hotel, Mandarin Oriental, means scenic views of Chaophraya river and superb service. Other notable outlets in the hotel: The Bamboo Bar (Asia’s 50 best bars), Author’s Lounge (afternoon tea and snacks). [Map]
See
Bangkokian Museum
A colonial house full of collections of things that tell the history of Bangkok. The place also has a permanent exhibition about Charoenkrung. [Map]
Assumption Cathedral
The principal Roman-Catholic church of Thailand is a beautiful Western-style building inside and out. It stores a two-decade history of the Catholic mission to Thailand. [Map]
NEW
Within the last 10 years, the opening of these new spots has expanded what the neighbourhood has to offer, making it a stronger destination for both locals and travellers.
Eat + Drink
Street Food
- Kanom Krok is not the name of the shop but, rather, what this pushcart located right across Supanniga sells–a pancake made with rice flour and topped with coconut cream. What’s special about this shop is how they offer a unique kind mixed with egg. [Map]
- Pu Curry Puff in Talad Noi makes freshly deep-fried puffs with savoury and sweet fillings that are tasty and cheap. Eat it fresh out of the pan and you’ll know why they’re always busy. [Map]
- Bamee Kiaw Guangdong 2451 is a pushcart stopped on the corner of Charoenkrung 79 alley, offering egg noodles with roast pork. Simple but the noodles are done extremely well. [Map]
Khamoo Charoen Sang Silom [Michelin Bib Gourmand]
This is the neighbourhood’s go-to for stewed pork knuckle. With the meat fall-of-the-bone and the gravy tasting just right, they get big orders from time to time. So be sure to visit early. [Map]
Ocharos
Located in Charoen Krung 49, the alley directly opposite the State Tower, Ocharos is a perfect supper spot for night owls. Order delicious stir-fry to go with boiled rice. We love their deep-fried braised intestines! They are open till 3am. [Map]
Jua
Tucked in a small alley of Charoenkrung 28 is the big-character Jua izakaya and sake bar. They offer perfectionist grilled skewers and small dishes that go very well with their selections of sake and Japanese drinks. [Map]
Sarnies Bangkok
This eatery/coffee roaster from Singapore is located in a beautiful colonial house, offering up all-day dining options and some great cups of coffee. Drop-in here for either, or both, plus a couple of good photos. [Map]
100 Mahaseth [Michelin Bib Gourmand]
Visit 100 Mahaseth if you are 1) keen to learn about Isaan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine or 2) a meat lover. They cook up elevated Isaan cuisine and some killer grilled meat. Yes to their grilled beef tongue!
The second floor is also home to Mahaniyom, a cocktail bar by award-winning bartender Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn. Drop by for ingredient-driven drinks or his Bacardi Legacy global champion ‘Pink Me Up’. [Map]
Charmgang
Tucked deep in a small alley, Charmgang shines with red neon, its vibrant dining room and flavorful dishes. Behind the open kitchen, the chefs (formerly Nahm staff) serve bold-flavored Thai food, elevated by different culinary techniques and creativity. Expect dishes like scallop kanom krok, a dish of seared scallop served on Thai-style shellfish-bisque pancakes, and cowa (aka chamuang) leave curry with smoked pork jowl. Reservation recommended. [Map]
Baan Phadthai [Michelin Bib Gourmand]
The elevated version of Pad Thai here includes mixing in crab fat, great quality protein options and the 10+ ingredients in the complex pad Thai sauce (oh and the presentation). Don’t miss their ”˜Miang Kana’ Chinese kale wraps. [Map]
Wua Tong Pochana
Specializing in beef noodles, the stew beef and how they season the soup, from a Qingdao-originated recipe is noteworthy. Wash it down with their homemade soy milk. [Map]
Tuang Dim Sum
Quality dim sum at some very affordable prices. You’ll see people queuing up in front of Tuang late morning and during lunchtime. [Map]
Mother Roaster
A coffee shop run by a 60+ year-old mother who still selects the beans and brews speciality coffee for customers. Not your average coffee either! [Map]
Sweet Pista
This is a pit-stop at Warehouse 30 to enjoy some modern comfort food and refreshing sweet treats such as their orange and coconut cakes. Look out for the adorable resident cat. [Map]
Baan Rim Naam
A relatively new spot for chilling by the river without breaking the bank. Baan Rim Naam offers easy eats and some cool drinks in a hard-to-beat location and atmosphere. [Map]
Tropic City
The tropical-themed cocktail bar is run by some of the most prominent bartenders in town. Therefore, it also ranks in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. [Map]
To More
Taking over the spot that used to be an institutional music bar Soulbar, To More carries on the legacy with its Moulin Rouge-inspired interior and live shows several times a week. [Map]
Jack’s Bar
For an affordable riverside dining experience, go to Jack’s Bar. They serve typical Thai food that locals also frequent, plus some not-overpriced bottles of beer with a river view. It’s getting more and more popular so you’d better go early. [Map]
80/20 [Michelin 1 Star]
Through their own approach to Thai food, the chefs at 80/20 offer up a unique interpretation of Thai common and regional dishes in their seasonal tasting menu. And they taste great, as guaranteed by a Michelin star. Reservations required. [Map]
Aksorn [Michelin 1 Star]
Aksorn is a One Michelin Star Restaurant located in Central the Original Store. This is a venture by prestigious chef David Thompson (previously at Nahm), using cooking traditions and heritage Thai recipes passed down through the generations. [Map]
See
Thailand Creative & Design Center
A hub of creative minds, TCDC houses a creative library, a material centre and a space for creative events and exhibitions. Plus, it’s located in the General Post Office building, a landmark architecture in the area. [Map]
River City
Known among antique lovers for being the place for trade, River City has also recently stepped up their game in contemporary art exhibitions with the new Museum of Digital Art Bangkok (MODA). [Map]
Common Ground Tattoo
A place to get inked by professional tattoo artists, with hygienic facilities, cool interior design and capacities to customize based on your preferences. [Map]
Warehouse 30
A compound of event space, select shops, a spa and eateries. They often host cool creative events. But on the days there are no events, our reasons to visit are some comforting cafe food and treats at Sweet Pista as well as creative Thai food and drinks at DAG. [Map]
Atta Gallery
The gallery has been putting a spotlight on contemporary art jewellery for over a decade, which makes it stand out from other places in Bangkok. Get mesmerized by the sizes, shapes and materials of wearable pieces shown here. [Map]
Talad Noi photo spots
If you’re in the mood for a walk, we suggest going into Charoenkrung 30 and make a turn at the Embassy of Portugal. The embassy’s wall offers a great photo spot with a huge wall-carved art. Walk on straight past River City and SCB, you’ll enter the Talad Noi area where the mix of old and new will keep your camera busy. [Map]
Central the Original Store
Central Group has come back to its origin and revived the land that was their first store. Besides retail, the five-story building is also home to Aksorn, the newest venture by prestigious chef David Thompson, a cafe and a jazz bar by the people behind Siwilai brand. [Map]
We have plotted the above-mentioned places into the map below for your easy reference. Happy exploring! For mobile users, you can refer to this list of saved places: Ultimate Charoenkrung Guide by AroiMakMak.com
