Thonburi District Guide in Bangkok

Are you coming to the Thai capital soon? Discover everything you need to know to visit Thonburi, the famous district of Bangkok!

Bangkok is often referred to as the city with a thousand architectural influences. From one quarter to another, the style of monuments and buildings juggles between various trends. Indeed, you will see American, European, Chinese and of course, traditional Thai influences. Are you lucky to visit Thonburi and navigate on a canal, or a khlong in Thai? So you will immediately witness the beauty that is unique to this Bangkok neighbourhood. Indeed, the Thonburi klongs through this part of the city are still used today. Some even say that visiting Thonburi is also making a jump in time. These small canals are used as transport for the premises and passengers, as well as commercial channels. Travelling in this way apart is a unique experience.

To prepare your next trip to Thailand, we have prepared this comprehensive guide. Thanks to him, you will have all the information you need to visit Thonburi in Bangkok!

The neighborhood of Thonburi in a few words

Thonburi was once his own province. It was only in 1972 that it merged with Bangkok. Since then, some canals have been closed to make way to roads, but most of them have remained intact, fortunately. As in the past, before skyscrapers and highways, merchants always navigate through narrow waters. They use small wooden boats filled with various goods.

Today it is easier than ever to visit Thonburi, thanks to the BTS and MRT lines. Moreover, Thonburi is between two equally important districts. This is the neighbourhood Khlong San bordering the river, and the neighbourhood Bangkok Yai On the west side. Life in these neighborhoods is usually described as the quiet side of Bangkok. Visiting Thonburi is also taking a moment away from the incessant noise of the big city. In fact, its visitors sometimes wonder if they are still in Bangkok!

What to see and what to do in the Thonburi district of Thailand?

It is true that visiting Thonburi on the waters of the khlongs has its charm. But what about his other attractions? Here is a small list of our favorite activities that we have prepared for you.

North Thonburi: temples, church and turtles

The temple Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan lies north of Thonburi, close to Memorial Bridge . This Buddhist complex also includes a small museum with several relics, and a replica of the Khao Mo mountain. If you have children, they can have fun feeding turtles that swim around the mountain. If you have a little time left before you pass the next attraction, think about making a tour of the Portuguese church Santa Cruz .

A little further along the river, you will see huge towers that will point to the tip of their nose. In fact, this is where one of Bangkok’s most popular Buddhist temples rests, the temple Wat Arun Ratchavararam . Also called the Temple of the Dawn The Wat Arun is particularly colourful at sunset. This temple is absolutely magical! It is a place not to be missed if you are visiting Thonburi and its surroundings.

West of the neighborhood: Artist’s House

In the suburbs of the west of Thonburi, you can find the Maison de l’Artiste, or the Artist’s House . This centennial house that has been transformed into an art gallery will inspire you with its charm as well as its accessibility. Indeed, it is possible to reach the house by a canal by boat. Moreover, restaurants and the floating market Khlong Bang Luang They're right next door. That should give you a nice little afternoon in this quiet corner of the khlongs.

Floating market de Khlong Lat Mayom

The floating market of Khlong Lat Mayom is a little far, certainly. Nevertheless, you will be happy to have taken the trouble of making the adventure! To get there, you will have the choice with taxis, buses, trains and boats. However, different transport will need to be combined to reach Khlong Lat Mayom, the largest water market in Bangkok.

Once there, you will only have to visit the hundreds of floating shops and local restaurants.

Guided tours to make in the Thonburi district

While you visit Thonburi, it can be easy to get lost among the khlongs in the neighborhood. So here are some ideas of guided tours that will allow you to stay on the right path.

Guided tour of the Khlongs of Thonburi

A guided tour of the Thonburi klongs is necessarily the main attraction of the neighborhood. It is true that it is possible to explore freely without a guide. However, having a local professional who can show you the best spots is always a plus.

After visiting the floating markets and the routine life of Thonburi, the boat will take you to Grand Palais Royal . Along the river with all its splendour, this enormity monument is undoubtedly a must in the city of Bangkok. The price of a guided tour to visit Thonburi and the Grand Palais turns around 90 € per person .

Guided tour to Khlong Lat Mayom market

For the experienced traveler, visiting Thonburi may be a complex task, but not impossible. However, where it gets tough, it is to be a path to the famous Khlong Lat Mayom market. Several guides on site will offer you a safe guided tour to visit this Bangkok market so coveted. Please provide a budget between 40€ and 50€ per person for this guided tour.

Guided cycling tour

Original and sporting, the guided tour of Thonburi by bike changes classic tours. With an experienced and friendly local tourist guide, you will discover the must-sees of this neighborhood, but also its local cuisine! During this route through Thai streets, you will see the church of Santa Cruz, the Wat Kalayanamit temple and the Aube temple, but also the House of Tian Fa Joss.

This bike ride lasts about 4 hours , so plan a sports outfit. For 60€ per person, This guided tour offers a lot of surprises and a typical Thai meal.

Street Food-tour

Bangkok kettle street merchants and small typical restaurants. However, as foreigners, we don’t dare too much because we don’t know what ingredients are, if it’s spicy... The gourmet guided tour is the solution! In addition, the Thonburi waterfront is one of the best street cuisines in Bangkok. Original and entertaining, this street food-tour makes you discover Thonburi as you had never seen!

During 3 hours , an experienced and professional guide makes you discover local and authentic foods. This gustative adventure allows you to enjoy, discover local culture and sometimes cook. Rates oscillate between 50€ and 100€ for this type of activity. Enjoy!

The best hotels in Thonburi

To experience an unforgettable travel experience in Thonburi, here are our favourite hotels. In these, you can rest in absolute comfort. However, do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find the one that suits you best.

• Visit Thonburi while staying in ultimate comfort, this is whatAvani Riverside propose. The Avani Riverside Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel that is one of the city’s best hotels. The latter is located near the main attractions, but far enough from the noise and enlivened life of Bangkok. The view of the rooms on the upper floors is magnificent.
• Do you think of visiting Thonburi in the spirit of living a modest life while staying in the heart of the neighbourhood? So much more affordable hotels and motels are available. Among these, you have the One of Us House,hotel ZENNIQ, or Star of Sathorn. Count on average between 20€ and 50€ per night for these establishments.

Where to eat in the Thonburi district of Bangkok?

Do you need a romantic or just dinner with a restaurant with a good atmosphere? So, Borkung Ratchada is the place par excellence. A rather special activity is even offered to customers. Indeed, it is possible to fish your future meal in a basin designed for this purpose. In any case, whether you have caught your meal or not, food is a delight for taste buds.

Would you rather want to break the crust with something else than rice and spicy dishes? So, Sorry I’m Hungry Burger Café is the solution! Indeed, you can enjoy a good American burger with affordable prices. The restaurant is located in the heart of the neighborhood next to BTS Wongwian station. Maybe one more reason to visit Thonburi.

How do I get to Thonburi?

To visit Thonburi without congestion, you can use:

• TheBTS up to the Krung Thon Buri, Wongwian Yai or Pho Nimit stations.
• A little further north, MRT Metro Blue Line crossing Thonburi stops at Itsaraphap and Tha Phra stations.
• Otherwise the many ferries the Chao Phraya River can make the link between the two sides. You can travel between Tha Tien docks and Wat Arun temple for example.
• The taxi from the airport will cost you between 15€ and 20€ for a journey lasting 30 minutes.