While the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River, with its Grand Palace and Wat Pho, attracts many tourists, the Thonburi district on the other side is significantly less crowded! This picturesque Bangkok neighborhood transports its visitors to another era. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, Thonburi offers a true change of scenery, whisking visitors away to a different world – almost like a small village with its narrow lanes, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the modern city. Its history, traditional architecture, and unique sights make it an absolute must-see for anyone seeking an authentic and immersive experience off the beaten track in Bangkok. Among the top attractions in Thonburi is, of course, Wat Arun, the district's most famous and frequently visited monument. However, tourists typically only arrive by ferry from the other side of the river and don't explore the area surrounding the temple. Other monuments and sights in Thonburi include Wat Prayoon with its unique white architecture, the enchanting Khao Mo replica garden, which many visitors miss despite its proximity, the Santa Cruz Church with the adjacent Kundeejeen community, the Buddhist temple Wat Kalayamanit, and Bangkok's oldest Chinese shrine. The Royal Barge Museum is also located there. In my opinion, Thonburi is best explored on foot, for example, along the route of my Thonburi walking tour.

You can choose Wat Arun as your starting point for your visit to Thonburi, or do as I did and begin at the Memorial Bridge. Entry to all the places I mentioned, including the Kudichin Museum, is free.

To get to Thonburi, you can take the MRT metro and get off at Sanam Chai. From there, walk to Tha Thien Pier (near Wat Pho) and take the ferry across the river to reach Wat Arun. Start your Thonburi tour with this temple. Another option, which I personally prefer, is to take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Memorial Bridge Pier. From there, you can begin your Thonburi tour.

How to get there

How do you get to Thonburi? To get to Thonburi, you can take the MRT metro and get off at Sanam Chai. From there, walk to Tha Thien Pier (near Wat Pho) and take the ferry to cross the river and reach Wat Arun. This temple is a great place to start your Thonburi tour. Another option, which I personally prefer, is to take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Memorial Bridge Pier. From there, you can begin your Thonburi tour.