Introduction
Local area
Get ready to discover a side of Bangkok rarely seen by the average tourist! This post will take you on a captivating journey through the charmingly chaotic Itsaraphap area, where hidden gems and authentic local experiences await you. From the moment you step into its narrow lanes and alleys, you’ll discover a vibrant tapestry of daily life, far removed from the city’s bustling main roads.
Wat Nak Klang Worawihan
Just a short walk from the more famous Wat Arun, you’ll discover a true gem of hidden Bangkok: Wat Nak Klang Worawihan, a temple with a truly unique personality. It might not be as well-known, but it captivates visitors with its vibrant colours, extensive craftsmanship, and deep sense of history.
The first thing you’ll notice is its lively palette. Instead of the typical gold, Wat Nak Klang Worawihan features a playful, Chinese-influenced style, with gables decorated in multi-coloured glazed tiles and intricate floral patterns. This blend of Thai and Chinese art is a nod to the local community’s history. The main building, with its stunning stucco images of the Buddha’s life, showcases the impressive skill of the artisans.
The attention to detail here is remarkable, from the large Buddha image to ornate statues. Every corner of this extensive temple is a display of dedicated, high-quality workmanship. It’s a place that tells a story through its rich, textural details, offering a quiet and peaceful space to appreciate its beauty, far from the crowds.
Ice Cream and Amulets
A delightful stop at a unique ice cream café, serving up homemade frozen treats, is sure to cool you down before you dive into the sensory overload of Wang Lang Market. A quick cross-river ferry ride will lead you to even more small street cafés and the fascinating Amulet Market, a truly unique and spiritual hub where locals and collectors seek sacred talismans and charms. This century-old market offers a deep dive into Thai beliefs and traditions. As you walk along the riverfront, you’ll see a completely different side of the city, with stilt homes built out into the river. These homes offer a glimpse into a way of life very different from the modern city just beyond. The journey culminates in a scenic ride on the iconic Chao Phraya River Express Boat. Prepare to immerse yourself in the true heart of hidden Bangkok!
So join me and explore the sights, sounds, and flavours of this off-the-beaten-path neighbourhood. Wander through alleys and streets, where you can witness a slower pace of life, connect with the local culture, and find a quieter, more authentic hidden Bangkok away from the main tourist trails.
Get your camera ready! You never know what unique moments you will come across. This route offers several photographic opportunities highlighted by the camera emoji 📷 throughout the post. Let’s dive straight in.
Highlights
- Wat Nak Klang Worawihan
- Priscilla Ice Cream
- Wang Lang Market
- Cross-River Ferry
- Amulet Market
- Thai Stilt Homes
- Chao Phraya River Express Boat
Directions
This route begins at Itsaraphap MRT station and winds through lanes and alleys to the Priscilla Ice Cream Café (open Mon-Thu 08:00-18:00, Fri-Sun 08:00-20:00). From there, it’s a short walk to the Wang Lang market (open every day 09:00 – 18:00). After passing through the market, you’ll find yourself at the Chao Phraya River. Crossing the river and taking a short walk on the other side leads you to the Amulet Market (daily 09:00 – 16:00) and the Tha Chang Pier. The total distance is about 6 km.
The superscript numbers in the step directions below link to the map at the end. To view the map legend or follow the route in Google Maps, simply click the icons shown here, in the map header.
View the map legend.
Follow the route in Google Maps.
Wat Nak Klang Worawihan
Step 1
Head to Itsaraphap MRT, taking exit 2. Turn 180°, walk back 20 m and take the second alley on the right. Walk over a canal, under an arch, then turn right in front of the temple 📷. Keep following the lane until you come to a narrow path right next to the partially covered canal.
Step 2
Continue along the canal until you reach a stone bridge. Cross the bridge and walk along the lane until you reach a main road.
Step 3
Turn left and cross the main road by the footbridge, taking the steps down to the right. After 50 m, turn left down Soi 38.
Step 4
Continue as the lane narrows to an alleyway, which eventually joins a small road. Turn left at the junction ahead.
Step 5
Continue straight ahead for about 250 m, crossing over a road and an alley, until you reach a T-junction. Turn left and then right.
Step 6
Walk 100 m and go straight over a covered canal. After 200 m, turn left at the road.
Step 7
After 50 m, on the right, you will come to the entrance to the magnificent Wat Nak Klang Worawihan1 complex, which is well worth exploring. 📷 When you finish, continue along the access road that you entered on, then follow it right.
Priscilla Ice Cream
Step 1
After a few metres, turn left at an interestingly decorated house. 📷
Step 2
After a few metres more, turn right at the crossroads in the alley. Walk straight ahead about 50 m, and Priscilla Ice Cream is on your left2, just past a covered canal. Here you can enjoy a wide selection of homemade ice creams, drinks, and some Thai meals. There is air-conditioned seating inside and a terrace area outside.
Wang Lang Market
Step 1
Come out of Priscilla Ice Cream Café, turn left, go 20 m to the main road and turn left. Cross over Khlong Mon, walk 100 m and turn left.
Step 2
Crossover a small canal and turn right at the T-junction in front of the temple.
Step 3
Follow the lane left, then right. Walk straight ahead for 500 m and cross a main road. Continue on the lane ahead. After 500 m, turn right at the T-junction with a main road. After 50 m, turn right at the major road junction. Cross this road using the footbridge.
Step 4
On the other side walk ahead 20 m to Soi 22 and turn left. This is the start of the Wang Lang Market.3 As you walk into the market, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are several side alleys to explore.📷 However, keep returning to Soi 22 and walk to the end, turning left. Why not sample some of the food? There are vendors in the market or restaurants next to the river.
Cross-River Ferry
Step 1
After turning left at the end of Soi 22, walk to the end of the market alley and turn right at the road. Walk 50 m to the river piers, go through to the river and turn right (do not go to the Chao Phraya Express Boat Pier).
Step 2
Walk 30 m and you will see the Tai Wang Lang Pier.4 Cross-river ferries go from here to three destinations. You want the green ferry to Tha Phra Chan. There is a sign showing the destination on the top of the ferry. The fare is 4.50 baht and you pay on the far side.
Amulet Market
Step 1
After paying for the ferry, on the far side, walk out the exit but look for this gap between the shops before you get to the road. Go through the gap and turn right.
Step 2
You are now in an alleyway with several local restaurants right on the river. This would be a good place to eat if you haven’t already done so.
Step 3
Continue walking past the restaurants parallel to the river, and you will come to the Amulet Market5 where there will probably be local collectors carefully inspecting amulets. 📷
Step 4
There are more narrow alleys to explore and an impressive, high-roofed covered section.📷
Thai Stilt Homes
Step 1
Continue walking through the amulet market parallel to the river until you reach these steps. Go up the steps and walk alongside the river past restaurant and café terraces.
Step 2
After 100 m, you’ll get to the Tha Maharaj complex and pier (also called Maha Rat Pier). Walk past the pier and turn left. At this point, you’ll have a close-up view of some Thai stilt homes.📷 Shortly, you’ll be able to see them close up from the landward side.
Step 3
Walk out to the main road and turn right. After 100 m, turn right down a narrow alley.
Step 4
Walk down the alley past small, colourful wooden homes on either side. After about 50 m, you will come to a huge variety of structures built on stilts6 over the river.📷
Chao Phraya River Express Boat
Step 1
Walk back up the alley, turn right onto the main road and continue to a road junction. You are now in a busy tourist area with the Grand Palace on your left. Turn right and walk 50 m to the Tha Chang Pier, going into the entrance on your right. Be mindful of people touting for private boat tours.
Step 2
From the counter inside, you can choose between a Blue Flag Tourist Boat or the more authentic Chao Phraya Express Boat (16 baht for the orange flag or 21 baht for the yellow flag, depending on the time of day). It’s always worth checking the schedule especially on public holidays and Sundays.
Step 3
A good option for onward travel within Bangkok is to take the Express Boat to Sathorn Pier, which connects with the BTS Sky Train network. While the Tha Chang Pier can feel a bit chaotic, the local staff are very experienced and will make sure you get on the right boat.
Map
Wrapping up
From the vibrant market and mystical amulet stalls to the haphazard riverfront stilt homes and the tranquil serenity of Wat Nak Klang Worawihan, this journey provides an authentic and unforgettable glimpse into the essence of Bangkok. By venturing beyond the conventional tourist itineraries, you will discover a city that transcends its role as a mere destination, becoming a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and authentic local experiences waiting to be explored.
As always if you find any errors in this post I would be very grateful if you would drop me a comment below.
Best wishes
Derek
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