The Ultimate Walking Guide to Khlong San, Bangkok’s Riverside Gem

Table of Contents

Introduction

Highlights

Gallery

Directions

Update

Map

Detailed Guide

Wrapping up

Khlong San FAQ

Introduction

View the map now and skip the detailed introduction.

Welcome, fellow explorers of Bangkok! If you’re seeking to explore a side of the city with local life, rich history, and a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into the captivating Khlong San area, nestled on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Khlong San offers a truly immersive experience, far from the typical tourist trails. Here you will discover ancient temples, bustling markets and charming old shophouses. From the delicious street food stalls that awaken your senses to the lively atmosphere of its riverside communities, Khlong San is a microcosm of Bangkok’s enduring charm.

Interestingly a specific street and archway in the Khlong San district served as a surprising backdrop for the Vietnam War-era film, Good Morning, Vietnam (at time stamp 1:44:00!). To get directions to this exact location, download my Detailed Guide. This local spot is a piece of Hollywood history in the heart of the city. It’s also a fascinating piece of cinematic trivia to discover the entirety of the 1987 Robin Williams classic was shot in Thailand.

If you fancy a break along the way, then My Grandparent’s House (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed Wed) offers a range of food and drink set in a beautiful old wooden building on the river.

Keep your camera ready. This route offers excellent photographic opportunities, including an old river pier that is ideal for smoothing the water with a long exposure. Follow my guides to capture this effect using a camera and tripod, or just your mobile phone.

Highlights

Superscript links indicate waypoints on the map below.

• Extension to Chee Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda
• Lhong 1919³
• Din Daeng Road Street Market⁴
• Soi Somdet Chao Phraya Old Warehouses⁵
• Long exposure abandoned river pier location⁶
• Princess Mother Memorial Park⁸
• Tsai Eatery⁹ 
• Guan Yu Shrine¹⁰
• My Grandparent’s House¹¹
• Chao Phraya Sky Park¹²

Gallery

To browse the rest of my photography, from Bangkok and further afield, visit my portfolio.

Directions

These directions follow the order of highlights mentioned above, beginning at Krung Thon Buri BTS station on the Gold Line with a short extension walk to Chee Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda. The Gold Line and the Silom Line conveniently interchange at Krung Thon Buri BTS station, which enables easy access from anywhere on Bangkok’s BTS system. After visiting the Chao Phraya Sky Park, you can then easily return to Sathorn Pier—which also connects with the Sky Train—by taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat. The total walking distance is about 4 km.

Update

As you walk between the old warehouses and approach the end of Soi Somdet Chao Phraya⁵ it might look like the exit straight ahead is blocked by a new fence. However, just to the right is a new gate which, although sometimes closed, is not locked and you can pass through to join the path alongside the river⁶.

Map

The whole route is laid out below, with reference points. Here’s the key to what the icons in the map header mean.

View the legend or open the route in Google Maps by tapping these icons in the map header.

Detailed Guide

Extra detail is available by clicking the button below.

Wrapping up

This is one of my favourite lesser-known city routes in Bangkok. There’s so much to see and a lot of variety. I hope you get a chance to follow this walk and enjoy it as much as I have. However, as crossing Bangkok roads can be an adventure in itself always look both ways. For more specific advice on navigating the traffic, see my full safety guide.

Khlong San FAQ