Exploring the Silent Ruins: A Walk to Bangkok’s Abandoned Temples

Table of Contents

Introduction

Highlights

Directions

Map

Detailed Guide

Wrapping Up

Temples FAQ

Introduction

For those who just want the visual guide, go straight to the map.

This exploration of abandoned temples starts with a gentle ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River. This journey leads you away from the noisy city into a secret world where you will follow narrow alleys that snake their way parallel to the water.

Hidden or little-known spaces are revealed. You will discover some forgotten shrines tucked deep within local neighborhoods. While the city life continues nearby, these ruins offer a rare, silent glimpse into the past.

Few travelers ever find these spiritual sites. However, those who explore these winding paths see a side of Bangkok that feels frozen in time. Join me as we uncover the echoes of these silent ruins. Get your camera ready! This route offers several photographic opportunities highlighted by the camera emoji 📷 throughout the post. Let’s dive straight in.

Highlights

Superscript links indicate waypoints on the map below. 

• Wat Bowon Mongkhon²
• Sala Rong Dhamma teak wood pavilion³
• Rama VIII Cafe⁴
• Rama VIII Bridge⁵
• Wat Phraya Siri Aisawan⁶
• Wat Noi Thong Yu⁷
• Wat Phumarin Ratchapaksi⁸
• Extension:
  • IMM Restaurant
  • Royal Barges National Museum
    
     

Directions

The nicest way to start this walk is to arrive on the Chao Phraya Express Boat at Thewes (Thewet) Pier. From there, cross the river by local ferry to reach Wat Bowon Mongkhon 📷 with its old building that houses remarkable wooden sculptures of monks.

After leaving the sculptures, you will navigate a network of narrow alleyways. These paths eventually lead you to Sala Rong Dhamma, a historic teakwood pavilion 📷. Close by is the peaceful oasis of Rama VIII Café 📷 on the Chao Phraya River (11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily). This spot offers a perfect place to rest before you enjoy a close-up view of the massive Rama VIII Bridge 📷.

The route then moves towards Wat Phraya Siri Aisawan, featuring a distinctive white Chedi 📷. Heading on past Phra Pinklao Bridge, you might be lucky to find the small, secluded Wat Noi Thong Yu shrine 📷; however, unfortunately, this has recently become inaccessible due to construction work in the area. Finally, the route reaches Wat Phumarin Ratchapaksi, the last wat on this tour 📷.

From here you can retrace your steps back to Phra Pinklao Bridge Pier or, if you have extra energy, follow a short extension to the charming IMM Restaurant (9:30 AM to 8:30 PM Mon to Thu; 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM Fri to Sun) . This optional path can also take you onto the Royal Barges National Museum (9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily) 📷. You can then retrace your steps back to the Phra Pinklao Bridge Pier to finish the day with a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.

Map

The following map shows the entire route, with highlights and reference points to help you stay on track.

To view the map legend or follow the route in Google Maps, tap these icons in the map header.

Detailed Guide

For comprehensive directions and additional information, click ‘Detailed Guide’ below.

Wrapping Up

Finding these abandoned temples offers a rare chance to see Bangkok through a different lens. This walk proves that the city still holds secrets for those willing to wander. I hope this guide helps you navigate the quiet beauty of these forgotten ruins.

As always, if you find any errors in this post, I would be very grateful if you would reach out to me. You can drop a comment below, use the contact form, or email me at derek@lens-wanderings.com.

Best wishes
Derek

Temples FAQ