Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Neighbourhood Walk:
Riverside Architecture Ramble
START
BTS SAPHAN TAKSIN
END
VIVA & AVIV
LENGTH
APPROXIMATELY 3KM; TWO TO FOUR HOURS
Bangkok isn't known for its secular architecture, but the area that runs along Mae Nam Chao Phraya is home to
several noteworthy structures.
Board the BTS, heading towards the river, and get off at Saphan Taksin. Walk north along Th Charoen Krung,
passing ancient
shophouses
between Th Charoen Wiang and Th Si Wiang. Turn left on Soi 40 (Soi Oriental),
home to the
Mandarin Oriental
, Bangkok's oldest and most storied hotel. Directly across from the entrance
is the classical Venetian-style facade of the
East Asiatic Company
, built in 1901. Proceed beneath the over-
head walkway linking two buildings to the red-brick
Assumption Cathedral
.
Return to Soi 40 and take the first left. On your right is
O.P. Plaza
, built as a department store in 1905.
Pass the walls of the French embassy and turn left. Head towards the river and the
Old Customs House
.
Backtrack and turn left beneath the green sign that says Haroon Mosque. You're now in
Haroon village
, a
Muslim enclave full of sleeping cats, playing kids and gingerbread wooden houses. Wind through Haroon and
you'll eventually come to Soi 34, which will lead you back to Th Charoen Krung. Turn left and cross the street
opposite the art deco
General Post Office
. Turn right onto Soi 43 and proceed to the
Bangkokian Mu-
seum
, home to three antique wooden homes.
Head back to Th Charoen Krung, cross the street and turn right. Turn left on Soi 30. Follow this road past the
walls of the
Portuguese Embassy
, Bangkok's oldest, to River City - not noteworthy in an architectural
sense, but its riverside bar
Viva & Aviv
is a good place to end the walk.
