📝 1. Overview
Tha Tien and Tha Chang are two of Bangkok’s most historic riverside piers, directly facing Wat Arun and nestled beside Wat Pho and The Grand Palace. These piers aren’t just boat stops—they’re living time capsules of Bangkok’s royal & cultural past, packed with monks, markets, tiled shophouses, and golden rooftops. Whether you’re temple-hopping or ferry-floating, this area is the ultimate start to any Old Town adventure.
🌟 2. Highlights
🛕 Wat Pho (Tha Tien) – Reclining Buddha, traditional Thai massage, and murals galore
👑 Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Tha Chang) – Home of the Emerald Buddha
🚤 Cross-river boats to Wat Arun – Iconic view for 5 baht
🧺 Traditional Markets – Dried seafood, herbs, and monk supplies
🍧 Thai Iced Desserts & Coconut Ice Cream – Cool down with street treats
🏛️ Museum Siam (nearby) – Playful Thai identity museum in a colonial building
📸 Best View of Wat Arun from Tha Tien Pier – Especially at sunset
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Cross-river ferry from Tha Tien – Front-row seat to Wat Arun
- Tha Chang’s tiled walkways – Shophouse charm & palace walls
- Wat Pho’s golden chedis – Texture heaven for detail shots
🧭 Visit Wat Pho early (8 AM) to beat tour crowds
🕶️ Tha Chang has more shade, Tha Tien is more raw/local
🚤 Use river boats (Orange Flag or tourist boats) to hop between spots
🍲 Street food here is old-school, ultra-local—perfect for breakfast or lunch
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 near Tha Tien & Tha Chang
- Tha Tien Market Noodle Stall (no name, but famous!)
🍜 Boat noodles & tom yum with unbeatable riverside authenticity
📍 Inside Tha Tien market building
🕒 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Daily)
🚶 Go early before it sells out - Err Urban Rustic Thai
🍢 Funky Thai small plates with a twist by the Bo.lan team
📍 Soi Trok San Chao Po Sua (near Wat Pho)
🕒 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Closed Mon)
🚶 5 min walk from Tha Tien - Nai Soie Ice Cream (Tha Chang)
🍦 Traditional coconut ice cream with toppings like sweet corn & sticky rice
📍 Tha Chang Pier Market
🕒 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶 Perfect post-palace treat
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Recommended by Pier
🚤 Tha Tien Area
- Wat Pho – Massage school, murals, chedis, and quiet zones
- Tha Tien Wet Market – Dried seafood, incense, Thai snacks
- Ferry to Wat Arun – 5 baht ride, every 5 mins
👑 Tha Chang Area
- Grand Palace – Full dress code enforced (no shorts/sleeveless!)
- Wat Phra Kaew – Emerald Buddha, intense detail, sacred vibes
- Tha Chang Market – Shophouse snacks, fresh coconut drinks, streetwear stalls
- Viewpoint cafés – Grab a table upstairs for royal views
🚗 5. Access
📍 From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
🚝 Airport Rail Link → MRT Sanam Chai → Walk to Tha Tien (~60 min)
🚕 Taxi (~40–55 min depending on traffic)
📍 From Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
🚕 Taxi (~35–50 min)
🚌 A1 Bus → BTS Mo Chit → BTS Saphan Taksin → Chao Phraya Express Boat
📍 Local Travel
🚇 MRT Sanam Chai = nearest underground station (super photogenic too!)
🚤 River ferry from Sathorn Pier (Orange flag or tourist boat)
🚶 Walkable paths between Tha Tien, Wat Pho, Grand Palace & Tha Chang
🛏️ Stay in Rattanakosin or riverside hotels (like Riva Arun or Sala Rattanakosin) for full old-town immersion
