📝 1. Overview
Tha Tien and Tha Chang are two legendary river piers sitting at the base of Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island — the city’s old royal district. This area is a must-visit cultural hub, where you can hop between Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace, take scenic ferries across the Chao Phraya River, or wander into centuries-old shophouses. With its blend of regal architecture, riverside views, and old-school charm, this zone feels like Bangkok time-traveled back 200 years — in the best way.
🌟 2. Highlights
🛕 Wat Pho – Home of the giant Reclining Buddha & traditional Thai massage
🛕 Wat Arun (via ferry) – The iconic Temple of Dawn, just across the river
👑 Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew – Thailand’s holiest temple complex
🚤 Ferry Crossings – Tha Tien ⇄ Wat Arun | Tha Chang ⇄ Thonburi
🥢 Old-School Street Food – Classic Thai desserts, noodles & riverside cafés
📷 Temple Reflections from Ferry Docks – EPIC photo ops
🌅 Golden Hour Glow – The river, the temples, the sky… chef’s kiss
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Wat Arun from Tha Tien Pier at sunset 🌇
- Wat Pho’s giant Reclining Buddha (side angle = perfect fit)
- Ferry shots on the river — grab a seat near the rail
🎒 Wear temple-appropriate clothing (shoulders/knees covered)
🛕 The Grand Palace is strict on dress code — rent sarongs if needed
🕐 Go early (8–10 AM) to beat both crowds and heat
💰 Cash for temples & street food — entry fees + snacks = ~200–500 THB
🛕 4. Must-Visit Temples
- Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha Temple)
📍 Tha Tien area
🕒 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM | 🎫 200 THB
💆♀️ Try the Thai massage school inside for authentic relaxation - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
📍 Cross from Tha Tien Pier
🕒 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM | 🎫 100 THB
⛴️ Take the 4 THB ferry from Tha Tien → Wat Arun - Wat Phra Kaew & The Grand Palace
📍 Near Tha Chang
🕒 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | 🎫 500 THB
👑 No photos inside Emerald Buddha shrine
🍽️ 5. Where to Eat (Classic + Scenic)
- Tha Tien Market Food Stalls
🍛 Local curries, fried rice, fresh fruit
📍 Just behind the pier
💸 Quick, cheap & authentic - Elefin Coffee @ Wat Pho
☕ Chill air-con escape after temple runs
📍 Entrance to Wat Pho
🕒 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - The Deck by Arun Residence
🍽️ Fine dining with Wat Arun view across the river
📍 Near Tha Tien Pier
🕒 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🌇 Best during golden hour / dinner
🚤 6. River Travel & Piers
🛶 Tha Tien Pier
- Ferry to Wat Arun (4 THB)
- Chao Phraya Express Boats stop here
🛶 Tha Chang Pier
- Closest to Grand Palace
- Express boats & longtail boats available
💡 Great place to start a Chao Phraya boat ride south (ICONSIAM, Asiatique, Chinatown)
🚗 7. Access
📍 From BTS Saphan Taksin
🚤 Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien or Tha Chang
🕒 ~15–20 min ride
📍 From Khao San / Banglamphu
🚶 Walkable (~10–15 min)
🛺 Tuk-tuk (~40–60 THB)
📍 From Siam / Sukhumvit
🚇 BTS → Chao Phraya Express combo OR taxi (~30–40 min depending on traffic)
🛏️ Best places to stay nearby:
- Riva Arun Bangkok – Wat Arun views from bed
- Sala Rattanakosin – Boutique riverside stay
- Old Town cafes or guesthouses in walking distance to temples
