📝 1. Overview
Tucked across the river from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, the Wang Lang area is a local-favorite district where university students, doctors, and Bangkokians come for epic street food, riverside sunsets, and spiritual calm. Anchored by Wang Lang Market and the Siriraj Hospital complex, this area is authentically Thai, totally walkable, and just a 5-minute ferry ride from the old town — a perfect break from the tourist trail.
🌟 2. Highlights
🍢 Wang Lang Market – Legendary street food maze with unbeatable prices
🛕 Wat Rakhang Khositaram – Famous bell temple known for good fortune blessings
🧠 Siriraj Medical Museum – “Museum of Death” meets medical oddities
🚤 Ferry to Tha Tien / Tha Chang – Quick scenic ride from the other side
☕ Riverside Cafés – Overlooking Wat Arun with chill sunset vibes
🎓 Thammasat & Siriraj Students = budget eats & young vibe
🧘♀️ Peaceful & spiritual – Monks, old wooden homes, bell sounds, no crowds
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Wat Arun across the river (from dockside cafés)
- Wat Rakhang’s bell corridor
- Ferry ride shots with old Bangkok skyline behind you
🛕 Dress modestly for temple visits
🕒 Best time to visit: 10 AM – 5 PM (lunch peak = ~12–1 PM)
💸 Bring small bills — this area is all about cash-only street eats
🧭 Skip weekends if you want fewer crowds
🍽️ 4. Must-Try Eats @ Wang Lang Market
- Hoy Tod (Oyster Omelette)
🔥 Crispy + gooey, street-fried magic
💸 ~60–80 THB - Grilled Pork Neck (Kor Moo Yang)
🐷 Charred edges, spicy dipping sauce, served in a bag
💸 ~50 THB - Sticky Rice + Thai Custard Packs
🍮 Classic Thai dessert to-go
💸 ~20 THB - Banana Roti & Thai Iced Tea Combo
🍌 Street dessert perfection
💸 ~40 THB
☕ 5. Chill Cafés & Views
- Home Cafe Tha Tien View (on Wang Lang side)
☕ Iced drinks + full Wat Arun view
📍 Near ferry dock - Feuang Nakhon Viewpoint Café
🍰 Local gem with riverside seating
🕒 Great for sunset - Raan Tha Luang (Hidden spot!)
🍜 Thai noodles + AC seating inside market maze
🛕 6. Temples in the Area
- Wat Rakhang Khositaram
🛕 Known as “Temple of Bells” – peaceful + spiritual
📍 Riverside, 3-min walk from ferry
💡 Ring the bells for merit - Wat Suwannaram (lesser known)
🎨 Old murals + calm grounds
📍 Slightly west of Wang Lang
🚤 7. Access
📍 From Tha Tien (Wat Pho)
🚤 Cross-river ferry to Wang Lang Pier (~4 THB, runs every few minutes)
📍 From BTS Saphan Taksin
🚤 Take Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien, then cross ferry
📍 From Grand Palace / Tha Chang
🚶 Walk to Tha Tien → Ferry across
🛺 Or tuk-tuk to Tha Tien pier
🛏️ Stay nearby:
- Riva Arun / Riva Surya – Scenic + short hop across
- Budget guesthouses near Khao San / Phra Athit – Easy ferry links
