📝 1. Overview
Bangkok’s Riverside is where the city’s soul flows—literally. Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find glittering temples, royal landmarks, luxe hotels, and timeless markets. It’s a blend of old-world grandeur and modern elegance. Whether you’re sipping tea at a 5-star hotel or hopping a long-tail boat to a hidden shrine, the Riverside delivers serenity and spectacle in equal measure.
🌟 2. Highlights
🛕 Wat Arun: The “Temple of Dawn,” stunning at sunset
🏰 Grand Palace: Iconic royal complex near the river
🛶 River Cruises: Dinner boats, local ferries, or long-tails
🛍️ ICONSIAM: Ultra-modern mall with a floating market feel
🎨 Museum of Siam: Interactive Thai culture exhibits
🛌 5-Star Hotels: Riverside luxury at its finest
🗺️ 3. Zones in Riverside
| Zone | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Tha Tien & Tha Chang | Temple access, ferry piers, riverside cafes |
| Khlong San (ICONSIAM) | Shopping, skywalks, luxury condos |
| Wang Lang Area | Local food market, hospital ferry pier |
| Riverfront Hotel Strip | Luxury hotels, dinner cruises, calm ambiance |
🎟️ 4. Tickets & Passes – Popular Attractions
| Attraction | Price (Adult) | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wat Arun | 100 THB | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew | 500 THB | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Museum of Siam | 100 THB | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Chao Phraya Tourist Boat | 150 THB (Day Pass) | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
🟢 Ferries operate frequently—be sure to use the orange flag boats for budget rides.
💡 5. Tips
🎟️ Get a tourist boat day pass to hop between temples and malls
📸 Visit Wat Arun in the late afternoon for glowing photos
🛍️ Don’t miss SookSiam zone in ICONSIAM for regional food
👗 Temples require modest dress (no shorts, no sleeveless)
🚤 Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) when boats get packed
🍽️ 6. Must-Try Foods in Riverside
🍲 Tom Yum Goong – Riverside restaurants serve killer versions
🥩 Moo Ping (Pork Skewers) – Grab from Wang Lang stalls
🍨 Coconut Ice Cream – Sold near ferry piers, cool & creamy
🍛 Green Curry with Roti – Found inside SookSiam (ICONSIAM)
🍹 Thai Iced Tea with a View – Try it at The Jam Factory café
🏨 7. Recommended Hotels (Top 3 Picks)
🏨 Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
→ Legendary service, riverside elegance, history meets luxury.
🌃 Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
→ Infinity pool with a river view, modern rooms, rooftop vibes.
🛏️ Riva Surya Bangkok
→ Boutique charm near temples, ideal for explorers on foot.
🚗 8. Access
📍 From Major Airports
BKK (Suvarnabhumi) → Riverside: ~50–70 min by taxi or rail + boat
DMK (Don Mueang) → Riverside: ~45–60 min by taxi
📍 Getting Around
🚤 Chao Phraya Express Boat: Fast, scenic, and cheap
🚇 BTS to Saphan Taksin → then ferry to key piers
🚶 Great for walking near ICONSIAM & temple zones
🌐 9. Contact / Info
🔗 Tourism Authority of Thailand
📞 Info Line: +66 2 250 5500
📍 Visitor Info: Saphan Taksin Pier, ICONSIAM concierge, Tha Tien Pier
