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14 Best Things to Do Near Sanam Chai Station
- Check out the amazing MRT station
- Visit the Museum Siam
- Take in the vibrant colours of the Flower Market
- Appreciate elegance and history at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
- Find great deals at Tha Tien Market
- Ride the Chao Phraya Express
- Score local finds at the Phahurat Market
- Take a stroll along Yodpiman Pier
- Try some Vietnamese fare at Tonkin-Annam
- Grab a cup of coffee at Floral Cafe at Napasorn
- Savour some local dishes at Rongros
- Experience Michelin quality at Supanniga Eating Room
- Chill out at Ha Tien
- Feast on traditional cuisine at All Meals Sawasdee
If you’re heading out to see the sights of Old Bangkok, then Sanam Chai is an MRT Station you’ll pass by and even use to move around. It’s so much more than just your transportation option though, as the area is filled with interesting places to visit!
From museums to unique restaurants and cafes, we’ve listed down some of the best things to do when you’re near Sanam Chai Station. Read on to find out more!
Check out the amazing MRT station
Address: MRT Blue Line
Contact Number: 0-2664-6400
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Bangkok’s MRT station may be built primarily for convenient public transportation but it’s also there for you to learn a bit of history when in the area thanks to the Site Museum.
It’s the first underground museum in Thailand and is located in the station itself. It features a video detailing the history of the area which will give you an overview of the historical significance of this once-historical locale in Bangkok.
The national artist who conceptualised the look of this station, Pinyo Suwankhiri, used red ceilings and large gold-lined pillars to give it a more traditional look and feel compared to the other MRT stations.
They also used intricate tiles to add to the beauty and elegant look of the station. These, along with the pillars, are decked with the Pikul flower shape which is an ancient symbol for prosperity, details that you will surely appreciate as you take photos or selfies here!
| Local Tip: Sanam Chai Station is also quite convenient if you plan on visiting the other sites in and around Bangkok. From this station, it’ll only take you a short while to get to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pao. |
Visit the Museum Siam
Address: 4 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Contact Number: +6622252777
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed on Monday
Museum Siam is an impressive cultural site that you shouldn’t miss when in Sanam Chai Station. The structure itself will give you a glimpse into the past, thanks to it being a repurposed colonial mansion that was once used as a government building.
If you’re travelling with young kids, they’ll love what this museum has to offer. It perfectly blends traditional exhibits with interactive ones where you can move the videos or dioramas along to learn more about the history of Thailand.
| Local Tip: To make your visit here more memorable, why not check out the costume fitting area of the museum? Here, you can try out different traditional costumes before taking pictures of yourselves decked out in splendid attire! |
Take in the vibrant colours of the Flower Market
Contact Number: N/A
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day
The Pak Khlong Talat flower market is the largest one in the country where you can buy flowers wholesale at an affordable price. However, the vibe and the look of the market alone is reason enough to visit this location when you’re near Sanam Chai Station.
You can visit here anytime since it’s open 24/7 but you’ll get the most out of the experience if you drop by at night. This is when you’ll witness the different flowers from all over the country delivered to the flower shops here – a truly colourful phenomenon!
There are lotus flowers, jasmine, and marigolds that you can purchase if you want to offer them to the Buddha at one of the nearby temples. Of course, the fragrant smell of the area is certainly unforgettable and will linger in your memory for years to come.
| Local Tip: You can take a bike tour to go through this flower market but it’s best to do a walking tour. If you stroll through the shops, you can better take in the sights, smells, and sounds of this astounding spot. |
Appreciate elegance and history at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
Address: The Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Contact Number: +6622259430
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Closed on Monday
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles may look like a modern museum at first but if you delve into its exhibits, you’ll find that there is more to it than meets the eye. Thailand’s fashion and textile history are detailed here for you to unravel and better understand.
Here, you’ll see some of the most intricate and elegant gowns, accessories, and hats that were used by the Queen through the years. These wardrobe collections and accessories are on full display and you can snap some photos of them as a souvenir.
There’s also a portion of the museum dedicated to the strong bond between Thailand and Indonesia. Here, you can see intricate batiks from Java from the collection of King Rama V himself showing how deep the relationship is between these countries
| Local Tip: While you can directly just visit this museum while touring Bangkok, most guests usually drop by after visiting the Grand Palace itself since the museum itself is located within the palace grounds. |
Find great deals at Tha Tien Market
Address: Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Contact Number: N/A
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM
The Tha Tien Market was definitely showing its age a few years back so it was a welcome development when the government decided to update this market’s facade. Right now, it has a much more inviting facade, thanks to its bright and updated yellow colour.
The market is primarily in the business of selling dried seafood which is perfect if you want to try out some of that authentic Thai dried fish. Keep in mind though that the smell of these dried seafood can be quite overpowering!
There are also a number of shops at the Tha Tien Market selling trinkets and souvenirs where you can buy locally crafted items made using indigenous materials.
| Local Tip: The discount you can get from the stores at the Tha Tian Market will all depend on your haggling skills! Try negotiating with vendors if there is no price tag indicated on the item. And even if there is one, you can still try asking for a discount. You need to be pleasant as you ask them for some sort of price reduction as being overly aggressive will greatly dampen your ability to haggle! |
Ride the Chao Phraya Express
Address: Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krungthep Mahanakorn 10200, Thailand, Bangkok
Contact Number: 02-449-3000
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM
From the Sanam Chai Station, you can take in the views of the Chao Phraya by booking a river cruise with the Chao Phraya Express. It’s going to be a short 15-minute ride to get to the pier from the station but it’s all worth it for the breathtaking views of the river.
Some of the activities you can avail of from the Chao Phraya Express are the temple tours and the boat cruise. You can do all of these anytime you prefer based on available schedules, but it’s best to do the boat cruise in the evening.
In the dark of night, you’ll see the banks of the Chao Phraya and the temples in the area lit up beautifully. You can then take pictures of the wonderful city of Bangkok as you take in the sights and the lights as your cruise gently cruises along the river.
| Local Tip: Tha Tien Pier is located on the orange line of the Chao Phraya Express. You can use the other lines to get a boat cruise but you’ll have to walk a ways off to the other areas before you can get on their boat. |
Score local finds at the Phahurat Market
Address: Bangkok, Phra Nakhon, Province Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Contact Number: N/A
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Also referred to as Little India, the Phahurat Market is located near the Chao Phraya and Chinatown. It’s just a short road that you can easily stroll through in a matter of minutes but you’d probably want to stay here longer to fully appreciate its offerings.
Phahurat Market has some of the best and most varied textile products across Thailand. It’s also home to the country’s largest Indian community, so you’ll see a lot of curry houses, a Sikh temple, and a lot of trinkets and clothes here!
One look at the golden dome of this temple is enough to make you say “Wow!” with its imposing size and elegant looks. No wonder It demands reverence from Indians especially if you consider that this is one of the largest Sikh temples outside of India.
| Local Tip: You can also enter the Sikh Temple so you can admire the structure from within. If you visit them early in the morning, you can also get a free vegan breakfast on the second floor. |
Take a stroll along Yodpiman Pier
Address: Yodpiman, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Contact Number: +66 2623 6851
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM
Instead of taking a river cruise, you can just walk along the banks of the Chao Phraya through the Yodpiman Pier. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll while you enjoy the amazing views of the river along with the boats cruising along its calm waters.
You can choose to visit in the morning and you’ll be treated to some amazing sights, including that clear blue Bangkok sky and the brightly coloured temples and markets of the area.
If you visit at night, then you’ll see how spectacular the lights in the area are! The temples, market, and the pier itself are completely lit making you experience Bangkok from a different and fresh perspective.
Plus, the evenings here are cooler, allowing you to walk through the pier without breaking much of a sweat.
| Local Tip: There are rooftop bars here serving great local food and fantastic local beverages. If you try any of these bars, you can get a great view of the Chao Phraya as well – plus you get to enjoy a great meal under the stars! |
Try some Vietnamese fare at Tonkin-Annam
Contact Number: +66934692969
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
If you prefer something healthy, then Tonkin-Annam is the place to be as they serve tons of green veggies along with their mains. For example, you can order a main meal of juicy roast pork or savoury spring rolls and they’ll serve it with a ton of vegetable siding.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Vietnamese restaurant without some pho and, fortunately, they deliver on this front as well. It has that distinct fish sauce taste that perfectly blends with the broth of the beef pho making it one of Tonki-Annam’s best sellers.
| Local Tip: Since Tonnkin-Annam is a popular dining venue for both tourists and locals, you should book a reservation before going there. Parking is also a tad difficult so taking public transportation is the best way to get there! |
Grab a cup of coffee at Floral Cafe at Napasorn
Address: 67 Chakkraphat Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Contact Number: +66994684899
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: $$
Are you looking for great coffee with beautiful interiors worthy of Instagram? Then check out the Floral Cafe at Napasorn where you can order some amazing beverages while you chill out after your tour of the surrounding attractions!
Every table at this cafe has been meticulously prepared to make you feel like each moment has been curated to perfection. You’ll see dried herbs, flowers, and accessories littering each area, making each and every sip of your coffee magical and aesthetic.
Aside from their signature coffee, you can also order some of their ice cream and pastries. Plus, you can also try out their fruit smoothies for something healthier and more refreshing.
| Local Tip: Lactose intolerant? No problem! Floral Cafe has dairy-free options – don’t forget to ask the staff to double-check! |
Savour some local dishes at Rongros
Address: 392 16 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Contact Number: +66969461785
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Rongros has great food, the best views of the Chao Phraya River and some wonderful interiors – a perfect spot if you want to enjoy a delectable meal after seeing the sights around Chanam Station.
Their menu options are amazing with some of the best-tasting Thai cuisine along the banks of the Chao Phraya. The best-sellers you need to try out include their veggie salads and chicken curry, both of which are made from fresh and local ingredients.
You can also order some of their refreshing drinks like their juices and alcoholic beverages. Their Long Island iced tea is a must-try as it isn’t too strong but is enough to give you a slight buzz as you enjoy the view of the river.
| Local Tip: Rongros is quite popular with tourists and locals and is usually full-packed and crowded during peak hours. It’s best for you to make a reservation as you might not get seated if you’re a walk-in client. |
Experience Michelin quality at Supanniga Eating Room
Contact Number: +66 92 253 9251
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Closed from Wednesday to Saturday
Cost: $$
Getting a Michelin seal of approval isn’t an easy feat, but the Supanniga Eating Room did it many years in a row which tells you something about the quality of their food here.
Their pad Thai, mushroom larb, and mango sticky rice are spot on and will make you order a second round of each. They also have some sour shrimp soup and perfectly prepared roast beef that will make your taste buds sing with delight!
Don’t forget to try out their dessert platter. Each item is delicately prepared and will surely make you swoon over each one as you appreciate the scenic views of the Chao Phraya and the boats cruising along its waters.
| Local Tip: To place a reservation at Supanniga Eating Room, you can use the Michelin Guide App on your mobile phone. This makes it super convenient to book a table if ever you want to check out this Michelin-quality diner!! |
Chill out at Ha Tien
Address: 4 MahaRat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Contact Number: +66824655549
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: $$
Chic and vintage are two words that can perfectly describe Ha Tien – a cool and cosy cafe located near Sanam Chai Station. Establishments like these draw crowds of patrons due to their delicious food and great vibe – both of which are present here!
Their cakes are phenomenal, and you should definitely try out their blueberry cheesecake and macadamia cheesecake.
If you’re a remote worker, then Ha Tien is also the ideal cafe for you to be productive. They have fast WIFI and comfortable tables and chairs for you to be efficient as you do your virtual tasks while sampling their different cakes and coffees.
| Local Tip: Ha Tien is just a couple of minutes away (14 minutes by foot and 6 minutes by car) from some major tourist attractions in Bangkok. You can drop by this cafe to chill out and cool down after visiting the Grand Palace and the reclining Buddha. |
Feast on traditional cuisine at All Meals Sawasdee
Address: 8 Tha Tian Aly, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Contact Number: +66642847409
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: $$
Here’s a restaurant you need to try if you want something delicious and budget-friendly – All Meals Sawasdee! You can order a complete meal here containing a mix of mains and sides and you won’t even have to break the bank!
Some of their in-house specialties that you need to try include mango sticky rice, pineapple fried rice, green curry chicken, and tom yam soup.
You can order all of these food items at an impressively affordable price (around 500 THB only!) and it’s enough to feed around 2 to 3 people (depending on how hungry they are, of course).
| Local Tip: The restaurant itself might be small and cramped but their serving portions certainly aren’t! Their mango shake, for example, is quite massive and will refresh and fill you up pretty quickly! |
