The other side of the river makes for a perfect day trip, away from all the hustle and bustle we know Bangkok for. Here are the best things to do in Taling Chan area.
Going to Bangkok doesn’t just mean suffering through traffic and going to where all the tourists go, but one thing is the same throughout the city: we’re never lacking in food options, and Taling Chan is the same. With a little bit of travel from the urban sprawl, you can easily find floating markets, relaxing eateries, and even a huge flower market. Read on for our full guide.
[Hero and featured image credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand/Website]
A guide to the best things to do in Taling Chan
Ride around in longtail boats while sampling good food at Taling Chan Floating Market
Floating markets are such a vibe. You can expect a lot of quality food with prices more than fair, hop into motor boats and see the local way of life, or just sit by the river feeding pellets to swarms of catfish. Taling Chan Floating Market features longboats with food in them, from fresh fruits to your favourite Thai dishes. You can also find huge grilled prawns on these boats and in restaurants that you can comfortably sit in, as well as Thai desserts and refreshing herbal drinks. If you want to see the neighbourhood, you can book boat tours, too.
Our tip: Many people do half-day trips to Taling Chan Floating Market, and because of the distance it’s easy to hail a taxi from BTS Wongwian Yai. Be sure to carry cash as most vendors don’t accept card payments, and arrive before 11am, as it gets more crowded thereafter.
Location: 333 Chak Phra Rd, Khlong Chak Phra, Taling Chan, Bangkok
Opening times: Sat-Sun, 8am-3.30pm (some stalls may open until later)
Experience the slow life and slip into a food coma at Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is a special place in Taling Chan. There are a number of food stalls offering savoury and sweet treats, but this floating market is one of the less touristy ones, so you can feel the way of life of the community without compromising on your food options. Visit in the morning for fresh produce and local fruits, ride the longtail boat to visit a beautiful temple, and return just in time for an early lunch of river prawns and fried rice.
Our tip: One of the best things to do is to sit at one of the low tables facing the river; with natural light and the cool canal breeze making the trip worth it. The trip is actually only a taxi ride from BTS Bang Wa.
Location: 30/1 Moo 15 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok
Opening times: Sat-Sun, 8am-5pm
Stop by Rawvaela Cafe for sweet treats and a coffee
Located almost next to Ladmayom Floating Market is Rawvaela Cafe, a small and cosy space surrounded by greenery outside. All the brick-layered, exposed walls contrasted with wooden furniture will make you feel more homey than home, elevated even further by a caffeinated cup of something you prefer. Their sweets are all housemade; perfect for your next social update, and savoury dishes are also available if you feel peckish. Plus, the place is pet-friendly, so you’ll see owners coming in with their fluffy friends.
More info: Rawvaela Cafe
Opening times: Thu-Tue, 10am-6pm (Open 8.30am from Sat-Sun)
Location: 101 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Stop and smell the roses (and many other flowers) at Pak Khlong Talat Mai Flower Market
Pak Khlong Talat is a wholesale and retail flower market, perfect for any occasion you may need them for. Prayers, bouquets, garlands, decorations, and more — you name it, they have it. Many also hang around the market just because it boasts a good atmosphere. With all the colourful flowers surrounding you, it hits that spot if you like walking through a garden but still enjoys the sounds of people (and the ‘gram opportunities). If you’re looking to grow your own, the market also offers everything you may need, from soil, to a variety of plants.
Our tip: Pak Khlong Talat is open 24/7, but locals will know to visit during dusk or dawn — that’s when the freshest produce of the day arrives.
Location: 499 Phran Nok Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Rd, Bang Phrom, Taling Chan, Bangkok
Opening times: Open daily, 24/7
Enjoy all your brunch favourites at Praline Dining Room
Following the success of Café Praline in Sathorn, Praline Dining Room opened in Taling Chan featuring a hearty brunch menu that has both quality and quantity. Freshly baked pastries, coffees, wines, full savoury dishes — they have it all. While there’s certainly a lot to choose from, we recommend getting started with some croissants, especially the black truffle croissant, and the croissant roll brekkie. They also have those thick cuts of bacon always going viral on Instagram reels, if you’re into those.
More info: Praline Dining Room
Opening times: Open daily, 8am-9pm (Until 10pm on Fri-Sat)
Location: 170 Phran Nok Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Rd, Bang Phrom, Taling Chan, Bangkok
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Treat yourself to COAL Bistro’s charcoal-grilled steaks
Not hidden, but certainly a gem — COAL Bistro features a wide variety of European dishes on their menu, but they specialise in everything they can throw onto their charcoal grill. Choose between different cuts of beef and let the chefs work their magic; their A4 Kuroge wagyu striploin never fails to impress. Other highlights include the beef fried rice served in a claypot, the Australian tomahawk, and beef tataki carpaccio with black truffles.
More info: COAL Bistro
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-10pm
Location: 38 Ratchaphruek Rd, Chim Phli, Taling Chan, Bangkok
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Taling Chan is known for its floating markets, the most prominent ones being Taling Chan Floating Market and Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market.
Since there is no direct public transportation to Taling Chan, the easiest is to call for a taxi, but there are free shuttle buses at MRT Bang Khun Non station running on weekends.
The Pak Khlong Talat Mai Flower Market is always a hit, and there are so many food options to choose from on Ratchapreuk road.
As in all of Thailand, there are local temples you can visit, although there are no tourist-centric temples in Taling Chan.
There are cycling tours for tourists available, although we recommend exploring Taling Chan by yourself and via longboat for the full experience.
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
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