Best Bangkok Sunset Walk

In the pandemic age open air activities are often preferred, but a sunset walk through the streets, waterways and temples of Bangkok is a great idea any time.

This 4.5km walk starts at Golden Mount temple on the north-east corner of the historic Rattanakosin Island where King Rama I founded his capital in 1792. We proceed south along the khlongs (canals) that were the old city’s moat, to Damrong Sathit Bridge and the recently renovated Khlong Ong Ang. We take in the Walking Street night market (Fri-Sun) and snap a selfie with the street art. Onwards to views of the Chao Phraya River and dinner or drinks at a roof-top bar overlooking the dazzling Wat Arun!

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Start: Phan Fa Lilat Bridge

Our walk starts at Phan Fa Lilat Bridge. We cross south over the Khlong (Canal) Bang Lamphu and turn left along the canal side footpath. You’re sure to see the Khlong Saen Saep  water-bus stopping at Phan Fa Ferry stop. A short way along the canal we turn into a side street and get our first glimpse of the Golden Mount. Make your way around the foot of the temple to find the entrance.

Sunset Breeze at Golden Mount temple (Wat Saket – Phu Khao Thong)

Golden Mount temple (Wat Saket – Phu Khao Thong; Open 7am-8pm; ฿100 foreigner, free Thai citizens) is a man-made hill with gardens, water features, many sculptures and prayer bells. Recordings of buddhist chants and the tinkling of wind chimes add to the enchanting atmosphere. The hill is crowned by the temple with a beautiful golden stupa accessible on the roof. Take in the 360 degree city views and try to spot the Wat Arun where our walk will end.

Side Stop: Street Food

The renowned street food icon Jay Fai (9am-8.30pm, Wed-Sun, map) can be found a short way from the temple over a bridge to the Rattanakosin Island side of the khlong. Her crab omelet ( ฿1,000, US$30) isn’t cheap but is highly recommended. In her 70’s, Ms Fai cooks all the food in trademark ski goggles over blazing charcoal fired woks. Oh and she’s received a Michelin star, so not just your average street food. Other street stalls can be found at the road junction if you need a quick snack. Worth a look even if you’re not queuing for hours to eat.

Night Market: Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street

Currently starting at Damrong Sathit Bridge near Sam Yot MRT the Khlong (Canal) Ong Ang Walking Street (Fri-Sun, 4pm-10pm) follows a restored section of the brick walled canal. The buildings alongside have been boarded up (presumably pending renovation) and used as a canvas for some very Instagram-able colorful street art. On weekend evenings this forms the backdrop to a lively night market, but is still worth seeing for the wall art if you’re there on a weekday.

River View: Chao Phraya Sky Park

The entrance to the Chao Phraya Sky Park is across the road from the end of the khlong and can be recognised by neon pink spheres in the trees and orange fluorescent tubes marking the path to the pedestrian garden bridge.

Climbing the steps (or taking the lift) we get our first view of the mighty Chao Phraya River. Spend a few moments taking in the riverside skyline and lit up river boats

Riverside Stroll

Watch your step for the next section (always wise in the jumbled street-scape of Bangkok!). Descend back down the steps and cross the small park and exit to the road. Turn left towards the river and follow the river bank road. You’ll pass the wholesale flower market (Soi Empire) which is busy in the evening with deliveries coming and going. The road bends around a short way inland to the Charoen Rat bridge. Here we cross to Maha Rat Road which runs between the Grand Palace on the right and the riverside warehouses and hotels on the left.

Temple View Dinner: Wat Arun Views

There are several side sois (narrow lanes) along this stretch and you can explore them as you like to find the restaurants and hotels that will give you a dazzling view of the illuminated historic Wat Arun (Dawn Temple) opposite. The temple’s current form with its distinctive prang (spire) was built in the early 19th century during the reigns of Kings Rama II and Rama III.
For food and drinks I chose View ARUN Restaurant + Bar. The food was far from the best or cheapest in Bangkok, but the beguiling view of Wat Arun and the colorfully lit river boats made a fitting end to this sunset to evening walk around the historic heart of Bangkok.