Lim Jun KangCharoenkrung, home to Bangkok’s first and oldest paved road built 150 years ago along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is one of the hottest districts in Bangkok currently, encompassing a distinct blend of old and new. Having undergone a revival in the past decade, the “old-fashioned” corner of the city has since been transformed into an eclectic enclave of art galleries, bars and shopping spots bustling with passionate creative minds and forward-thinking entrepreneurs at any time.
Hottest Bars in Charoenkrung
The vibrant bar scene in Charoenkrung is definitely worth exploring. If you are hoping to visit the unique and refreshing watering holes in the district that is famed for its bars. One thing is for sure: A different experience awaits at every location!
1. Bamboo Bar
Established in 1953, The Bamboo Bar is the oldest cocktail bar in Bangkok today. The Bamboo Bar exudes sophisticated and rustic charm through its mix of rattan chairs and lacquered wood interior.
Image credit: The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Relax and immerse yourself in soothing jazz tunes while sipping on refreshing cocktails made from local Thai ingredients by head mixologist Jamie Rhind and his team of passionate bartenders!
Image credit: The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Location: 1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40 (Oriental Avenue), 02-659-9000.
2. FooJohn
Walking through the entrance of an old shophouse underneath a bright neon signage, customers are greeted with a sight just like a production set on a movie set from 1950s Hong Kong, complete with booth seats, neon lighting and mosaic floor tiles.
Image credit: FooJohn Building
FooJohn, a three-story establishment houses a French bistro on the ground floor, together with a cocktail bar and rooftop patio occupying the upper levels. Customers can enjoy crepes and cold cuts along with wine at the bistro, or roam upstairs to try the French-inspired cocktails.
Image credit: FooJohn Building
Location: 831 Charoen Krung Soi 31
3. Tropic City
Tucked in the lively Soi Charoenkrung 28, Tropic City is an award-winning tropical cocktail bar hidden beneath a nondescript dimly-lit building. You can find high-quality tiki-inspired cocktails with fresh juice and syrup from local in-season fruits here!
Image credit: Tropic City
Bartenders Sebastian de la Cruz and Philip Stefanescu serves up rum and tropical flavours while decked out in cheerful tropical shirts. Some of the must-trys include the “KL to BKK” drink, which is made from fermenting pineapple and clove before mixing it with dark rum and Campari, creating a spicy and sweet concoction.
Image credit: Tropic City
Location: 672/65 Charoenkrung Soi 28, Bangkok
Unique galleries in Charoenkrung
Hailed as Bangkok’s very first creative district, Charoenkrung is home to a diverse community of creative minds, edgy galleries and museums that are bound to pique the interest of any individual looking to immerse themselves into the unique creative scene.
4. Thailand Creative and Design Centre (TCDC)
The Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), a 9,000 meter state-of-the-art facility spanning across 5 stories, has played a vital role in the revitalisation of the district, drawing the attention of the creative community.
Image credit: Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC)
Officially opened in 2017, TCDC regularly hosts design-related workshops and exhibitions, while providing essential resources for budding creatives such as a library with over 70,000 books dedicated to art and design, a material and design innovation centre and a co-working area with mentors on hand.
Image credit: Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC)
Location: 1160 Grand Postal Building, Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok 10500
5. Serindia Gallery
Serindia Gallery is housed in a 60-year-old post-Colonial building near the French Ambassador Residence. The gallery holds regular exhibitions that focus on fine-art, ranging from oil and watercolour paintings, woodblock prints, and photography from the local and international artists.
Image credit: Serindia Gallery
Within the quiet and enchanting gallery, visitors are encouraged to reflect upon the artworks that are displayed, and if you happen to be at the gallery at the same time as the owner, he might share the artist’s story and vision behind any piece of art.
Image credit: Serindia Gallery
Location: OP Garden, Soi Charoen Krung 36, Bangkok
6. Speedy Grandma
As its name might suggest, Speedy Grandma is not your usual art gallery. The brainchild of two friends Thomas Menard and Unchalee Anantawat, the gallery-bar is an “alternative-art” space that focuses on experimental art, with contemporary pieces of photography, vintage items and urban artwork lining the walls of the grungy shophouse. The in-house bar is worth checking out as well; a popular spot for the creative community in Bangkok.
Image credit: Speedy Grandma
Named after a creepy urban legend of an old lady who met with a tragic accident across the street and purportedly haunts it till this day, Speedy Grandma seeks to popularize its artwork in a viral and unconventional way.
Image credit: Speedy Grandma
Location: 672/50–52 Charoen Krung Soi 28
7. Bangkokian Museum
Step into the lives of a middle-income Thai family living in the period between the 1930s and 1950s, through its exhibitions of well-preserved furniture, artefacts and daily life.
Image credit: Sano Rin
A quaint house tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main roads, the museum appears to have been frozen in time, with its two main houses preserved perfectly along with its artefacts to give visitors an idea of how it was like living in that time period, something that is rare in contemporary Bangkok today.
Image credit: Sano Rin
Location: 273 Saphan Yao Alley, Khwaeng Si Phraya, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500
Shopping in Charoenkrung
Bangkok is known for its plethora of shopping options, and at Charoenkrung, it is no different; with various shopping options catered to different budgets, you can gladly shop till you drop!
8. Warehouse 30
An extensive revival project of Duangrit Bunnag, one of Thailand’s most prominent architects, Warehouse 30 comprises of a 4,000-sq-meter space of abandoned World War 2-era warehouses. A one-stop art and design complex, Warehouse 30 is a lifestyle destination that contains fashion boutiques, hipster cafes, event spaces, novelty stores and even an 80-seat film screening room!
Image credit: Warehouse30
Much of the warehouses’ architecture has been preserved, with new life breathed through the eclectic mix of tenants.
Image credit: Warehouse30
Location: Warehouse 30, Charoenkrung Soi 30, Bangkok, Thailand
9. ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM, located right along the Chao Phraya River, is Bangkok’s newest and fanciest mega-mall; a shopaholic’s true haven. IconSiam comprises of an estimated 500 shops, 100 restaurants, with even an indoor floating market!
Image credit: ICONSIAM
One of the main attractions of ICONSIAM is SookSiam, an indoor “floating market” concept with street vendors along the “riverbanks” who sell a variety of traditional and affordable Thai street food! Also, across the various wings of the malls, there is an endless range of options from luxury brands to sporting equipment, there is definitely something for everyone!
Image credit: ICONSIAM
Location: 299 Charoen Nakhon Soi 5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand 10600
10. The Knack Market
Held only on the last weekend of every month, the Knack Market features booths selling handmade crafts from local designers, along with vintage clothing and home decor.
Image credit: The Knack Market
A market with a distinct local and hipster vibe, The Knack Market creates a platform and opportunity for a community of young and passionate entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. You can also enjoy live music performances here as well if you need a break from all the shopping!
Image credit: The Knack Market
Location: 41/1-5 The Jam Factory, Charoennakorn Rd., Klongsan, Bangkok, Thailand
So there you have it, all the things you should experience Bangkok’s most vibrant creative scene!
