Things to do in Khlong Toei – Bangkok – Thailand

Khlong Toei, Bangkok, is an area that offers a unique experience for tourists who want to explore the city’s local culture and history. The district is situated in the heart of Bangkok and is known for its vibrant street markets, delicious street food, and historic landmarks. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do in Khlong Toei, including the main tourist sites, the best street food and food courts, the best restaurants, the best places to stay, and the best shopping centers and markets to visit.

History of Khlong Toei

Khlong Toei is a district located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The area has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century when it was established as a small fishing village. Over time, the district grew and developed into a bustling commercial and residential area, playing an important role in the city’s growth and development.

In the early days of Khlong Toei, the area was known for its abundant fishing resources, and the local community made their living by fishing in the Khlong Toei Canal and the Chao Phraya River. As Bangkok began to grow and expand, the district became an important transportation hub, with boats and barges carrying goods and supplies up and down the canal.

As the population of Bangkok continued to grow, Khlong Toei began to experience rapid urbanization and development. The district became home to a large number of migrants from rural areas and neighboring countries, who came to work in the city’s factories and construction sites.

In the 1960s, the Thai government launched a development project aimed at modernizing and improving living conditions in Khlong Toei. The project involved the construction of new housing complexes, schools, and hospitals, as well as the development of new infrastructure such as roads and bridges. The government also established the Khlong Toei Market, which became one of the largest and busiest fresh food markets in Bangkok.

Today, Khlong Toei remains an important commercial and transportation hub in Bangkok. The district is home to the Khlong Toei Port, which serves as a major hub for cargo and shipping in the region. It is also home to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, which hosts a variety of events and conferences throughout the year.

Despite its urbanisation and development, Khlong Toei has managed to preserve much of its local character and culture. The area is known for its vibrant street markets, where visitors can sample delicious street food and shop for a variety of goods and souvenirs. It is also home to several temples and shrines, including the Wat Khlong Toei Nai temple, which is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

In conclusion, Khlong Toei has a rich history that spans several centuries. From its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its current status as a bustling commercial and transportation hub, the district has played an important role in the growth and development of Bangkok. Despite its rapid urbanization and development, Khlong Toei has managed to preserve much of its local character and culture, making it a unique and fascinating destination for visitors to the city.

Main Tourist Sites

One of the must-see tourist sites in Khlong Toei is Wat Khlong Toey Nok. This temple is located in the middle of the district and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate designs. Visitors can admire the temple’s stunning gold-tiled roof and intricate carvings while learning about its history and significance in Thai culture.

Another popular tourist attraction in Khlong Toei is the Khlong Toei Fresh Market. This market is one of the largest in Bangkok and is known for its vast selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Visitors can take a guided tour of the market to learn about the different types of food sold there and how they are prepared.

The Chao Phraya River is also a must-see attraction in Khlong Toei. Visitors can take a boat tour of the river to see some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. The river also provides a unique perspective on the city’s bustling streets and skyline.

Finally, the Bangkok University Gallery is another popular tourist site in Khlong Toei. The gallery features a variety of contemporary art exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Visitors can take a guided tour of the gallery to learn about the artists and their work.

Best Street Food and Food Courts

Khlong Toei is known for its delicious street food, and there are plenty of options for visitors to choose from. The Khlong Toei Market Food Court is a popular destination for foodies, offering a wide variety of Thai dishes at affordable prices. Soi Polo Fried Chicken is another must-try spot for visitors. This restaurant is known for its crispy, juicy fried chicken that is served with sticky rice and spicy dipping sauce.

Raan Jay Fai is a street food stall that has gained international fame for its delicious seafood dishes. The stall is run by a 70-year-old woman who cooks everything over a charcoal stove, giving the dishes a unique smoky flavor. Finally, Sam Yan Market is another popular destination for street food in Khlong Toei. The market offers a wide variety of Thai dishes, including noodle soups, grilled meats, and fresh seafood.

Best Restaurants

If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience in Khlong Toei, there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Nang Loeng Market is a popular destination for visitors looking for authentic Thai cuisine. The market offers a variety of dishes, including spicy curries, grilled meats, and noodle dishes. Taling Pling is another great restaurant in Khlong Toei, serving up traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist. Laem Charoen Seafood is another popular restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood dishes, including grilled prawns, steamed fish, and spicy crab.

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Ruen Mallika is a great option. This restaurant is known for its elegant decor and traditional Thai dishes, including spicy soups, curries, and grilled meats.

Best Places to Stay

There are plenty of great hotels and resorts to choose from in Khlong Toei. The Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is a luxurious five-star hotel that offers stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok skyline. The hotel features multiple dining options, including an award-winning Chinese restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a riverfront terrace.

Another great option for visitors to Khlong Toei is the Marriott Marquis Bangkok Queen’s Park. This hotel features modern rooms and suites with stunning city views, as well as multiple dining options, a rooftop bar, and an outdoor pool.

For a more budget-friendly option, the Sukhumvit 12 Bangkok Hotel & Suites is a great choice. This hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites at affordable prices, as well as a rooftop pool and a fitness centre.

Best Shopping Centres and Markets

Khlong Toei is known for its street markets, and there are plenty of options for visitors to choose from. The Khlong Toei Market is one of the largest and most popular in Bangkok, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Visitors can also find a variety of clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs at the market.

The Sam Yan Market is another popular destination for shopping in Khlong Toei. This market offers a wide variety of clothing, accessories, and household items, as well as a variety of food stalls.

If you’re looking for a more upscale shopping experience, the EmQuartier mall is a great option. This mall features a wide variety of luxury brands, as well as multiple dining options and a movie theater. The Terminal 21 mall is another popular option, featuring multiple levels of shops and restaurants, as well as a unique airport theme.

Khlong Toei is a vibrant district in Bangkok that offers a unique blend of local culture, history, and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the area’s main tourist sites, sample delicious street food and dine at great restaurants, stay at luxurious hotels or budget-friendly options, and shop at bustling street markets or upscale shopping centers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Bangkok or a seasoned traveler, Khlong Toei is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best that the city has to offer.

10 interesting facts about Khlong Toei Bangkok

Khlong Toei is one of the largest and most densely populated districts in Bangkok, with a population of over 100,000 people.
The district is named after the Khlong Toei canal, which runs through the area and is used for transportation and commerce.
Khlong Toei is home to the largest fresh food market in Bangkok, which covers an area of over 100,000 square meters.
The district is known for its large population of migrant workers from neighboring countries, including Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
Khlong Toei is home to the Khlong Toei Port, which is one of the busiest ports in Thailand and serves as a hub for cargo and shipping.
The area is also home to the Bangkok University City Campus, which is one of the largest university campuses in the city and offers a variety of programs and courses.
Khlong Toei is home to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, which is one of the largest convention centers in Southeast Asia and hosts a variety of events and conferences throughout the year.
The district is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to both locals and tourists.
Khlong Toei is home to the Bangkok Planetarium, which is a popular destination for families and features a variety of interactive exhibits and shows.
The area is also home to several parks and green spaces, including the Benjakitti Park, which is a popular destination for jogging, biking, and outdoor activities.