Song Wat

Right next to Talat Noi, Song Wat is another of my favourite neighbourhoods to explore in Bangkok. It has that same hard-to-explain vibe I love, where old Bangkok and a much newer creative scene somehow work together.

Song Wat has changed a lot in recent years and has become one of the city’s trendiest areas for cafés, food, street art and small independent shops. But what makes it interesting is that the old neighbourhood is still very much here. Generations-old Chinese-Thai businesses, spice warehouses and traditional shophouses sit alongside specialty coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques and creative spaces.

Old warehouses and once-tired buildings have been transformed, while murals and street art appear throughout the neighbourhood. Like Talat Noi, it’s a great place to explore without too much of a plan. Wander the streets, look at the architecture and street art, browse the shops and stop somewhere for coffee or food when something catches your eye.

I also think Song Wat and Talat Noi are perfect to explore together. They sit right next to each other and you can easily spend an afternoon wandering between the two.

One tip though, go on a weekday if you can. Weekends can be manic, with queues outside the popular cafés, crowds everywhere and seemingly endless photoshoots and influencers trying to get the perfect shot. I enjoy it so much more when it’s quieter and you can actually take your time exploring.

I keep coming back to Song Wat because I just love being here. Spend an afternoon wandering around and you’ll probably understand why.