Things to do in Itsaraphap

Just a few steps from Itsaraphap Station, this cafe is where you have tea, coffee, soft drinks, and cake for the prices you can't get in Sukhumvit, starting from B40. Though the F&B offerings are good enough, it’s their zero-waste policy that’s worth a mention—dishes and drinks are served with paper straws and bioplastic utensils. The second floor houses a small yet welcoming hostel.

Located right at the Pho Sam Ton junction, Ban Wang Doem offers a good mix of Thai and Western fare. A small hotel with 24 rooms is lodged on the upper floor.

Located in front of Bansomdej Chaopraya Rajabhat University, this loft-style café serves coffee and dessert items, and is a perfect spot for idling away a muggy afternoon.

This cozy restaurant serves flavorful Thai and Western dishes in prices that won’t burn your pocket. The eatery opens at 7am and is perfect for early birds wanting to grab something filling before starting their day.

This cafe doesn’t open until late in the night and only closes just before the wee hours of the morning. It’s perfect for chocolate-loving night owls or those consumed with sweet cravings in the middle of the night. Choose among three levels of intensity: Darknight A Cocoa is the strongest, Midnight A Cocoa is slightly bitter, and Goodnight A Cocoa is the mildest and slips easily down the throat.

Located behind Princess Mother Memorial Park, this ancient Chinese shrine was built during Ayutthaya and was said to be visited by King Taksin before the monarch went to the war. The shrine is worth visiting for colorful traditional Chinese architecture.

In 1767 (BE2310), a few months after the destruction of Ayutthaya—the former capital of Siam—King Taksin established the new capital city of Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The monarch also allocated pieces of land to different communities, including one called Kudejeen to a small Portuguese community.     The name Kudeejeen is said to be derived from either kutijeen which means “Chinese monk’s residence” in Thai, or kuleejeen, which translates into “Chinese laborers.” The Portuguese settlement brought about a complex yet harmonious set-up where Christians, Buddhists and Muslims have been co-existing together peacefully for more than 200 years. The settlement also introduced a culture that was distinctive to the place, as well as unique Portuguese-influenced cuisine.     Getting to Kudeejeen is easy aboard the Chao Phraya Express boat. Hop on the boat from the pier nearest to you and get off at Wat Kanlaya. From there, it’s a three-minute walk to the community. The Italian Renaissance-style Santa Cruz Church marks the entrance to one of Bangkok’s longest-running hoods.

It may look like a typical bridge, but below this landmark, built in the reign of King Rama VI, lies a concrete hole that was once an air-raid shelter during World War II. Come during sunset for the best Instagram shots.

This market is lined with stalls that offer authentic street food experiences. There are also proper sit-down restaurants and cafes to choose from.