Best things to do in Thonburi

Wat Prayoon’s khao mor (a manmade mountain usually found in the old gardens of Siamese royals and nobles) is one of the most elaborate of its kind in Bangkok.

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.

One of the oldest Catholic churches in Bangkok, Santa Cruz Church was built in 1770 to cater to the religious needs of foreigners living on the west bank of the Chao Phraya.

Siriraj Sappaya Sthana for Health Promotion on the seventh floor of Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun is dedicated to the science of applied Thai medicine and therapeutic treatments, it also provides wellness and spa services such as Thai massages and herbal body scrubs.

The grounds of Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital, the new annex of Thailand’s oldest public hospital, used to house Thonburi’s main train station—and the Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum, also housed within the Siriraj Hospital, is an effort to pay respects to this former transportation hub.

If the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya has Bumrungrad, Thonburi has Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun, a private hospital that comes complete with world-class medicine and luxurious facilities.

When Thonburi served as the capital of Thailand, Wang Derm Palace was the permanent residence of King Taksin (the first and only ruler of the Thon Buri period), the same way the Grand Palace has served Bangkok kings of more recent times.

The area is known for its cheap street eats, and is frequently packed with hungry locals and intrepid tourists looking for off-thebeaten- track culinary experiences.

Seen on the TAT logo and 10-baht coin, this five-spired landmark has been known as the 'Temple of Dawn' ever since the soon-to-be King Taksin landed by the then Wat Magog at sunrise in October 1767.

Built in the reign of King Rama III, this temple is where locals go to pay their respects to the Luang Poh Tor or Sum Por Kong statue, and pray for safe travels and good relationships.

Rarely visited by tourists, the temple (also called Wat Prayurawongsawat) was built during the reign of King Rama II and features a centerpiece pagoda that was given the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Conservation Award of Excellence in 2014.

Wend your way through the busy Wang Lang market to find yourself at Wat Rakhang Khositaram.

Wichaiprasit is Bangkok’s oldest fort, with a history dating back to the glorious Ayutthaya kingdom.