Table of Contents
- Central Pinklao — Shopping and Dining All in One Place
- Wat Saphan Floating Market — Authentic Canal-Side Atmosphere
- Wat Ta Khian Floating Market — A Glimpse of Orchard Life
- Wat Bang Phlat — Ayutthaya-Era Architecture
- Wat Bang Phlat Morning Market — Local Breakfast Culture
- Charan Sanitwong Road — Late-Night Dining Scene
- Khampoon Restaurant — Bold Isaan Flavors at Central Pinklao
- Rad Na Ah Liu — A Bangkok Thonburi Legend
- Kiani — Modern Korean Kitchen
- Chao Phraya River Cruise — Sunset Views from the Water
Everything on this list is easy to reach from MRT Bang Yi Khan, making it ideal for anyone staying in the Pinklao area — whether traveling with family, as a couple, or solo.
Why Pinklao Is Worth Exploring
Pinklao sits on Bangkok’s Thonburi side, close enough to the city center to feel convenient, yet distinct enough to have its own local character. With the MRT Blue Line’s Bang Yi Khan station nearby, things to do near Pinklao have become an easy weekend option for anyone who doesn’t want to travel far from home.
From a major shopping mall to century-old floating markets, historic temples, and beloved local restaurants, this neighborhood offers a genuine mix of city convenience and old Bangkok charm. Below are 10 spots worth visiting, along with travel notes from MRT Bang Yi Khan to help you plan your trip.
1. Central Pinklao — Shopping and Dining All in One Place
Central Pinklao is the area’s main landmark. It’s continuously renovated with new dining brands, especially on the 5th floor food zone, which brings together Japanese, Korean, Isaan, and newly opened cafés under one roof. It’s a great pick for anyone who wants to combine shopping with a good meal. From MRT Bang Yi Khan, it’s just a short ride away by bus or motorcycle taxi.
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2. Wat Saphan Floating Market — Authentic Canal-Side Atmosphere
Located along Khlong Bangkok Noi in Taling Chan district, Wat Saphan Floating Market grew out of a collaboration between local residents and the temple to preserve canal-side life. Visitors can take a long-tail boat past fruit orchards, home gardens, and old riverside houses, and stop to pay respects to the temple’s principal Buddha images. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM–3:30 PM.
3. Wat Ta Khian Floating Market — A Glimpse of Orchard Life
Another floating market that has stayed lively over the decades, offering everything from seasonal fruit and stewed duck to boat noodles and herbal drinks, sold both on land and from boats along the canal. For a bit more activity, visitors can try water cycling or take a boat ride along the canal. It’s a good fit for families with young children.
4. Wat Bang Phlat — Ayutthaya-Era Architecture
Wat Bang Phlat is an old temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period, known for its distinctively curved ordination hall base — a hallmark of traditional Thai temple architecture. It’s a quiet, reflective stop for anyone interested in Thai history and art, offering a calm break from the city’s usual pace.
5. Wat Bang Phlat Morning Market — Local Breakfast Culture
For a slower start to the day, Wat Bang Phlat Morning Market runs daily from 5:00–9:00 AM and is packed with local breakfast staples — deep-fried dough (patongko), rice porridge, and traditional Thai sweets that are increasingly hard to find elsewhere. It’s a good way to experience everyday local life.
6. Charan Sanitwong Road — Late-Night Dining Scene
Night owls shouldn’t skip the Charan–Bang Phlat–Pinklao strip, which stays lively with restaurants open late into the night — from laid-back live-music spots to craft beer bars and long-standing street food vendors trusted by locals. It’s a convenient option for anyone staying nearby who wants a low-effort night out.
7. Khampoon Restaurant — Bold Isaan Flavors at Central Pinklao
A well-known Isaan restaurant located inside Central Pinklao, known for its punchy som tum (papaya salad) that balances sour, sweet, and spicy, alongside jim jum hot pot with fragrant broth and tender pork. The relaxed setting and generous seating make it a solid choice for lunch or dinner with family.
8. Rad Na Ah Liu — A Bangkok Thonburi Legend
A long-running rad na (stir-fried noodles in gravy) shop that has been a fixture of the Thonburi side for years, frequently recommended by locals through word of mouth. It’s worth a visit for anyone who wants to taste a traditional version of the dish that’s harder to find in other parts of the city.
9. Kiani — Modern Korean Kitchen
For those who enjoy easy, approachable Korean food, Kiani at Central Pinklao is a solid pick. The bright, clean interior suits solo diners, couples, or families alike, and the menu focuses on single-serve Korean dishes with banchan side dishes, kept mild enough for a wide range of tastes.
10. Chao Phraya River Cruise — Sunset Views from the Water
Wrap up your trip with an evening cruise along the Chao Phraya River. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere than shopping malls or markets, and makes for a memorable, quiet way for couples or families to spend time together by the water.
Getting Around From MRT Bang Yi Khan
MRT Bang Yi Khan station is the key transport hub for the Pinklao area. From the station, buses, motorcycle taxis, and regular taxis can get you to Central Pinklao within minutes. The floating markets and temples in the Taling Chan–Bang Phlat area may require an additional short ride, so it’s worth checking a maps app before heading out.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, Sunset Residence Pinklao is a serviced apartment located near MRT Bang Yi Khan, offering easy access to all 10 spots covered in this guide — with both short-stay and monthly rental options available.
Final Thoughts
Pinklao might look like a quiet residential area at first glance, but it’s actually full of things to do near Pinklao — from a major shopping mall and centuries-old floating markets to historic temples and restaurants locals swear by. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying long-term, there’s enough here to keep you exploring year-round.