There are 15 walking routes for visitors to Bangkok, including one that takes you deep into Yaowarat, the Dragon’s Lair, visiting several shrines and temples. You’ll start at the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Centre and finish at the Guan Yin Shrine. Yaowarat tells the story of the history of the Chinese community in Thailand, with the hero piece, the Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon, the largest solid gold Buddha image in the world.
This walk will also take you to the seven-story Yaowarat Gold Museum, the Celebration Arch of the 6th Cycle Anniversary Memorial – look for the two dragons on the top and Kim Rama IX’s signature – the Wat Bamphen Chin Phrot, the smallest temple in Thailand, and the Leng Buai Ia Shrine, a really pretty shrine constructed in the middle Ayutthaya period in the Taechio Chinese style, and adorned with rare antique objects including an ancient bell from the Ming Dynasty.
As you will need sustenance, probably several times – it is Chinatown after all – stop off at Eiah Sae, an 80 year old coffee shop loved by locals, Thai Hen, a restaurant that will have been selling Khao Man Kai (Hainanese chicken rice) for a century in 2020, and treat yourself to an ice cream at the Ice Cream Scoopp.
Walk to Wat Arun
The Thon Buri walk is another itinerary that features temples, but this one takes you to arguably the most spectacular of all – Wat Arun Ratchawararam. Known as the ‘Temple of Dawn’, it is truly magnificent as it rises above the Chrao Phraya River. Take your time inside and if you get a chance, view it from the river at night.
For more information on the walking tours around Bangkok, or to plan your next Thailand adventure, visit amazingthailand.com.au and @Hug Thailand on Facebook.
