Things to do near Sanam Chai station

Perhaps Bangkok’s most striking subway station was designed by respected artist Pinyo Suwankhiri, who wanted it to look like a throne hall in the early Rattanakosin era. The entire structure is held up by partially-gold-gilded pillars, and its red ceilings are adorned with intricate Thai-style patterns. The station provides direct access to Museum Siam and Pak Khlong Talad or the Bangkok Flower Market.

Set in a refurbished colonial mansion that once served as the Ministry of Commerce, Museum Siam is one of the first museums in Thailand to inject interactive technology into a cultural exhibition. The establishment has one permanent exhibition called Decoding Thainess, which explores the many definitions of being Thai through multi-disciplinary presentations and installations.

Pak Khlong Talad was the country’s biggest wholesale flower market. It’s open 24 hours, but the best time to visit is at night when flowers from all over Thailand as well as imported blooms are delivered. Parts of the market have been moved out of town, but you can still admire the vibrance of flower bargains.

A visit to this modern museum provides a glimpse of the many stylish outfits and gowns the Queen Mother wore on official trips and occasions years ago, as well as the accessories, hats and fans that accompanied each ensemble. An adjacent exhibit showcases King Rama V’s collection of intricate Javan batik to commemorate the relationship between Thailand and Java (now part of Indonesia). The museum is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace.

Recently given a facelift by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the old market now features a bright yellow facade, making a visit more inviting than it used to be. The venue was once a general fresh market, but it’s now become a destination for wholesale dried seafood (you can guess it from the fishy smell wafting from the structure). Nearby, you have a selection of casual Thai restaurants, small galleries and souvenir shops.

Owned by noted food expert Gai Lai Mitwichan and his sister, the restaurant aims to showcase the true flavors of Vietnam. Unlike many other "Vietnamese" restaurants that mix in Isan influences, Tonkin-Annam stays true to its roots. The menu features dishes from Vietnam's northern and central regions, using local sustainable ingredients whenever possible. Popular street snacks like nem nướng (meaty pork patties or sausages) and chả tôm (grilled shrimp on sugarcane stick) are served with authentic accompaniments, including chewy rice paper and a flavorful dipping sauce. Don't miss out on trying lesser-known delicacies like bánh bèo (a breakfast favorite).

One of the more famous florists in Pak Khlong Talad has transformed the second floor of its boutique into a cafe. As expected, striking floral arrangements decorate the entire place. Flowers also make their way into your dessert and the aromatic tea blends.

You won’t think that this elegant dining room, with its crystal chandeliers and teakwood cabinets, used to be a garage, as its name suggests (rongros means “garage” in Thai, although it can also mean “house of flavors”). The recently opened restaurant has become a go-to for savoring elevated homestyle Thai fare, such as watermelon with ground fish or fried rice with salted egg and shrimp, against stunning views of Wat Arun.

With breathtaking views of Wat Arun, Supanniga Eating Room's riverside branch is the perfect setting to indulge in authentic Thai cuisine. Instead of relying on star chefs, Supanniga lets its food speak for itself, following generations-old family recipes. The restaurant's success lies in sourcing the finest ingredients from across Thailand, including fish sauce and shrimp from the east. Start with the appetizer platter showcasing northern Thai flavors (B245) and savor signature dishes like sliced marbled beef shank with spicy dressing (yum neua lai, B160) or fried Chinese cabbage with Trat fish sauce (ka lum tod num pla, B120). Don't miss the star of the show, the rare pork stew with Chamuang leaves (moo cha muang, B190) typically found in the eastern provinces. 

The name of this charming cafe pays tribute to the origins of the Vietnamese settlers who came to this area in Bangkok back in the day. Flowers, framed photographs, taxidermied animals, and vintage memorabilia are scattered throughout the premises, transporting you to the idyllic lifestyle of decades past.