This article about “Bangkok’s Charoen Nakhon and Best Places to Live” comes to Dot Property from Lazudi.
Outstanding street food, upscale riverside restaurants, chic coworking and art hubs, cool cafes, fabulous riverside condos, luxury shopping, and five-star hotels, and with the opening of the BTS Gold Line, living in the Charoen Nakhon area has never been more appealing.
Charoen Nakhon Road runs roughly parallel along the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and is home to some of Bangkok’s most outstanding riverside developments. Spanning both Khlong San and Thonburi districts, this 5.5-kilometre road is a fantastic Bangkok riverside neighborhood if you consider moving to Bangkok.
Charoen Nakhon is one of the oldest areas in Bangkok. The capital was established on the west bank in 1767, after the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese. In addition to Thai people already living here, the area was settled by Chinese merchants, Portuguese traders, Muslims, Mon, and French priests. Many descendants have remained, as have places of worship, eateries, and an eclectic mix of old and new.
What is unique about living in this corner of Bangkok?
Great Spots to Eat and Meet Friends
‘Cheap and cheerful’ eateries are scattered along Charoen Nakhon Road, including all types of Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and BBQ, plus local fresh markets with ready-to-eat meals.
The Jam Factory is a collection of galleries, bookshops, and artist spaces and home to The Never Ending Summer restaurant, a renovated warehouse featuring some harder-to-find Thai dishes. Convenient co-working spaces, like Poolsub Space and True Sphere (5G), offer excellent facilities and are close to public transport.
Upmarket restaurants are aplenty too. At ICONSIAM, Blue by Alain Ducasse, Jumbo Seafood, and Rose Dining at Siam Takashimaya, to name a few. The Thai restaurant Thiptara is popular amongst tropical gardens and banyan trees at The Peninsula Bangkok. Downriver, the Riverside Terrace at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort has an impressive international breakfast.
Cool Bars
Fantastic bars atop riverside hotels, such as the Three Sixty Lounge at Millennium Hilton Bangkok, offer outstanding views, perfect for enjoying sundowners with friends. Many condo buildings have rooftops or high floors providing swimming pools, gardens, BBQ areas, and other recreational facilities, giving you a birds-eye view of the bustling capital.
And more low-key venues, like Save our Soles, a cozy craft beer bar with local and imported beers on tap, and Rim Rooftop offering Thai fusion dishes, live music, and a great atmosphere.
Shopping – Street Markets to Ooh La La
Street stalls and small markets are dotted around, selling fruit, vegetables and take-home meals. Like most places in Thailand, there’s a Seven 11 or Family Mart on nearly every corner. Easily accessed shopping malls with supermarkets like Villa Market, Tops and Lotus provide a great selection of local and imported goodies.
Not to overlook, ICONSIAM, which opened in 2018, is a mixed-use development including hotels, residences and one of Asia’s largest shopping malls. Luxury brands, quality Thai craft, fashion, beauty, health and lifestyle shops, fantastic food courts, international and Thai restaurants, bars, and entertainment, including the nightly multimedia water feature, draw in the crowds.
Transport
The BTS Gold Line in Khlong San district significantly improved access to the northern section of Charoen Nakhon Road, and BTS Krung Thonburi connects with the Silom Line.
Ferries and local boats are an inexpensive and convenient way to cross the river. Chao Phraya Riverboats and many condo ferries stop at Pier Saphan Taksin with easy access to the BTS.
Parks and Recreation
Parks are limited, however, Chaloem Phra Kiat Forest Park provides some green space and an outdoor gym, and avid swimmers will enjoy Swan Swimming Pool. Fitness centers are available, with many condominium buildings having well-equipped facilities.
Places of Interest
Century-old shophouses beside towering buildings, traces of historical and cultural influences, colorful wats, Chinese shrines, mosques, Christian churches, and the riverside and canals make for interesting wanderings.
Upriver is Lhong 1919, a restored 19th-century Chinese mansion with restaurants and shops, Baan Kudi Chin, the old Portuguese quarter, and the famous Wat Arun.
Where to Live
Condos are the most popular and prevalent in this area, and prices and offerings vary greatly. Studio-style condos start from as little as 3MB, and spacious, luxurious multi-bedroom residences and penthouses may set you back 100M THB or more.
The Supalai River Resort, with bus transport nearby, has condos starting at 3.2MB. The River by Raimon Land consists of two buildings, 890 units, has its own river ferry, is a short walk to Iconsiam, and has one-bedroom condos from 12.1MB. The exquisitely designed Magnolias Waterfront Residences is the tallest tower in Thailand, 70 stories high and has a four-bedroom 173 sqm residence priced at 75.6MB.
To Sum Up
There is much to like about living in this riverside district, with a great choice of condos, excellent dining, entertainment, and recreational facilities, and just across the river from Bangkok city.
The Lazudi team has excellent insight into happening neighborhoods. Contact us for further information regarding properties to rent, buy or sell.