We’ll enjoy a tasty bite at Prachak Roasted Duck, one of Bangkok’s most legendary eateries, serving hungry locals since 1909. This humble, no-frills restaurant is famous for its succulent roasted duck: tender, flavorful, and perfectly crispy on the outside. It’s a beloved spot among Bangkokians and a true hidden gem for food lovers. Sitting down for a quick meal here is like taking a delicious step back in time. (If Prachak happens to be closed on the day of your visit, no worries, the guide will bring you to another local spot nearby.)

Nestled in a quiet alley off Charoen Krung Road, Wat Suan Phlu is a peaceful oasis amid Bangkok’s riverside bustle. Originally built in the late Ayutthaya era on what once were betel-nut gardens, this charming temple features beautifully preserved, two-storey wooden monks’ quarters in ornate “gingerbread” style, a design honored with a conservation award in 2002. Inside, you’ll find a serene reclining Buddha and intricately carved hallways adorned with rare blue-glass decoration, a striking departure from the city’s typical golden temples. With its tranquil ambiance, hidden heritage, and elegant craftsmanship, Wat Suan Phlu offers a quiet glimpse into Bangkok’s rich spiritual and architectural history.

Assumption Cathedral is Bangkok’s principal Roman Catholic cathedral, nestled beside Charoen Krung Road near Oriental Pier in the historic Bang Rak district. Originally built between 1809–1821 under French missionary Father Pascal, it was rebuilt in Romanesque style by 1918 using imported marble, stained glass, and elegant frescoes. The cathedral boasts twin towers, a serene red-brick exterior, a high vaulted ceiling dotted with golden stars, and over 40 stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes. Below the main altar lies a crypt housing bishops and missionaries, including Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung, a Thai martyr. As a vibrant spiritual center, it welcomed Pope John Paul II in 1984 and Pope Francis in 2019. Please note: The cathedral is an active place of worship, with weekend services and occasional private ceremonies. On such occasions the area around the entrance may be closed off, and it may not be possible to make a photo.

The East Asiatic Company Building is one of Bangkok’s most iconic riverfront landmarks, located on Charoen Krung Road near the historic Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Built in 1901 in elegant Italian Renaissance style, it once housed the headquarters of the East Asiatic Company, a Danish trading firm founded by Captain H.N. Andersen. The company played a major role in developing trade between Siam and Europe in the early 20th century. From this grand building, the firm managed shipping, import-export operations, and was deeply involved in teak logging in Northern Thailand, one of the kingdom's most valuable natural resources at the time. Its striking arched windows, stucco details, and river-facing façade reflect the cosmopolitan flair and commercial ambitions of old Bangkok. Though no longer in use by the company, the building stands as a lasting symbol of Bangkok’s rich trading heritage.

Charoen Krung Road has seen many transformations, from being a hub for diplomats and traders in the 19th century to becoming a more forgotten corner of the city. But in recent years, it has re-emerged as a vibrant canvas for street art, blending the area’s rich heritage with edgy, urban creativity. The turning point came with the Bukruk Urban Arts Festival in 2016, which brought together Thai and international artists to brighten up the aging facades of this historic neighborhood. From abandoned buildings to quiet alley walls, colorful murals began popping up, turning Charoen Krung into an open-air art gallery. A standout contribution came from Thai artist Alex Face, whose iconic character Mardi (a child in a bunny suit with a thoughtful expression) can be found peeking around corners and tucked into alleyways. This artistic revival has transformed Charoen Krung into Bangkok’s unofficial creative district, where old-world charm meets modern expression at every turn.

The Holy Rosary Church, locally known as Kalawar Church, is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Bangkok and a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture along the Chao Phraya River. The church stands as a graceful reminder of the Portuguese and European influence in the early days of Bangkok. The original church was established by Portuguese Catholic settlers in the late 18th century, shortly after the fall of Ayutthaya, when the new capital was founded in Bangkok. The current structure, however, dates from 1897, built on the same site as the earlier wooden church, and was constructed in a distinctly European style with pointed arches, stained glass windows, and a tall central spire. The Holy Rosary Church once served as a spiritual center for the Catholic community along the riverbanks and continues to hold services to this day. The church reflects Bangkok’s multicultural roots and religious tolerance.

Talad Noi (meaning ‘small market’) is a charming, timeworn neighborhood and part of Bangkok’s sprawling Chinatown. It’s one of the city’s oldest communities, where generations of Chinese-Thai families have lived for over two centuries. Once a landing point for Hokkien settlers and European traders, the area has retained much of its original character. This lovely district is full of hidden gems: the riverside Holy Rosary Church, built by Portuguese Catholics in the 18th century; Thailand’s very first branch bank, housed in a striking Beaux Arts building; intricate Chinese shrines; and century-old homes passed down through generations. The Sieng Kong zone is famed for its labyrinth of narrow lanes stacked with used auto parts, an unexpected, gritty charm in this nostalgic area. Adding to the magic, the walls of Talad Noi and nearby Charoen Krung have become an outdoor gallery, covered in vibrant street art; perfect for wandering, exploring, and snapping great photos.

Rong Kuak Shrine (Chao Hon Wong Kung Shrine) in Talat Noi is a hidden gem steeped in Hakka-Chinese heritage. Established during the early Rattanakosin era, it enshrines the deity Hon Wong Kung, venerated as a bringer of wealth and prosperity . The current riverside shrine was built around 1888 under King Rama V, moving closer to the Chao Phraya River. Visitors enter through an octagonal gate into a compact interior richly decorated with traditional carvings and murals. Talat Noi’s centuries-old community reveres this shrine during special occasions, especially during the lunar festival for the God of Wealth (around October), when it comes alive with incense, offerings, and vibrant rituals. Despite its modest size, Rong Kuak Shrine offers a peaceful riverside refuge and an authentic glimpse into Bangkok’s Chinese-Thai traditions, blending centuries-old faith, a touch of mystique, and a deep connection to the neighborhood’s soul.