Song Wat Road is one of Bangkok’s most charming streets. This quiet, riverside neighborhood sits just a short walk from Chinatown.
If you are visiting the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, you can hop on an orange flag boat to Ratchawong Pier and be here in minutes.
Old shophouses, street art, great coffee, and authentic Thai food all share this narrow road. Here are the best things to see and do on this charming street. 😊
1. Song Wat Street Art
Song Wat Road has become an open-air gallery. Artists from around the world have transformed old warehouse walls and shophouse shutters into colorful murals.
The most famous piece is the ROA elephant mural. This massive black-and-white artwork by Belgian artist ROA shows two elephants on a parking lot wall. It is one of the most photographed spots in the area.
Take your time walking around. You will find new murals tucked in alleyways and hidden behind shophouses. The art changes with new festivals, so there is always something fresh to discover.
Highlights:
- Look for the giant ROA elephant mural in a riverside parking lot
- Free to explore anytime, day or night
- Great for photography lovers
Location: Google Maps
2. Mahapho Riverview
Most of Song Wat Road feels enclosed by old shophouses. Mahapho Riverview is the exception.
This open-air space sits right on the Chao Phraya River. You get wide views of the water and all the boat traffic passing by. It is a great spot to rest your feet and enjoy the breeze after walking the narrow streets.
Mahapho also hosts pop-up events like art exhibitions and community markets. Check their Facebook page to see what is happening during your visit.
Highlights:
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Free entry
- Beautiful river views and photo opportunities
Location: Google Maps
3. Vintage Vespa Thailand
This place is a treat for anyone who loves retro style.
Vintage Vespa Thailand is an open-air yard filled with beautifully restored Vespa scooters from the 1946s to 2000s. You can walk around, admire the bikes, and take photos with these classic beauties.
The best time to visit is in the evening. String lights come on, music plays softly, and the whole space feels magical. The Chao Phraya River is just behind, adding to the atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Open Friday to Sunday 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Free to visit and photograph
- This place opens in the evening. If you arrive earlier, it will be closed.
Location: Google Maps
4. Bad Poutine
Sometimes you need a break from noodles and rice.
Bad Poutine serves Canadian-style fries topped with gravy, cheese, and hearty toppings like smoked brisket, pulled pork, or buttermilk chicken.
The “bad” part of the name is a joke. They do not follow strict poutine rules. They adapt the dish for local tastes, and it works.
Upstairs, you will find Bukowski & Co, a speakeasy-style bar. There is no menu. Just tell the bartender what you are in the mood for, and they will make something custom.
You can order food from Bad Poutine and have it brought up to the bar.
This is one of the few places on Song Wat Road that stays lively at night.
Highlights:
- Address: 1338B Song Wat Road
- Open daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Great for sharing or a solo treat
Location: Google Maps
5. Road Of Cinnamon
A quick note first. “Road of Cinnamon” is an old nickname for Song Wat Road because of its spice-trading history. But there is also a shop called Road Of Cinnamon. This section is about the shop.
This boutique sells ceramics, handmade pottery, wooden items, and unique souvenirs. You will not find mass-produced tourist goods here. True to its name, the shop also sells cinnamon sticks and aromatic products.
The interior feels like a collector’s treasure box. Shelves are filled with books, postcards, and carefully chosen items. It is a nice place to browse and find something special to bring home.
Highlights:
- Address: 1326 Song Wat Road
- Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Perfect for unique, authentic Thai gifts
Location: Google Maps
6. Pink Rabbit Coffee Shop
Also known as A Pink Rabbit + Bob, this cafe feels like stepping into a different era.
The retro interior is cozy and full of character. Dark wood furniture, neon signs, and vintage touches fill the narrow shophouse space. It is air-conditioned, which is a relief on hot days.
The star here is the cake. Try the Banoffee pie or one of the rich cheesecakes. Pair it with tea or coffee, and you have a perfect afternoon break.
This place is very popular for photos, so expect it to be busy.
Highlights:
- Address: 1330, 1332 Song Wat Road
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Instagram-worthy decor and delicious cakes
Location: Google Maps
7. Luang Kocha Itsahak Mosque
This mosque is a reminder that Bangkok’s Chinatown was never just Chinese.
The building looks nothing like the domed mosques you might expect.
Instead, it has European Neo-classical architecture with a yellow facade, arched windows, and detailed stucco work.
It was built during the reign of King Rama V, when Western design was popular.
Non-Muslim visitors are welcome to look around quietly outside of prayer times. It is a peaceful spot that shows the multicultural history of this neighborhood.
If you plan to enter, wear modest clothing. Avoid visiting during Friday midday prayers when it is busiest.
Highlights:
- Address: 979 Song Wat Road (down a small alley)
- Open roughly from 4:45 AM to 7:45 PM daily
- Free entry, modest dress required
Location: Google Maps
8. SCR – Song Wat Coffee Roasters
Coffee lovers, this one is for you.
SCR roasts their own beans on-site. The signature drink is the Dirty, which is cold milk topped with a shot of hot espresso. The Songwat Latte is another popular choice. For purists, they offer single-origin drip coffee.
The pastries are excellent too. Try the Pain Suisse, Canelés, or Egg Cake alongside your coffee.
The space has an industrial look with exposed concrete and warm wood accents. It is a nice place to sit and watch the baristas work.
Highlights:
- Address: 578 Song Wat Road
- Open Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, weekends 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Great for a caffeine break with air conditioning
Location: Google Maps
9. San Chao Lao Pun Tao Kong
This colorful Chinese shrine has been the spiritual heart of Song Wat for over 180 years.
You will spot the grand red-and-gold archway from the street. Step inside to see dragon murals, stone guardian lions, and incense coils hanging from the ceiling.
The main altar honors Pun Tao Kong, a deity believed to bring good fortune in business.
Visitors are welcome to observe or light incense at the altar. Many local shop owners come here to pray for luck.
The shrine is inside the Peiing School compound, so be respectful of the surroundings.
Highlights:
- Address: 833 Song Wat Road
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Free entry, donations welcome for incense
Location: Google Maps
10. e-ga LAB
For a serious Thai food experience, this is the place.
e-ga LAB serves regional Thai cuisine with bold, home-style flavors. The menu draws from different parts of Thailand, offering dishes that go beyond the usual tourist favorites.
Their signature dish is the Kao Kayum Poo, a fragrant jasmine rice loaded with fresh crab meat and drizzled with a spicy seafood sauce. It is rich, satisfying, and worth the trip alone.
Another must-try is the Mee Krob E-ga, a classic Thai dish of crispy fried noodles tossed in a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
The prawn fried rice and stir-fried stink beans with prawns are also popular with regulars who come back for the punchy, authentic flavors.
Save room for dessert. The restaurant is well known for its impressive cake display. You will find favorites like Banoffee Pie, New York Cheesecake, Princess Scarlet, and Blueberry Oreo Pie waiting for you.
The interior has a moody, vintage feel with a “Black Crow” theme. Dark tones, eclectic furniture, and quirky decor make it feel like dining in the home of an interesting collector.
Highlights:
- Address: 829 Song Wat Road
- Open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Great for sharing dishes with friends
Location: Google Maps
How to Get to Song Wat Road
Song Wat Road is narrow and parking is almost impossible. Public transport is the best way to get here.
a. MRT (Subway)
This is the most reliable option.
- Take the Blue Line to Wat Mangkon Station
- Use Exit 1 (Plaeng Nam Road)
- Walk about 10 minutes toward Yaowarat Road, then continue straight on Yaowa Phanit Road until you reach Song Wat Road
This route drops you in the middle of the street, so you can explore in either direction.
b. Chao Phraya Express Boat
This is the scenic route.
- Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ratchawong Pier (N5)
- Walk straight up Ratchawong Road for about 50 meters
- Turn right onto Song Wat Road
You will enter from the southern end, near the mosque and the shrine. This is also the easiest option if you are coming from the Grand Palace or Wat Pho area. Just catch an orange flag boat heading to Ratchawong Pier.
c. Walking from Talat Noi
If you are already exploring the Talat Noi creative district, you can walk through the alleys and naturally end up at the northern end of Song Wat Road. This puts you near the street art.
