A Day Out in Phra Nakhon: Enjoying Art and Delicious Food
A day in the city often revolves around computer screens, endless meeting documents, and ends with a long commute home, only to collapse into bed after battling extreme traffic for over an hour (but of course, more urgent work emails will come in as usual!). The time we think we should reserve for relaxing, strolling leisurely, and unwinding without a rush is almost nonexistent.
We invite you to shut down your computer and step outside to experience life outdoors. Take a leisurely walk along the streets of Phra Nakhon, an ancient trading area that serves as a cultural hub. Explore old buildings, visit galleries, admire art, and enjoy street art, all while sampling delicious food along the way!
Start your journey at the vibrant Bridge Café & Art Space, one of the most striking galleries on Charoen Krung Road. Getting there is easy; just look for the sign for Soi Charoen Krung 51, and you’ll find the gallery right at the entrance. The ground floor features a café with a variety of drinks, from coffee to beer and cocktails. As you head up to the 2nd and 3rd floors, you’ll discover exhibition rooms showcasing works from emerging artists both local and international, with a rotating selection of art that defies categorization—ranging from paintings and photography to installation art and more. On May 6th, there will be an exhibition opening titled My Fantasy World by Thai artist MethaGod. Whether you’re seeking inspiration from great art or just want to grab a cup of coffee, you can follow their updates at https://www.facebook.com/bridgeartspace/ or www.bridgebkk.com.
Black Moon’ is a political landscape photography exhibition by Nipon Intarut.
Bridge Café & Art Space
Near Soi Charoen Krung 51, Yan Nawa, Sathorn (BTS Taksin Bridge, Exit 4)
Open Wednesday-Sunday (closed Tuesday) from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Phone: 089-666-2051
From the Chan Road intersection, head to Soi Charoen Krung 36 or Rue de Brest, an old alley rich in historical significance. It’s home to the old customs house, the French embassy, a vintage hotel from the 60s, a mosque serving the local Muslim community, and a popular fire station that’s a favorite photo spot. But Soi Charoen Krung 36 has more to offer; not far from the entrance, you’ll find a wonderful gallery called ‘Serindia Gallery’ nestled in the O.P. Garden, a colonial-style wooden house over 60 years old. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Serindia a treasure trove of knowledge on Chinese and Indian art and history. Besides hosting rotating exhibitions from various artists worldwide, both photography and painting, it also features a library for those interested in Silk Road art to study. After soaking in the art, you can check out the beautifully crafted jewelry at Atta Gallery, grab a bite at Mango Tree, or simply enjoy the architecture within the garden.
Serindia Gallery
O.P. Garden, Soi Charoen Krung 36
Open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday) from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Phone: 02-238-6410
http://serindiacontemporary.com/
Stop by to see street art that was once part of the BUKRUK II URBAN ARTS festival on Charoen Krung Road last year.
As your stomach starts to rumble, head to the historic Wang Burapha area. You can’t miss On Lok Yun, a restaurant that has stood the test of time for over 80 years, serving an all-day breakfast that blends Chinese and American styles since the days when your parents were dating. Even now, this place still beckons the Facebook generation to reminisce about the good old days. Once you arrive, there’s no need to elaborate on its greatness; just order a big breakfast set with a glass of lemon tea and iced Ovaltine! And don’t forget their signature dish, sweet custard bread, to finish off your meal.
On Lok Yun
72 Charoen Krung Road, near Sala Chalermkrung, Wang Burapha, Phra Nakhon
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Phone: 02-223-9621
https://www.facebook.com/OnLokYunCafeBKK/
As you pass through Phueng Nakhon Road, take a detour to the Sam Phrang area, known for its delicious food, one of the most famous in Bangkok.
Let’s stop to sample some treats according to the map!
Eggs from Mae Yao, Praeng Nara
Kanom Bueng from Aunt Sri, Praeng Nara
Snow Taro from Aunt Jeanie, near the Tiger God Shrine
As you reach Thaprachan Road, it would be a shame not to stop for some delicious treats in the area. Upon seeing a long queue, we wasted no time and joined the line for the famous crispy bread at ‘Aroi’, another legendary crispy bread shop that has been a staple in the Thaprachan area and among Thammasat students for nearly three decades. Now in its third generation, the taste remains unchanged. You can choose between two types: one with butter and sugar, perfectly sweet, and another with butter and garlic, not too salty and just right. Available in two sizes, it comes in a cute retro-futuristic packaging—this bread is truly surreal!
Crispy Bread at Aroi
Thaprachan, at the corner of the road leading to the pier, opposite Thammasat University
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Phone: 0-2221-2252
As the evening falls in the Phra Arthit area, aside from the romantic view of the sunset over the Chao Phraya River at Santhichai Prakan Park, another landmark you must visit at least once is the Roti-Mataba, an old Islamic restaurant that has been a favorite since your mother was young. They have signature dishes that you absolutely cannot miss, such as tender beef stew served over hot yellow rice, chicken soup, and spicy oxtail soup, along with the original Indian Tandoori chicken fragrant with spices, and a variety of both savory and sweet roti options to choose from. Pair it with a cold beer to enhance the flavors of the meal.
Karim Roti-Mataba
Located at the bend of Phra Arthit Road, opposite Phra Sumera Fort
Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
For delivery, call 02-282-2119.
https://www.facebook.com/karimrotimataba/
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Thanks for the information and images from: www.dooddot.com
