5 Hidden Gems Next Door to Khao San Road
When you visit Thailand and come to Bangkok, where do you usually go? If we had to guess, the first places that come to mind are probably those familiar places like Wat Arun, Chinatown (Yaowarat), and Khao San Road, right? But did you know that besides these well-known tourist spots, Bangkok’s Old Town has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered? These places are just as fascinating as the mainstream attractions you’re familiar with!
Today, we’ll introduce you to 5 hidden spots in the Phra Nakhon district that will take you deep into local communities, immerse you in culture and religion, and let you learn more about delicious food made by local vendors.If you’re looking for an experience beyond the typical tourist hotspots, these places are a must-visit!
Trok Mor Market (ตลาดตรอกหม้อ)
Location: Ratchabophit Road, Wat Ratchabophit Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok
Hours: 4.00-12.00
open: everyday
Start your morning at Trok Mor Market, a lively fresh market in the heart of Phra Nakhon that opens from early morning until noon. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of food, including main dishes, snacks, desserts, and drinks. All of these offer at affordable prices. Vendors from both within and outside the Trok Mor community wake up early to set up their stalls, some using food carts while others sell right in front of their homes.
This market is more than just a place to buy food but it is a social hub where locals gather, interact, and build connections. If you want to experience the warmth of a true local community, this is the perfect spot to start your day!
Trok Mor Market is a historic marketplace that has been a hub for trade for over 70 years in the Trok Mo community. Did you know? The Trok Mor community was not always called by this name! It was originally known as the Sao Chingcha (Giant Swing) community. Why? because it was located near the Giant Swing!
And how did the name change from Sao Chingcha Community (ชุมชนเสาชิงช้า) to Trok Mor Community (ชุมชนตรอกหม้อ)? The answer lies in the name itself! "Trok Mor" translates in Thai as "Pot Alley", and that is because this area used to be a hub for pottery-making and storage. About 120 years ago, the people of this community specialized in making earthenware pots, and the alley was lined with these handcrafted goods. That’s how it got the name “Trok Mor”!
In the early days, the community was primarily Mon (มอญ) settlers, but later, many Chinese immigrants moved in, renting shophouses and transforming the neighborhood into a predominantly Chinese community. As time passed, pottery-making declined, and people shifted to selling ceremonial items for Buddhist ordination ceremonies. Today, the market has evolved into a lively fresh market, offering delicious local food and a variety of everyday goods, making it a fascinating hidden gem in Bangkok’s Old Town!
If you're looking for a restaurant recommendation from us, we highly suggest Hia Meng Duck Noodles (เฮียเม้งก๋วยเตี๋ยวเป็ด), a place where duck is the star ingredient. You can order duck noodles or even stir-fried basil duck. What makes the duck here special is its incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.We especially recommend trying the duck egg noodles, as the noodles themselves are uniquely chewy and flavorful—not just plain flour but already infused with a delicious taste. Plus, the prices are very reasonable, making this spot a must-try gem of the market!
Sam Praeng (The Three Alleys) (สามแพร่ง)
Just a short walk from Trok Mor Market, you will come across Sam Praeng (The Three Alleys)—Praeng Phuthon (แพร่งภูธร) , Praeng Nara (แพร่งนรา) , and Praeng Sappasat(แพร่งสรรพศาสตร์). What makes this area special is that all three alleys were once royal palaces. Their names come from three royal princes, all sons of King Rama IV who ruled the country in the mid-19th century. They had their residences in this area. Did you know that before Bangkok existed and before royal palaces were built here, the area of Sam Praeng was once a low-lying floodplain that remained waterlogged throughout the year? In the past, this land was referred to as the "Sea of Miud". People back then took advantage of the terrain, using it as a strategic military encampment during wartime and as fertile farmland for rice cultivation and food production. Later, when Bangkok was established by King Rama I in the late 18th century, moats were dug, and city walls were constructed. Due to its prime location near the Grand Palace, the city's surrounding canals, and Khlong Lot (A small canal dug straight through to connect with a larger canal), which were major waterway transportation route at the time, the area attracted a large number of royal family members, government officials, and commoners who settled here. This is why, at one point in history, this very area became the site of several royal palaces, just as we mentioned earlier!
The architecture of the buildings since the late 19th century has been preserved and can still be seen today. As you explore the buildings in Sam Praeng, you’ll notice the charm of well-preserved old structures with Western architectural influences, which became prominent during that time. Walking through these streets feels like stepping back in time.
And today, the Sam Praeng area has transformed into a vibrant community filled with numerous delicious eateries. Especially in Praeng Phuthon, you'll find a variety of options, from main dishes and beverages to desserts and snacks, allowing you to stroll around and enjoy a culinary adventure. Among the many famous food spots in Phuthon Praeng, one must-try dish is "Thai-Style Pork Brain Soup" from Kao Lao Samong Moo Thai Tham (เกาเหลาสมองหมูไทยทำ) . Carefully made from pork brain using a traditional method since the time of the Second World War, this dish is rich, smooth, and surprisingly not gamey at all. This place has welcomed many important figures in the Thai political and military scene for decades.
If you’re a food lover looking for a unique culinary experience, Praeng Phuthon is an absolute must-visit!
San Chao Pho Suea (Tiger God Shrine) (ศาลเจ้าพ่อเสือ)
Location: 468 Tanao Road, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: 06:00 - 17:00
Open: everyday
After exploring Sam Praeng, take a short walk from Praeng Sappasat, and you will come across a striking red Chinese shrine—this is San Chao Pho Suea (Tiger God Shrine), one of Bangkok’s most revered Chinese temples. Yes, It’s time for your fortune!
This historic shrine is a popular site for people seeking blessings, particularly for prosperity, success in business, and protection from obstacles, according to Chinese beliefs in zodiac signs. Those born in the Year of the Tiger often come here to enhance their fortune and personal power.
But why a tiger? The Tiger God originates from ancient Chinese beliefs in sacred animals. In Chinese tradition, the tiger is considered the most powerful of all creatures and symbolizes Yang energy (阳气 - Yáng Qì), representing strength, determination, and victory.
This shrine follows Teochew (Chaozhou) traditions and houses the deity Tua Lao Ia (Xuan Tian Shang Di), an important Taoist god known for warding off evil, defeating enemies, and offering protection from all directions. Many worshippers visit the shrine to improve their fate, ensure smooth business ventures, and remove obstacles in their lives.
Did you know? Anyone can visit and pay their respects here! If you are unsure how to perform the rituals, don’t worry! There are instruction signs inside the shrine that guide you on the proper order of worship and the offerings to use. Plus, you can try your luck with a fortune stick or what we call in Thai is “Siem-Si” (เซียมซี – Chinese fortune telling sticks). Here is a little secret for you, many say the fortunes here are eerily accurate so just try it yourself!
Wat Thepthidaram (วัดเทพธิดาราม)
Location: 70 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
Open: everyday
After exploring a Chinese shrine, let’s now visit a Thai temple. We would like to introduce this small feminist temple, which was built by a woman.
The first thing you will notice about what makes this temple special is its harmonious blend of Thai and Chinese architecture. You’ll notice that its roof lacks traditional Thai elements such as Chofa, Bai Raka, and Hang Hong. Instead, it is beautifully decorated with floral-patterned glazed tiles and phoenix motifs. Additionally, there are stucco statues of people dressed in both Thai and Chinese attire, along with various animal sculptures, reflecting the cultural influences of both traditions on this temple.
One of the most remarkable aspects that sets Wat Thepthidaram apart from other temples is how it represents Buddhism through the lens of femininity. Unlike most temples that depict Buddhist teachings through male Buddha statues, this temple highlights the power of women. The main highlight here is the Viharn of 52 Bhikkhunis (female monks).This temple is believed to be a sacred place filled with feminine energy, making it a popular destination for spiritual seekers, especially women. Many visitors come here to pray for career success and good health.
Another unique feature of the temple is its mural paintings inside the Viharn of 52 Bhikkhunis. These murals, unlike those found in any other temple in Thailand, depict phoenixes as a recurring motif seen throughout the temple, from the wall decorations to the roof’s floral and phoenix patterns. These symbols represent noble and powerful women, reinforcing the temple’s distinctive emphasis on feminine strength and spirituality.
We’ve actually written a blog about Wat Thepthidaram, so if you’d like to learn more, be sure to check out our website! or you can click the link here!!
Beyond its architectural and cultural significance, this temple is also known as the place where Sunthon Phu. Thailand’s Shakespeare, who was once ordained as a monk in this temple for about two years. For his contributions, UNESCO honored him as a World’s Outstanding Person in commemoration of cultural heritage.
To honor his legacy, the temple has preserved his monk’s residence as the "House of the Poet" or Sunthon Phu Museum, allowing visitors to explore the life and works of this literary genius. And guess what? That’s exactly where we’re heading next!
Sunthon Phu Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์สุนทรภู่)
Location: 70 Soi Wat Thepthidaram, Samran Rat Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok
Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
Open: everyday
Here is the last place we would love to show you! A small hidden museum just inside Wat Thepthidaram showcases the works of the renowned poet Sunthorn Phu.
He is the most renowned poet of all since the establishment of Bangkok. His works not only significantly give insights about Thai cultural values and norms but also pass on Thai wisdom, teaching and traditions for us to learn from today.
This is why his literary works deserve to be preserved and passed down to future generations, ensuring that they are never lost.
So, what exactly is the famous poem? If you're familiar with Disney's "The Little Mermaid," a mermaid from Scandinavian folklore, we’d like to introduce you to the mermaid from the Gulf of Thailand, from the literary work "Phra Aphai Mani" (พระอภัยมณี) by Sunthon Phu.
So what’s a famous poem? If you know Disney’s The Little Mermaid then meet Thailand’s mermaid from Phra Aphai Mani (พระอภัยมณี) one of the most renowed story among Thai kids by Sunthon Phu. This epic is rich in magic, mythology, and supernatural beings such as mermaids, giants, and the Ma Nil Mangkon (ม้านิลมังกร), a dragon-headed horse. Its lyrical Thai structure makes it a staple in schools, teaching language and moral lessons while reflecting historical events. To his honor his preserved home-turned-museum remains a cultural treasure where you can learn and enjoy Thai poetries.
Inside the museum, you will find a collection of Sunthon Phu's works, along with a cute mini-game where you can assemble pieces of Thai poetry into a verse from one of his famous works! Tips! Just look for the volunteers who will help you complete this mini-game and they will even recite the poem for you!
If you're interested in exploring the 5 hidden spots we've recommended, we’d like to introduce you to our self-guided audio tour, which will guide you through the Phra Nakhon district. Simply put on your headphones, listen to the fascinating stories of each location, immerse yourself in the charming old town atmosphere, and connect with the local community. You'll not only have a great time but also help support and preserve these cultural traditions for future generations.
Ready to start your adventure? Click on the "Self-Guided Tour" tab at the top of our website!