Bangkok's Rattanakosin District:
Food and Drink Recommendations

Compared to the profusion elsewhere in the city, places to eat in the Old City area are a bit limited - but a few excellent and exceptional choices are on offer.

Where and what to eat and drink in Bangkok's Rattanakosin district

 Mid-range Eateries

Yaowarat (Chinatown) obviously has the city's best selection of Chinese places, many of which specialize in expensive delicacies like shark fin, bird nest or fresh seafood (often still swimming in tanks near the entrance). Gather the biggest group you can, preferably with a Chinese speaker or two, and head down for some ren'ao ("hot and noisy") banqueting.

 Nam Sing: 39-47 Soi Texas, Thanon Phadung Dao (off Yaowarat Rd). A typical large and functional restaurant, best known for its bird nest but there's plenty of other fare on offer. Try the chilli crab and pork neck. English menu with pictures available, most (large) dishes B200-300.

 Splurging a bit . . .

The riverside hotels (Peninsula, Oriental, ShangriLa, etc.) have the usual panoply of restaurants but at rather steep prices, although the Oriental's dinner buffet (B1000+) is justly famous.

Dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya are a touristy but fun way of spotting temples while getting stuffed with seafood. There are many competing operators, but most all cruises depart from the River City Pier, next to pier N3 Si Phaya of the River Express.

 Wan Fah: tel. +66-2222-8679. 2-hour dinner cruises including a set meal of farang-friendly Thai food and seafood, live plink-plonk music and Thai classical dancing. Departs at 7 PM from River City, B1000 per head (not including drinks).

 Drinking in the Rattanakosin District

 Bamboo Bar: 48 Th Oriental (Oriental Hotel). Jazz lovers will want to stop by the Oriental's famous bar, which is surprisingly small and intimate, for classy colonial surroundings, live music and a Cuban cigar. Needless to say, at B250 a Singha here will be the most expensive beer you'll find in Bangkok.

 Ta Chang: a one minute walk to the left of the tourist office under Pinklao Bridge (when looking at the building) - good coffee with relaxing view over small garden - alcohol also served.

 Coffee and More: 102/1 Phra-Arthit Road, Chanasongkram (between Khaosan Road and river). Tel: 280-7887. A pleasant cafe overlooking garden - modern, but cosy decor. Wide selection of coffees and teas and great cakes. Breakfast options limited. Popular with young up-and-coming Thais. Open: 10AM-9:30PM (11PM at weekends)