Bangkokyai District

SUB DISTRICTS: Wat Arun, Wat Tha Phra

AREA: 6.18 sq km (2.39 sq mi)

POPULATION: 67,768 (2017)

POSTCODE: 10600

Bangkok Yai is one of the smallest districts in Bangkok both in population and area. The area is named after Khlong Bangkok Yai which was actually part of the Chao Phraya River until a canal diverted the water back in 1522.

Bangkok Yai is serviced by the MRT Blue Line and also has a main highway infrastructure with the busy Tha Phra intersection at Thon Buri.

You can also find the Royal Thai Navy Convention Center here which attracts conferences and meetings. There are also many temples and wats with the main attractions being: Wat Arun, Wat Molilokkayaram, and Wat Ratchasittharam.

Wat Arun is known as the Temple of Dawn, and is a stunningly beautiful building. The temple gets its name from the Hindu god Aruna who is often personified as the radiations from the sun. The best time to see this magnificent temple is at first light when the sun’s rays gleam off the gold of the building.

Two other historical buildings worth a visit in Bangkok Yai are Wang Derm Palace and Wichai Prasit Fort. The gleaming white fort perched on the river banks is now part of the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters, and was once the home to the Royal Thai Naval Academy. Ever since Memorial Bridge was permanently lowered in 1979, the fort has been used for ceremonial gun firing as warships can no longer sail upstream.

Bangkok Yai does not offer great shopping centers, but it is possible to find small local shops selling food and clothing. Also the restaurant scene here is fairly limited but there are a few surprises.