8 Spots to Stroll Around Song Wat

A blast from the past, Song Wat journeys through time to become a vibrant new neighborhood, offering a long bucket list of experiences—from hidden cafés to a Michelin-starred restaurant that’s notoriously hard to book.

Discover Song Wat: Where Old World Charm Meets Urban Creativity

Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or coffee connoisseur, Song Wat offers an eclectic mix of heritage and innovation. As this historic street continues to evolve, its blend of tradition and modern creativity makes it one of Bangkok’s most exciting destinations.

With nearly 120 years of history, Song Wat Street was named by King Rama V, its Thai name meaning “drawn by the king.” Once a bustling trading hub along the Chao Phraya River, it retains its distinct charm with historic warehouses, Sino-Portuguese architecture, and the lingering aroma of spices in the air.

In recent years, a new wave of entrepreneurs—collectively known as Made in Song Wat (IG @madeinsongwat)—has breathed new life into the neighborhood. Their vision has transformed Song Wat into a must-visit destination for both Bangkok locals and travelers from around the world. In 2023, Time Out Magazine named it one of the 40 coolest neighborhoods in the world.

Here are some must-visit spots along this historic street, from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden café gems.

• Agar Raga

Owned by the third generation of the Telephone Brand Agar Agar Powder family—a Thai household staple for 67 years—Agar Raga (IG @agarraga.songwat) reimagines classic dishes with modern creativity like Pad Thai made with jelly noodles. Another favorite is crispy eggplant canapés topped with soy gel sauce and Sriracha caviar. For dessert, don’t miss the Shaved Ice Agar Balls Bowl, featuring ten flavors of fruit jelly balls.

• Song Viet

For a taste of Vietnam in the heart of Bangkok, Song Viet (IG @songvietatsongwat) transports diners with its vibrant atmosphere and low wooden tables reminiscent of Ho Chi Minh City’s street-side eateries. Signature dishes include Nem Nuong, a grilled pork sausage dish, and What the Pho, a giant bowl of rice noodles served in a rich broth, topped with sliced Australian beef, stewed beef, meatballs, and onsen eggs.

• E-ga Food Lab

A modern pioneer of Song Wat’s food scene, E-ga Food Lab (IG @ega_bangkok) brings together “secret” recipes from across Thailand. Standout dishes include Mee Krob E-ga, crispy noodles with shrimp, and Pla Muek Nam Dum Manao, stir-fried squid from Krabi cooked in fragrant black squid ink and brightened with fresh lime. Just 200 meters away, E-ga Luv Seafood, a sister concept, specializes in Thai-style seafood breakfasts.

• Rong Klan Nuea

Located in a former sugar warehouse, Rong Klan Nuea (IG @rongklannuea) serves up a deeply flavorful braised beef noodle soup, featuring bone marrow broth simmered for 18 hours with fragrant Chinese spices. Diners can choose between a soup or “dry” version, with each bowl loaded with braised beef, meatballs, sliced tenderloin, tendon, and tongue, topped with house-made chili oil, crispy garlic, and mini fried dough sticks. Also, exciting news for pork lovers: Rong Klan Moo, a braised pork noodle shop, is set to open just across the street.

• Potong

Awarded a Michelin star and ranked #17 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Potong (restaurantpotong.com) is the brainchild of Chef Pam-Pitchaya Soontornyanakij, offering what she calls “Progressive Thai-Chinese Cuisine.” Housed in a beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese building that once operated as her family’s drugstore, the restaurant takes diners on a multi-sensory culinary journey. Signature dishes include Pad Thai with Nakhon Si Thammarat shrimp, elegantly plated with Thai flag-inspired noodles and a rich tamarind sauce, as well as the 14-Day-Aged Duck, served with an array of condiments and fragrant rice for sharing. For a post-dinner drink, head to Opium, the bar on the fourth floor, where cocktails are as innovative as the cuisine.

• PLAY Art House

As the first art gallery on Song Wat Road, PLAY Art House (IG @playarthouse) is housed in a renovated former shoe factory. The space showcases rotating exhibitions featuring both Thai and international artists, offering visitors an inspiring blend of contemporary creativity within a historic setting. Inside, the gallery’s Corinthian columns stand out as a distinctive architectural highlight, beautifully complemented by traditional Chinese wooden beams. A small souvenir area offers unique, art-inspired collectibles. Admission is free.

• Hansa River House

A recent addition to Song Wat, Hansa River House (IG @hansariverhouse) offers a serene escape right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. This hidden gem is the perfect spot to unwind with great food and drinks while watching boats drift by. Highlights from the menu include Calamari and Roasted River Prawn with Neem and Sweet Fish Sauce. For a refreshing drink, try the Matcha Coconut, a blend of matcha green tea brewed in fresh milk and poured over chilled, fragrant coconut water.

• Road of Cinnamon

Across the street from PLAY Art House is the Road of Cinnamon (IG @roadofcinnamon), a shop showcasing Thai art and crafts from all 77 provinces of Thailand, including traditional weaving handicrafts, handwoven fabrics and ceramics.

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