The best hotels near Wang Lang Market in Bangkok offer breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River and mouthwatering food on their doorsteps at the street food stalls, eateries, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants at Wang Lang Market. Our picks of hotels closest to Wang Lang Market offer unobstructed river vistas, and have excellent restaurants, cafes and bars with views on site, while our favourite Wang Lang boutique hotel also has a stunning swimming pool in a lush garden.
First-time visitors to Thailand and its chaotic capital Bangkok — a city we once called home — tend to check into towering hotels on touristy Sukhimvit Road for the shopping malls and Skytrain access. Second-time travellers usually want a more local experience, seeking out lodgings in neighbourhoods that offer a more serene stay, away from the traffic snarls.
That’s exactly what we’ve done since we moved to neighbouring Cambodia 15 years ago. Whenever we’ve popped over to the Thai capital to work on a story, or for a shopping or eating trip, we’ve stayed at heritage hotels in historic Bangkok, hotels in foodie neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, or in a Chao Phraya River hotel; anything to avoid Bangkok’s frustrating gridlock — one of the reasons we made Siem Reap home.
The Wang Lang Market neighbourhood is our idea of a perfect base in Bangkok, ticking all our boxes: Wang Lang and adjoining Wat Rakhang are in the oldest part of Bangkok, they’re on the riverside and accessible by ferries, so no need to waste time in traffic unless you’re arriving from the airport, and there’s fantastic food at the local markets and restaurants, including Wang Lang hotel restaurants.
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Now let me tell you more about our picks of the best hotels near Wang Lang Market in Bangkok.
Best Hotels Near Wang Lang Market in Bangkok
This is by no means an exhaustive list of hotels near Bangkok’s Wang Lang Market. These are our picks of the best hotels near Wang Lang Market and neighbouring Wat Rakhang for mouthwatering food and breathtaking views.
Hotels Near Wang Lang Market
The Wang Lang Market neighbourhood and adjoining Wat Rakhang are two of our favourite neighbourhoods to stay in Bangkok. Aside from having Wang Lang Market on the doorstep, we love that the area feels off the beaten track and yet some of Bangkok’s star attractions are just minutes away across the river. These are picks of the best hotels near Wang Lang Market in Bangkok.
Theatre Residence
The Theatre Residence boutique hotel is our top pick of the best hotels near Bangkok’s Wang Lang Market if a pool is a priority. And having lived in the Thai capital and pounded the city pavements in the sweltering heat all day more times than we care to remember, as far as we’re concerned a pool is absolutely essential. If you’re on holiday in Thailand for the first time, you want a Bangkok hotel with a rooftop pool with sweeping city views.
But as we’re far from first-time visitors to Bangkok, we’re very satisfied with the gorgeous green swimming pool, large enough to do laps, in the lush central courtyard of the Theatre Residence boutique hotel. Skirted by manicured lawns and shady trees, the pool is lined with enough sun-beds for the type of guests who stay, who are more interested in the gastronomic delights of Wang Lang market than getting in some strokes.
Immediately south of Wang Lang Market, but still only minutes from mouthwatering eating spots, the Theatre Residence is located in the micro neighbourhood of Wat Rakhang or the Temple of Bells. It’s named after the nearby royal temple and monastery, Wat Rakhangkhositaram Woramahaviharn, built during the Ayutthaya period, when this part of what’s now Bangkok Noi was established as the first Thai capital after survivors of the Burmese siege of Ayutthaya fled south.
The original bell in Wat Rakhangkhositaram Woramahaviharn was moved across the river to Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, in the Grand Palace complex, in exchange for five bells sent here. Make sure to stroll the lovely leafy grounds of the Wat while you’re staying at Theatre Residence.
If the doors are open: take a look at the intricate murals and exquisite black and gold doors and shutters inside the handsome red-painted Wat Chan (Tripitaka Hall). Closer to the hotel, another red-painted building, Phratamnak Daeng or ‘the Red House’ or Ho Phra Trai Pidok, is also worth a quick look if open: this was a library of sorts, where the monastery’s scriptures were kept.
And, of course, the Theatre Residence has its own attraction in its lofty lobby, which you can’t miss when you check in. The theatrical exhibits in the grand foyer are worth a browse for a deeper insight into the history of this lovely low-key neighbourhood, and include costumes, props, photos, and mementoes belonging to the legendary Patravadi Mejudhon, owner of the Theatre Residence.
Patravadi Mejudhon, affectionately known as ‘Kru Lek’ by Thais, but best known to foreigners and fans of The White Lotus as the resort co-owner in the Thailand series, was a pioneering producer-director and iconic actress. Kru Lek built the Theatre Residence on the site of her old Patravadi Theatre, a groundbreaking drama space which she relocated to Hua Hin, the southern seaside holiday town long popular with Thais, especially royals and elites.
We recall the Patravadi Theatre from our first trip to Bangkok, when we explored the area and lunched at lovely Supatra River House, nearby, owned by Kru Lek’s mum, Khunying Supatra Singhalaka, who started Chao Phraya River Express Boat. The restaurant is set in the family home where Kru Lek grew up, and the neighbourhood was essentially Kru Lek’s playground. That backstory explains why a lot of the Theatre Residence guests are Thai, which we always love.
And we love the stylish idiosyncratic design of the Theatre Residence and its supremely comfortable, light-filled rooms. If you’re like us and still have to work when you travel, rooms have desks large enough to hold two laptops, as well as big windows with views over the hotel grounds.
If unobstructed river vistas are a must, then book one of the two Lilit Riverfront Suites with spacious lounges perfect for soaking up the panoramic views. The top floor Lakorn Skyview rooms have terraces overlooking the neighbourhood and river, while ground floor rooms have direct access to the pool and garden.
The hotel has an excellent riverside restaurant and cafe (see above), offers free cooking classes and crafts workshops, and can book canal tours that take in Ta Ling Chan floating market. Guests can also participate in the early morning ritual of giving alms to monks from the nearby monastery, and offers an immersive experience of the Songkran festival. Book The Theatre Residence hotel with our booking partner.
Baan Wang Lang Riverside
With an unbeatable location, slap-bang on the edge of Wang Lang Market, the Baan Wang Lang Riverside hotel is our top pick of the best hotels near Wang Lang Market if eating is your priority and you don’t care about a pool. This small charming hotel offers some of the best value lodgings in Wang Lang, especially considering the views.
The decor of public spaces is in a traditional Thai style, with teak wood floorboards, gilded murals on the walls, and Buddha statues and bronze knick knacks in nooks. While comfortable, decor of the rooms is a tad old-fashioned, but those panoramic views make up for it.
For sweeping river vistas you’ll need to book the comfortable Riverfront Rooms, which have floor to ceiling windows with glass siding doors and small balconies. If you’re settling in for a while, book the Panoramic Suite, and if you like the idea of a kitchen book Villa Jahn.
Aside from the stunning views, Baan Wang Lang Riverside hotel has a cafe, a restaurant, a brew pub, and a bar with lovely outdoor riverside spaces that are perfect if you feel like staying in for the evening.
The food at Ton Makok Thai restaurant is excellent, while Tanee Beer Tap has an impressive range of local and international craft beers and live music, and 342 Bar has breathtaking views of Bangkok’s Old Town and its spectacular golden temple spires. Book Baan Wang Lang Riverside hotel with our booking partner.
Mowa Bangkok
If you’re at the end of your Thailand trip or Southeast Asian adventure and you’ve got heavy luggage filled with handicrafts and souvenirs, then MOWA Bangkok hotel is your best option of the hotels near Wang Lang Market, just a 2-minute walk south of Prannok Pier / Wang Lang Pier. The riverside hotel is so close you can see the ferries arriving and departing from the wharf right outside your window.
MOWA Bangkok is a sleek contemporary-styled boutique hotel with a small blue-tiled swimming pool on the riverside and an airy cafe-bar overlooking the pool and river. There are tables and chairs along the riverside that provide a very pleasant spot to sit and nurse a cold drink in the evening and listen to the live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
The minimalist whitewashed rooms have grey- and white-tiled bathrooms with spacious showers. Rooms come in a wide variety of categories, from twins and doubles to multi-bedroom suites, with connecting rooms, which is fantastic if you’re travelling with friends or family, or are on a multi-generational family holiday.
That also means you have to take care which rooms you book if you’re keen on views, especially sweeping river views. While some rooms on the riverside have enormous room-length windows with panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River (the Riverfront categories), other rooms are on the corner and side of the building and only have partial view views (the RiverDeluxe category), while others look onto other buildings with no river views (the Superior categories).
Our pick of the rooms is the Grand Riverfront Deluxe Room, which, while slightly smaller than the Riverfront Deluxe Room, has better views and a long banquette with cushions beneath the window, which is perfect for stretching out with a good book, writing postcards, or just gazing out the window, watching the action. Book MOWA Bangkok hotel with our booking partner.
Uncle Loy’s Boutique House
Located on Sala Ton Chan Alley and set in a beautifully restored teak heritage house with modern additions, Uncle Loy’s Boutique House is more like an upmarket B&B or inn than a hotel. It’s another of our top picks of the best accommodation near Wang Lang Market for the warm welcome, hospitality of the hosts, and the charming atmosphere.
The historic part of the lodging, the older weatherboard house, was once considered one of the most beautiful homes in the neighbourhood when it was built by Police Major General Loy Nilapong, the ‘Uncle Loy’ of the lodging’s name. The property was renovated and remodelled by Uncle Loy’s grandson, who has cleverly melded old and new.
Named after tropical fruits, most of the snug rooms are configured as twin rooms, so if you want a double room book the Coconut Room. Although my favourite is the White Deluxe room (categorised as a Twin Room with Balcony on booking sites), which, while decorated in contemporary furnishings still has history and character, and a lovely verandah. It’s perfect for writers with a big desk, comfy chair, and bookshelves.
The small public spaces are lovely places to linger with a library with loads of books you can borrow, and a courtyard bar, which is perfect for sipping a gin and tonic before you head out. There are bicycles to rent and your hosts, Gus and Beb, are happy to share tips and store luggage. Book Uncle Loy’s Boutique House with our booking partner.
Praya Palazzo
It’s not in Wang Lang neighbourhood, but the luxurious Praya Palazzo boutique hotel, located in a beautifully-restored villa on the Chao Phraya River, is just a few ferry stops away and offers a very special experience. There’s a stunning riverside pool, delightful restaurant with evening meals served alfresco beside the river and pool.
Praya Palazzo has a private boat that that transports you across the river whenever you like, but make sure to arrange your first transfer when arriving in advance and to have a working phone to call them from the wharf. You can read our longer review of Praya Palazzo from our stay here in our guide to Bangkok’s best heritage hotels. Book Praya Palazzo with our booking partner.
How to Get to Wang Lang Neighbourhood
There are a few ways to get to Wang Lang neighbourhood if we’ve persuaded you to check into one of the hotels near Wang Lang Market in Bangkok.
By Ferry
The Wang Lang neighbourhood is conveniently located between two ferry piers on the Chao Phraya River, Prannok Pier (N10) and Wat Rakhang Pier, making a ferry from Saphan Thaksin terminal the best way to arrive and depart.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat is the fastest public ferry (ie also cheapest) but gets crowded during peak periods when the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat will be more comfortable if you have luggage. Both will take you to Prannok Pier.
If you’ve been to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew or Wat Pho and are arriving from Bangkok’s Old Town then take the cross-river ferry from Tha Chang pier to Wat Rakhang pier.
By Road
If you’re staying at one of our recommended Wang Lang hotels and are taking a taxi, Uber or Grab from the airport to the Wang Lang neighbourhood, email your hotel in advance. Some taxis will try to dump you on busy Arun Amarin Road telling you that’s the closest they can get you.
This is rarely true unless there are roadworks, so check ahead. If access is tricky, hotels will recommend you call on approach, and they can talk to the driver to tell him where to drop you off. They’ll send staff to meet you so do let them know if you have heavy luggage.
By Train
Take the MRT to Itsaraphap station and then book a Grab or Uber on the app or hail a taxi or tuk tuk to your hotel.
Please let us know if you’ve stayed at any of the best hotels near Wang Lang Market in Bangkok. We’d love to hear about your experience and welcome your tips.
