How to Explore Walking Streets in Bangkok - Top Walking Streets to Discover during a Trip to Bangkok

While the term "walking street" may not offer any indication of what these popular areas of Bangkok encompass, it is safe to say that these vibrant areas should be on every first-timer's travel itinerary. Offering tourists the chance to wine, dine, shop and enjoy leisurely strolls in key commercial areas of the city, Bangkok's Walking Streets are engaging activity hubs in their own right. Here's how to uncover Bangkok's best Walking Streets during a stay in the Thai capital. 

Know What to Expect  

Travellers who are heading to one of Bangkok's vibrant Walking Streets must understand what these popular areas are known for and what's not accessible. The shopping experiences down Walking Streets are not for shoppers in search of branded goods and high-end wares. As budget-friendly retail hotspots, these pedestrian streets offer a different kind of shopping experience than what's accessible at Bangkok's mega malls. Walking streets are great places to find handicrafts, local food items and other unique souvenirs as well as vintage wares. In addition to housing street food kiosks and make-shift restaurants, these areas also contain bars and nightlife hubs.  

Ong Ang Walking Street 

This shopping area, also referred to as the Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street, is situated along the canals of the Chao Phraya River. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings. Operating on select days and opening after sunset, visitors can explore stalls selling a wide range of items including drinks, food, souvenirs, handicrafts, and groceries. With its historical significance in Bangkok, taking a leisurely stroll along this pedestrian street by the riverside can be a charming and romantic evening activity for couples. 

Thong Lo Road 

Occupying pride of place down Sukhumvit, Thong Lo Road is one of the city's more high-end walking streets where tourists can expect not only fine dining establishments but also nightclubs and fashionable boutiques. The trendy cafes and art galleries in this area make a walk down Thong Lo Road a cultural encounter as tourists can spend a few hours touring the galleries and wining and dining in some of the city's best eateries.  

Khao San Road 

Although Khao San Road is synonymous with backpackers and budget travellers, the area is also a dynamic shopper's paradise where one can purchase just about anything that one desires. Home to affordable clothing shops, accessory stalls and stores specialising in cheap keepsakes, Khao San Road is a Walking street that's tailor-made for those in search of discounts and bargains. 

Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, Bangkok, Khao San Road (6223050207), CC BY 2.0 

Soi Sukhumvit 11 

Whether one is based at Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok or any other rest in this particular region of Bangkok, shopping down Soi Sukhumvit 11 is one of the best things to do in Sukhumvit. With an array of drinking holes and nightclubs, the area is also where some of Bangkok's top international cuisine hubs are situated. The location of the walking street close to Nana BTS Skytrain Station makes it one of the most accessible retail venues in the city. This walking street in Sukhumvit district is also close to Terminal 21, which makes it the perfect pit stop for shopaholics.  

Yaowarat Road 

Yaowarat Road, also referred to as the city's Chinatown, is a lively district that offers tourists the opportunity to savour the best Chinese cuisine and purchase Chinese products in town. The area is adorned with Chinese temples and vast marketplaces, and the shopping experience along Yaowarat Road is unmatched, particularly in terms of the vast array of affordable goods on offer. 

Charoen Krung Road 

Travelers eager to experience a vibrant walking street in one of Bangkok's culturally dynamic neighbourhoods should make their way to Charoen Krung Road. This area boasts colonial architecture and serves as a bustling hub for creatives. Renowned for its eclectic mix of cafes, art galleries, and enticing dining options, Charoen Krung Road offers a rich array of experiences for visitors to explore.