Charoenkrung is the first International district, the legendary business and commercial area in the heart of the Thai capital. This potential location used to be the first economic hub in the country. Besides being a charming old neighborhood, it is also a colourful lifestyle center along the Chao Phraya River — that offer classic vibes.
It used to be a port and home to millionaires and wealthy business people from around the world. There are many unique and exciting stories, and it has been popular with both Thais and foreigners for a long time.
At present, this area is still for high society. It has developed into a source of creative business, trade, top-level shopping place, tourism in the waterfront lifestyle, a community that integrates the present and the past in a contemporary way.
The Bangkok old town serves as a diversity of culture, ethnicity, and religion, including Buddhists, Christians, Muslims. Moreover, it is the site of Sino-Portuguese and Neoclassical architecture, temples from the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods, art, coolness, hip, vintage, retro. And of course, here is a source of delicious food along both sides of the road.
Many of the shops are legendary and have been open for a long time, with plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants. This food street is the place where gastronome across the country should come and try.
Most new businesses in this area use the old buildings to renovate, to preserve their historical heritage by presenting value through history and adding creativity.
Charoenkrung Road, older than 150 years, was built in the reign of King Rama IV, and it was the first western-style and first paved road in Thailand. Stretches parallel to the Chao Phraya River, the country’s main river, with many alleys.
This historical road started at the roundabout of Sanam Chai, passes through Phra Nakhon, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Samphanthawong, Bang Rak, Sathorn, and ends at Bang Kho Laem District. With a length from Sanam Chai Road to Dao Khanong 8.57 kilometers.
As a center point, it connects significant business districts such as Sathorn, Silom, Yaowarat, Klongtoey, Sukhumvit, Rama 3 and not far from Rama 4 and Thonburi side. Furthermore, one can travel to work or live comfortably using expressways, express boats (Asiatique, Sathorn, Si Phraya, Royal Harbor Department), BTS Skytrains (Saphan Taksin, Hua Lamphong, Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot, Sanam Chai).
This zone is surrounded by historical landmarks that are still open — such as the first commercial bank, the first hotel in Thailand — and modern civilization with full amenities, including a famous 5-star hotel in the world chain. Multi-level hotel, hostel, creative business incubator, company offices, home offices, factories, old mansions, riverside shopping malls, luxury condominiums, high-end apartments and homes, community malls, hip warehouses, mixed-use projects, large riverfront projects, shophouses, commercial building, old building, embassy, museum, central post office building, government agencies, leading hospitals, Thai schools and international schools.
Additionally, one can find jewellery shops, diamond shops, a variety of shops, perfume shops, creative flea markets, famous markets, international food centers, stylish restaurants, chic coffee shops, cool cafes, photo spots, art galleries, bars, souvenir shops, home decoration items, theatres, old Thai temples, shrines, Christian churches, mosques, communities, multipurpose areas, meeting places, and nightlife.
