Song Wat Week festival 20-23 November

[Genghis 3,032]

If anyone is currently visiting Bangkok and would like to take advantage of the refreshing cooler weather to go exploring BKK in the daytime this might be a good option.

The Song Wat festival is running over the next 3 days from 11.00-21.00 but the bars will be busy after that of course. This is a perfect opportunity to explore what has to be the coolest part of Bangkok right now.

To get to Song Wat you just need to either catch the MRT to Wat Mangkon and walk 5 mins through Yaowarat or get off a boat at Ratchawong pier and that drops you just a few steps from Song Wat Road.

Here's the location of one of the good bars in the middle of this neighborhood just in case you want to find your way there. https://maps.app.goo.gl/9nPenexAGgyBQHx47

The Song Wat neighbourhood is a small area between Chinatown/Yaowarat and the river. It has an interesting blend of attractive buildings mixed with street art and funky galleries spilling out onto the streets. Exploring this neighborhood on foot can be very rewarding with hidden surprises down nearly all the back alleys so it can easily take an afternoon. It's one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the city, definitely somewhere that would appeal to any photographers out there too as there's a lot to see.

There are so many excellent food options and some very funky bars in Song Wat but rather than give an extensive list right now I'd just suggest going to the festival and eating or drinking wherever appeals as it's all likely to be good and you might just prefer to enjoy what's happening on the streets for the festival at the time you're there. However I would recommend sitting at one of the riverside bars such as Barbon at sunset to enjoy the beautiful views if you're visiting for a first time.

If any of you do decide to pay a visit to Song Wat over the next few days for the festival please feel free to message me for any specific recommendations as I know the area very well, it's one of my favourite parts of Bangkok.

Edit:

One more thing, this would make an excellent place to go with a LB date and make her happy, even if she doesn't know the place herself she'll recognise bits from her social media. Unfortunately that means she'll also inevitably want a lot of pictures taken in the same places but that would keep any LB happy as would all the excellent food in the area and it's an easy way to have a day out together. It's not an expensive option either.

Edited November 21, 2025 by Genghis

[dododog 268]

https://www.instagram.com/rongklannuea/ YUM

 

[Genghis 3,032]

12 hours ago, dododog said:

https://www.instagram.com/rongklannuea/ YUM

 

That place is really good. I fully recommend it.

If you like that type of old school Thai Chinese food and you're in the Song Wat area I'd also strongly recommend Urai Braised Goose and Lim Lao Sar Fishball Noodles. They've both been there for decades and for good reason, they're the best in the city for their particular specialities.

Urai Braised Goose:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jFvdcmx8r4FQqzkc8

Lim Lao Sar:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2yWjvinUUTp72FYq7

 

There's loads of other good options in the area as well. Those 3 probably aren't even my personal favourites (that said, I like all 3 and some days find myself craving them specifically also the Mrs loves the goose and fishball places in particular) but they're pretty famous and deservedly so. Anyway, they are well worth a visit but so are a lot of places in that part of town in my opinion.

All 3 of those places are very popular, the braised goose one on particular so good luck if you are trying that during the festival. We normally queue up well in advance to book our goose for later before they sell out.

Edited November 21, 2025 by Genghis

[dododog 268]

Thanks for your recommendations, I really enjoy that areas nice food and chill coffee shops a short walk from China town with river view. 

Can't wait to get back , but wont happen at least  till March next year ,,,, so sad