For a quality market experience set right in the middle of Bangkok’s best attractions in the Old Town, you should consider a visit to Tha Maharaj. What makes Tha Maharaj unique is its location on the riverbank nestled right in amongst the cultural hub of Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island.
Tha Maharaj is in easy walking distance from many of Bangkok’s most famous attractions such as Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Once again, the Chao Phraya river boats are the best way to get around central Bangkok and Tha Maharaj even has its own pier. Tha Maharaj was built by restoring old shophouses on the riverfront, featuring restaurants, coffee shops, antique shops and a few fashion outlets. The views over the river and the city from the upper levels of Tha Maharaj are amazing, both day and night.
In terms of shopping, the options at Tha Maharaj are a bit limited with only a few fashion, beauty and antique stores. However, the second floor is filled with an excellent array of amulet dealers who have a wide range of styles, with everything from tacky souvenirs to hard-to-find originals.
The real reason to visit Tha Maharaj is to eat. There are over 20 different eating options to choose from including pizza at Peppina, noodles at Ramen Boy, hotpot at Omori Shabu, Thai cuisine at Savoey, and even a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts.
From the easy and beautiful riverside dining and promenade views, Tha Maharaj’s elegant pavilion-style architecture blends really well with the old buildings and rich cultural heritage of the area.
You should plan to spend around three hours exploring Tha Maharaj but you can ask us at Your Thai Guide as to how to fit a shorter visit into a larger Bangkok tour itinerary.
There are so many attractions nearby that it’s impossible to list them all so talk to us about arranging a tour around the old city that makes time for a stop at Tha Maharaj. It could be the ideal spot to begin your tour of Bangkok’s Old Town or you could stop in at Tha Maharaj for a quick refreshing drink before catching a river boat to your next destination.
Other attractions nearby to Tha Maharaj:
- The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keaw/Temple of the Reclining Buddha
- Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
- Bangkok Canal Tours
- Vimanmek Mansion / Palace
Tha Maharaj is open daily from 10am until 10pm.
Admission Price: Free entry.
