Oct 19, 2023

Crossed by the Chao Praya River, Bangkok is defined by its network of canals, which earned it the nickname "Venice of the East" or "Venice of Asia". These waterways, known as klongs, have shaped the city's history and development. We invite you to discover Bangkok's klongs through two walking itineraries.

A closer look at Bangkok's klongs...

Before Bangkok's modernization, the Chao Praya River served as the city's primary gateway for entry and exit. For centuries, Bangkok's canals were the only means of transport for both goods and people. Beyond transportation, the canals became bustling commercial hubs (giving rise to the famous floating markets) and served as waterways for sewage.

Until the 19th century, Bangkok had more canals than streets—a testament to how deeply the city's residents lived on the water. During the 1970s, many klongs were abandoned in favor of new road construction. The city's modern expansion transformed numerous canals irreversibly.

Today, while klongs remain in use for transport—long-tail boats, ferries, and shuttle services continue to operate—Bangkok's canal network has shrunk considerably.

Walking through Bangkok's klongs

Here are two walking routes to discover Bangkok's klongs:

Jim Thompson House canal walk: stepping into an authentic Bangkok

While klongs no longer dominate the daily lives of most Bangkok residents, some locals have preserved their riverside way of life. As you stroll along the canals, you'll glimpse what the city once was: a genuine, timeless Bangkok.

We recommend taking a walk along the San Saeb Canal. Nestled in the heart of modern Bangkok, this waterway transports you through time and away from the city's frenetic pace.

You'll encounter wooden houses perched on stilts—quintessential old Bangkok architecture. The neighborhood was historically known for its silk workshops. It is here that you'll find the legendary Jim Thompson House, now a museum. Across the way stand the wooden homes that once belonged to the silk weavers who worked with this American entrepreneur.

To take this short klong walk, head to the base of the Hua Chang Canal Bridge and follow the San Saeb Canal. The trail is modest, stretching just 1.6 km.

What is the Jim Thompson House?

Built from the 1950s onward by American businessman and former OSS officer Jim Thompson, the Jim Thompson House stands as a testament to one man's passion. Thompson is credited with revitalizing Thailand's silk industry and was an avid art collector. He assembled an impressive collection of Southeast Asian art: Buddhist statues, traditional paintings, Chinese porcelain, paper prints, woodblock engravings, looms, jewelry, and antiquities.

By renovating six traditional Thai teak houses, he created this magnificent structure to showcase his remarkable collection—which visitors can admire today during a museum visit.

Ong Ang Canal: a modern klong adorned with street art

As mentioned, many klongs were abandoned in favor of new roads. Such was the fate of Ong Ang Canal, situated between Pahurat (Bangkok's Indian district) and Chinatown.

Constructed in the 1780s, this canal once served as a vital trade route and commerce hub. It was renowned for its pottery market—a reputation so strong that 'Ong Ang' literally translates to "pottery". As the city modernized, the canal fell into neglect, earning the unfortunate reputation as one of Bangkok's most polluted waterways.

In response, city authorities launched a revitalization project in 2015. After cleaning the canal, renovating its banks and restoring its bridges, the municipality unveiled the transformed Ong Ang Canal in 2020.

Today, Ong Ang Canal is a premier destination for strolling along Bangkok's klongs and discovering vibrant street art. Urban artists have created stunning murals depicting neighborhood scenes. Among the most renowned artists who have left their mark here are Alex Face and Mue Bon.

Beyond street art, the canal hosts a night market along its banks every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.).

Exploring Bangkok's klongs by boat:

For a deeper experience, we highly recommend a boat tour through Bangkok's klongs. Consider a journey through the Thonburi district, renowned for its ancient wooden stilt houses. You can stop at Wat Arun temple and visit the flower market. A klong boat tour also offers the perfect opportunity to explore Bangkok's iconic floating markets.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by an eagerness to explore the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, listen, and understand. For her, travel is not about checking destinations off a map, but weaving connections—often invisible yet profoundly powerful—with places, peoples, and the creatures we encounter along the way. Her mantra: advising travelers with integrity, raising awareness about animal welfare and cultural respect, and championing humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most cherished memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the quiet shade of a hidden path, in the warmth of a conversation, or in the gentle whisper of a world we finally take time to truly listen to…