Wang Lung Pier Area

Sights around Wang Lung Pier Click on a sight for more information.

Wang Lung pier is the next stop after the Chang pier on the Chao Phraya Express boat service. Its one of the busier piers, with quite a bustle of people coming and going. Surrounding the immediate area of the pier is a marketplace selling low-price goods as well as fresh foods.

The narrow lane that heads south from the pier paralleling the river is lined with several river-view restaurants, as well as Bangkok's only contemporary theater company.

Sirirat Hospital

Sirirat is one of Bangkok's biggest and oldest hospitals. The King's father had a lot to do with the development of the hospital, and it is still where most members of the royal family go for treatment. Of course, you probably hope that you don't need a hospital during your stay in Thailand. But, Sirirat is also home to no less than 10 museums. Among the most visited -- and perhaps the weirdest museum in Thailand -- is the museum of Forensic Science. Fans of the American TV series 'CSI' won't want to miss it.

Patravadi Theater

A short walk from the pier, along a narrow lane that parallels the river, is a large compound housing Bangkok's only real independent contemporary theater complex. The rather modern complex fits in well with the old neighborhood surrounding it. even if you're not interested in attending a performance, the beautifully landscaped gardens and small shops are worth a stop.

Wat Rakhang

Across the river from the Grand Palace is this small temple founded by the first king of Bangkok, Rama I. Within the grounds of the temple is a small house, now used to store scriptures, that was used by King Rama I before he was crowned.