Bangkok/Thonburi

From Halal Explorer

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Thonburi (ธนบุรี) is a vast neighborhood that consists of the entire west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, General Phraya Taksin made Thonburi the new capital of Siam for a brief period of time. It is hard to believe this was once the nation's capital, as the neighborhood is devoid of the grand structures seen in other former capitals. In fact, Thonburi stayed relatively isolated from Bangkok proper and for centuries was an agricultural land filled with canals and fruit orchards. While Thonburi has quickly developed in recent decades, most visitors still come here for the cool and peaceful atmosphere. The traditional (Thai) way of life on the canals still exists here, as do the floating vendors and orchard farms.

Islam in Bangkok Thonburi

The presence of Islam in the Thonburi region can be traced back to traders, sailors, and settlers from Persia, the Indian subcontinent, and the (Malay) Peninsula. The strategic location of Thonburi as a riverine port facilitated interaction and trade with Muslim-majority regions. Over time, a steady influx of Muslim traders and settlers laid down roots, leading to the establishment of a small but thriving Muslim community.

The Role of Mosques

Mosques, known as "masjid" in (Thai) (borrowed from the Arabic word "masjid"), play a central role in the lives of Thonburi's Muslim community. Beyond being mere places of worship, these mosques have historically functioned as community centers, offering education, social interaction, and support for members of the Muslim community.

Architectural Features

Thonburi mosques, much like those in other parts of Thailand, often exhibit a unique blend of traditional Islamic architecture and local (Thai) elements. One can find crescent moon symbols atop roofs, but also multi-tiered Thai-style structures which are reminiscent of Buddhist temples.

Famous Mosques in Thonburi

While Thonburi has several mosques scattered throughout the district, some of note include:

Masjid Ban Klong Madina: Located near the Klong Bang Luang, this mosque stands out due to its traditional (Thai) roof blended with classic Islamic architecture. The mosque acts as a hub for local Muslims and often hosts events and classes.

Ton Son Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Bangkok, Ton Son Mosque was built during the Ayutthaya period. It showcases the rich history of Muslims in the region and their interactions with other communities.

Cultural Significance

The presence of Islam in predominantly Buddhist Thailand and regions like Thonburi showcases the nation's spirit of religious tolerance and harmony. The Muslim community, while a minority, has contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of the region, adding to its cuisine, art, music, and, of course, its religious practices.

Introduction to Bangkok Thonburi

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Originally, "Bangkok" referred to a village in the area that today roughly corresponds to the neighbourhoods of Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai. At that time and the Chao Phraya River had a completely different course than it does today. The Chao Phraya had a horseshoe shape that is similar to the current course of the Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai canals. One theory on the origin of the name is that Bangkok came from "Bang Ko", which means "island village" in (Thai), referring to the village that was almost completely neighbored by the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok was the first part of Thonburi to be settled, as its location was a convenient storage point for trade ships that sailed north towards Ayutthaya. The horseshoe shape of the Chao Phraya River slowed down trading ships and in 1542 a small canal was dug across the base of the meander to shorten sailing time. The strength of the current eroded the canal's banks and over time the new canal became the main course of the river. Bangkok was on the east bank of the old course of the river, but on the west bank of the new course.

As sailing times quickened, Bangkok became a tax collection port and customs office for foreign traders sailing to Ayutthaya. In 1665, King Narai the Great ordered the construction of Vichaiyen Fort near the mouth of the Bangkok Yai canal to protect Ayutthaya from foreign invasions. This fort is now known as the Vichaiprasit Fort and can still be seen from the Chao Phraya Express Boat today. With it and the village got the status of fortified city and was renamed Thonburi. When the city of Ayutthaya was burnt to the ground by Burmese armies in 1767, General Taksin was in charge of the resistance. A capable military leader, he conquered back Siam within a year and took hold of large parts of Southeast Asia in the following decade. He became King of Siam and established Thonburi as the new capital of the nation. He created his palace close to the fort, while the residence of General Phraya Chakri (who would later become King Rama I) was near the current location of Wat Rakhang.

In 1779, King Taksin had proclaimed himself a sotapanna (or divine figure), striking against the will of the powerful Buddhist monkhood. The state was in economic turmoil and there was rampant corruption and famine struck the nation. King Taksin tried to maintain order with harsh punishment and purges. When General Phraya Chakri was fighting out a war with Cambodia, a rebellion took hold of Thonburi, forcing King Taksin to step down. Shortly after, he was secretly executed. When General Phraya Chakri returned, he was offered the throne and became King Rama I and the first King of the Chakri dynasty. He made Rattanakosin the new capital of Siam, as he believed that city would be easier to defend against foreign invasions. This was the end of a brief perioid now known as the Thonburi Period. It wasn't the end of "Bangkok"—foreigners never adapted to the changes and kept using the name, even for the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River while that is technically incorrect.

Thonburi stayed relatively undeveloped compared to its neighbour across the river. The economy was mostly agriculture-based with fruit orchards criss-crossed by canals. Many durian species have originated in Thonburi, including mon thong, chanee and kan yao. Most of the fruit orchards have disappeared as Thonburi became more developed. It wasn't until 1932 that Thonburi became physically linked to the Rattanakosin side with the construction of the Memorial Bridge. Thonburi's distinct identity only held out for forty more years until 1971, when it was incorporated into the city of Krung Thep (Bangkok).

Travel to Bangkok Thonburi

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Travel by boat to Bangkok Thonburi

The easiest way to get into Thonburi is by boat. The Chao Phraya Express Boat goes up and down the river for 25 Baht. Sometimes cashiers want you to buy the ticket before embarking the boat, but it is allowed to buy tickets on board. If going north from Sathorn pier (from Silom) and the first pier on the Thonburi side is Wang Lang. It's the easiest point of entry as all lines stop there and the Wang Lang area is one of the more interesting ones in Thonburi. If you're heading south from Phra Arthit pier (from Khao San Road), Wang Lang is the second pier on the Thonburi side. When you're heading for the Royal Barge National Museum, disembark at the Phra Pin Klao Bridge pier.

There are also numerous ferries crossing the river from the Rattanakosin and Silom sides. Many commuters make use of these ferries, as they quickly cross the river for only 3 Baht. If you're visiting Wat Arun, head for Tha Tien pier at the Rattanakosin side and take the Wat Arun ferry service. Other notable ferry services are from Tha Chang to Wang Lang and from Tha Phra Chan to Wang Lang.

How to take public transportation in Bangkok Thonburi

You can use Bangkok's public transport systems to get to Thonburi from Siam Plaza, Sukhumvit or Silom. After nearly ten years of delays and the BTS Silom Line connection to Thonburi finally opened in May 2009. The current terminus in Bang Wa opened in Dec 2013. From there you can take a taxi to Khlong Lat Mayom and Taling Chan floating markets without going through the downtown traffic. Wongwian Yai BTS station is near the train station of the same name, but you'll still need a short taxi ride to get there. The best way to get to Thonburi from the downtown is by getting off the Skytrain at Saphan Taksin station and taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat up the river.

Travel by Bus to Bangkok Thonburi

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Getting into Thonburi by bus is very complicated, so only use city buses as a last resort. Bus travel is necessary to reach some destinations though, such as the Taling Chan Floating Market. If heading there, take ordinary and air-conditioned bus 79 from Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, which is near Khao San Road. Make sure you take the bus into the right direction (crossing the river) and ask local passengers when to get off or you might get lost.

Get Around in Bangkok Thonburi

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Thonburi is a vast neighborhood and getting around it is not easy. The area can hardly be explored on foot, as sights are spread far off throughout the neighborhood, most of the primary streets are heavily congested with commuters and the area is lacking foot bridges over its numerous canals. Thit is why most travellers take a canal tour. But this doesn't mean the area cannot be experienced on your own at all—most of the roads can be walked on and footbridges do exist, just don't say you haven't been warned.

What to see in Bangkok Thonburi

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Wat Arun

Wat Arun commonly called the Temple of Dawn, is an iconic temple at the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, right next to the Navy Base. Thit is a royal temple in the highest rank and it is by far the most visited tourism attraction in Thonburi. It is easily accessible with the 3 Baht ferry boat from Wat Pho in Rattanakosin. Ferries take off about every 10 to 15 minutes and operate daily from 06:00 till about 22:00. Walking around the temple gardens and looking at it from a distance is free, but if you want to enter the temple compound and climb the steep stairs, it costs 50 Baht (for Foreign Muslims at least). Entering the complex can be recommended, as otherwise you won't see the small porcelain pieces it is decorated with. The temple grounds are opened from 07:30 till 17:30. Thousands of foreign tourists visit the temple everyday, many of them by canal tour early in the morning.

A temple has occupied this site since the Ayutthaya Period. It was first named Wat Makok, which means "Olive Temple", named after the many olive orchards in the area. After the fall of Ayutthaya, General Taksin was at war trying to conquer Siam back from Burmese armies. When he arrived in Thonburi in the morning, he reputedly saw this magnificent temple during sunrise. Since then and the temple got the name Wat Chaeng or Wat Arun, which means the Temple of Dawn. Wat Arun served as King Taksin's royal temple and was inside the Wang Derm Palace grounds, his personal residence. In the Thonburi Period, Wat Arun housed the recaptured Emerald Buddha for several years, before it was moved to the Grand Palace in Rattanakosin in 1785. In the Rattanakosin-era, Wat Arun lost its special status to Wat Phra Kaeo in the Grand Palace, but it remained one of the most iconic temples of Thailand. It is featured prominently on 10 Baht coins and as the logo of the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The magnificent main prang is in (Thai) called the Phra Prang Wat Arun. Overlooking the Chao Phraya river, it is not only the symbol of Thonburi, but a world-famous landmark and one of the most photographed icons of Thailand. The prang was originally built during the Ayutthaya Period and is in a classic Ayutthayan style. It was reconstructed and enlarged during the reign of King Rama II and was completely finished in the reign of King Rama III. The height is reported by different sources to be between 66 and 86 metres. It was the tallest structure in Bangkok until the advent of the modern skyscraper. The main prang and its four satellite prangs are beautifully decorated with colourful broken Chinese porcelain pieces. It is believed that these broken porcelain pieces come from Chinese trade ships that were shipwrecked at sea.

Steep steps lead up to two terraces that surround the prang. From there, you have a nice view of the Chao Phraya River with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and even downtown if you look far enough. Beside the famous central prang, be sure to take a look at the main chapel and the image hall and the Chinese style bell tower and the open pavilions overlooking the river.

Museums

  • Bangkok Noi Museum - พิพิธภัณฑ์เขตบางกอกน้อย | This museum is about the history of Bangkok Noi and of the village of "Bangkok" that used to be located here. Bangkok Noi was an important trading centre in the Ayutthaya Period and briefly the capital of Siam in the Thonburi Period. The Rattanakosin Period has also been covered, when most of Bangkok Noi consisted of fruit orchards. Many people worked as craftsmen, including those making bronze bowls. These fruits and bowls are on display in the museum. Over time, Thonburi became more urbanised, but here you can still see what it used to be like.
  • House of Museums - บ้านพิพิธภัณฑ์ | The exhibition features a collection of old and modern items that were used every day by both townspeople and villagers. Items such as toys, books, stationery and kitchen and household utensils throughout the years are on display, forming a legacy of the past to be inherited by the present. The modern 3.5-storey building of 3 chambers covers a total area of 232 square metres. The first floor shows an old atmosphere of shop houses that date from before 1957, including a cafe, pharmacy, barber shop and others. There are also rooms with changing exhibitions and various topics.

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  • Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre - ศูนย์มานุษยวิทยาสิรินธร - This centre gathers anthropological data scattered throughout the nation and brings the information together. More interesting for visitors are the variety of exhibitions taking place here, such as on social and cultural development in Thailand, ethno-archaeology and (Thai) ceramic collections. Also the biography of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn can be viewed.
  • Royal Barge National Museum - พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติเรือพระราชพิธี | On the mouth of the Bangkok Noi canal, this museum displays several Royal Barges used for state ceremonies on the Chao Phraya River. The ornately carved barges take the form of famous mythical creatures from the Ramayana epic. The most impressive is the Suphannahongse (or Golden Swan), which was built in 1911 during the reign of King Rama IV. This 46-metre craft was carved from a single piece of teakwood. The bow resembles a mythical swan and is adorned with Gold lacquer and glass jewels. Most visit this museum as part of a canal tour, but it can also be visited on foot.

Royal Barge National Museum - Bangkok

  • Siriraj Museums | These museums are old and dusty with many of them missing English signs. Most of the visitors are (Thai) students, who have to visit them for their studies, but some foreigners like to see them as well. The Forensic Medicine Museum is the most popular one for its collection of medical oddities similar to the Philadelphia#Other museums|Mütter Museum in Philadelphia. There are many other museums inside the complex, including the Congdon Anatomical Museum, Sood Sangvichien Prehistoric Museum, Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum, Parasitology Museum, Ellis Pathological Museum and the Veekit Veeranuvati Museum on traditional (Thai) medicine.
  • Sunthorn Museum - พิพิธภัณฑ์สุนทร | Thit is a private museum operated by Mr Sunthorn Chunothaisawat. It houses invaluable antiques from different periods such as BMW Motorcycles from the interwar period, various types of old clocks, lamps, children toys made out of zinc, raios, irons, type writers, fans and sewing machines. All are well-maintained and in a good condition.

Parks and monuments

  • King Taksin the Great Monument - พระบรมราชานุสาวรีย์พระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช | Thit is an equestrian statue situated at the Wongwian Yai Circle near the train station of the same name. The king is portrayed with his right hand holding a sword, measuring roughly 9 metres in height from his horse's feet to the spire of his hat. The statue rests on a reinforced concrete pedestal of about 9 by 2 metres with 3.90 metres in height. There are four frames of stucco relief on the two sides of the pedestal. The opening ceremony of this monument was held on April 17, 1954 and a homage-paying fair takes place annually at December 28.
  • Princess Mother Memorial Park - อุทยานเฉลิมพระเกียรติสมเด็จพระศรีนครินทราบรมราชชนนี | This beautiful park is built near the Wat Anongkharam community where Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani, HRH the Princess Mother (the mother of King Rama IX) had resided during her childhood. The park comprises a full scale model of the Princess Mother's house. The old buildings were renovated as exhibition halls, displaying the life story of HRH the Princess Mother and the history of the Wat Anongkharam community that lives here.

Top Muslim Travel Tips in Bangkok Thonburi

Canal tour

Animal conditions - Many tours through Thonburi's backwaters include a visit to the so-called Thonburi Snake Farm. Besides a snake show performance, it is also a small zoo with a number of animals kept in cages for the purpose of entertaining tourists. Conscious travellers might want to know that the animals in this snake farm live in very bad conditions and in small cages. There are no signs to inform the visitor, as the animals are only meant for the sole purpose of entertainment. If you don't want to visit the farm for these reasons, make sure you book a canal tour with eHalal that does not include the farm. For an alternative, visit the animal friendly Queen Saovabha Institute Snake Farm in Silom.

Nineteenth-century Bangkok was laced with canals, giving the capital the designation "Venice of the East". As Bangkok turned into a bustling metropolis, Thonburi's surviving canals and the Chao Phraya River provide memorable vignettes of the traditional waterborne way-of-life that once was. No wonder then that most travellers visit the neighborhood by boat. Many of the tours and floating markets feel pretty set-up though, but in mornings you might still encounter an authentic floating vendor, paddling from house to house trying to sell some just-prepared food.

The most convenient option is to take a fixed-price trip, which is a package deal that includes a visit to Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum and a floating market. Such a tour can be booked through a travel agency, but it's easier to go to the pier yourself. There are two tour companies, one operating from Tha Chang pier in Rattanakosin and the other operating from Si Phraya pier in Silom (near River City Shopping Centre).

  • Mitchaophraya Travel Service | Operating from Tha Chang pier and there offers plenty of tours on offer. All of them include Wat Arun and the Royal Barge National Museum and a floating market. At weekdays it will pass by the "Thonburi Floating Market", which is set-up for tourists and not worth it. Better take the tour at weekends, when it goes by the Taling Chan Floating Market (which is also not authentic, but at least feels more genuine and is a lot more lively). The one-hour tour goes through the Bangkok Noi and Monday canals for 800 Baht. The 90-minutes tour also takes in the Bangkok Yai canal for 1,000 Baht. The complete tour takes two hours, costs 1,200 Baht and goes deeper into Thonburi, where you'll visit an orchid farm.
  • Pandan Tour Company | This company offers whole-day tours, which are slightly different whether you're taking them on weekdays or weekends. The weekday tour starts at the Wat Sai Morning Market and then takes you to an exotic orchid nursery and the Wat Pa Chang Lane or the "Jungle Temple" and then onto a traditional wooden house of a local miniature boat making family and the "Artists' House" for a traditional (Thai) puppet show. The weekend tour takes you to the Artists House first and then brings you to the Lat Mayom Floating Market. The weekend tour is recommended as the Lat Mayom Floating Market is more authentic and more fun than the Wat Sai market. These tours use a (Thai) traditional teak boat and life-vests are offered. Unlike other tours, you can ask the staff to stop anywhere along the canals. Call ahead for inquiries (ask for Tom and the Thai-American owner).
  • The Boat Tour Centre | Operating from Si Phraya pier and they offer a one-hour tour for 800 Baht and a two-hour for 1,500 Baht. The one-hour tour is a quick tour of the Chao Phraya River. At the two-hour tour, you will either visit the Wat Sai Floating Market (if arriving around 08:00 on weekdays) or go up north to Wat Arun and the Royal Barge National Museum (at any other time).

Trips can also be arranged by chartering a boat along the canals at the east side of the river. The most convenient place to do thit is Tha Chang pier or Tha Tien pier at the Rattanakosin side of the river. But it's also feasible at Oriental pier in Silom and at the Bangkok Information Centre under Phra Pinklao Bridge (near Khao San Road). Major canals in Thonburi which tourists can take a boat trip through are the Bangkok Noi canal, Bangkok Yai canal, Daan canal and Chakphra canal. Be prepared to bargain, but don't pay more than around 1,000-1,500 Baht for a two-hour trip (without any stops).

Another option is the boat service from Tha Chang pier. It operates every morning from 06:30 till 11:00 and departs every half hour (or when it has enough passengers). Boat fare is only 30 Baht per person and you'll visit an orchard and a floating market.

  • Anantara Cruises - Chao Phraya River cruise. They offer Private/shared cruises, two staterooms with private ensuite bathrooms , Departs on Mondays and Thursdays

Entertainment

  • Major Cineplex Pinklao - เมเจอร์ ปิ่นเกล้า | A large and luxurious cinema and compared to GCC standards, an absolute bargain to watch a film here. All the newest Hollywood releases are on show, as are (Thai) films (most of which are subtitled in English). If you have to wait about one or two hours before the film starts, you can do some shopping or have some food in the attached shopping mall.

Shopping in Bangkok Thonburi

Floating markets

  • Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market - ตลาดน้ำคลองลัดมะยม | Thit is a major attraction, with a friendly and shaded atmosphere. The floating market corresponds to both sides of the Lat Mayom canal on Bang Ramat Road. This relatively new floating market dates from 2004 and is not frequently visited by boats. However, it does have many shop stalls, a small boat museum, several walking paths around the market, small toilet, a few outdoor restaurants and a variety of foods and merchandise for sale. Occasionally, it does feature live outdoor performances by local children or organisations. It is only open on weekends and easily accessible (and used as a prolonged stopover) on some tourist tour boats from Taling Chan Floating Market.

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  • Taling Chan Floating Market - ตลาดน้ำตลิ่งชัน | This major attraction along Chak Phra canal is held every weekend. It is more convenient than taking a canal trip to Wat Sai and also feels more authentic and fun. It blends a rural market with the canal side way of life. The vendors, who are local farmers, take their products including plants, vegetables, fruits, fish and various kinds of food to this market. There are also floating food shops and a private-run canal tour service for visitors who enjoy the neighborhood's canal side way of life. It is accessible by vehicle and bus, not too far from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal.
  • Wat Sai Floating Market - ตลาดน้ำวัดไทร | This floating market along Sanam Chai Canal used to be a popular tourist site for visitors to admire the traditional canal side way of life. Unfortunately, construction of new roads within the area left the floating market abandoned in 1977. It was recently revived, though it does not feel as authentic as it used to. It is still interesting to book a canal tour along this historic waterway and enjoy the floating market that is crowded with boats that have farm produced products for sale.

Land-based markets

  • Bang Ramat Market | A local outdoor marketplace filled with food, refreshments, clothing, souvenirs and miscellaneous items by various independent local vendors. The market has a variety of clothes for sale, including new, used, Western and Eastern style clothes. Also for sale are CDs/DVDs/VCDs, children's toys, phone accessories, purses, weapons (handguns, hunting knives, ammunition), toiletries, ceremonial gifts, souvenirs and other small accessories. Children can go to the large inflatable playpen. It is popular and well-known by local residents, but barely-known or visited by tourists. It is best to visit the market in the middle of the afternoon when it is most lively.
  • Bang Phrom Market | near the intersection of Wat Kaeo-Phutthamonthon Sai 1 and Kaeo Ngoen Thong Road in the Bang Phrom subneighborhood

Another local outdoor marketplace, similar to the one in Bang Ramat, but slightly larger, busier and more crowded.

  • Khlong San Market - ท่าเรือคลองสาน | Located in a soi off Charoen Nakhon Road and the area offers items like ready-to-wear clothes for teenagers and shoes at relatively fair prices. Best visited from lunch to dinner.
  • Thonburi Railway Market - ตลาดรถไฟธนบุรี | This mostly fresh market spans 350 meters following the tracks at the train station. It opens before sunrise and many fresh items are sold out by noon although the stalls selling other goods remain open. Worth checking out also for food if you arrive early for your train from Thonburi station.
  • Wang Lang Market - ตลาดวังหลัง | Wang Lang is a small street filled with shops and carts. It is often called the Ladies Market, because the many stores cater to women's clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. It becomes very crowded around 12:00, when the local residents come in to have lunch. At that time it might be difficult to find your way around. Wednesdays is the best day to go, as the new second-hand products arrive that day, but the market is busy every day of the week.

Shopping malls

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  • Central Plaza Pinklao - เซ็นทรัลพลาซา - ปิ่นเกล้า | The largest shopping mall and office tower complex of Thonburi, it includes six floors (with a basement floor) with stores, stalls, restaurants, banks and a karaoke lounge. The Central Department Store is inside and takes up many floors. The other usual chain stores are present as well, as are stores selling books, electronics and clothes. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, but there are also buses and songthaews available.
  • The Mall Bang Khae - เดอะมอลล์ บางแค | A large shopping mall complex that has many floors of stores, stalls, restaurants and a cinema. It is located down the street from Kasemrad Hospital.
  • The Mall Tha Phra - เดอะมอลล์ท่าพระ | The easiest The Mall shopping mall to reach with Skytrain. Six floors with shops, a supermarket with selected Halal food, outlets of all mobile operators, restaurants and a cinema.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bangkok Thonburi

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1. Home Cuisine Islamic Restaurant

Located a stone’s throw away from the Siriraj Hospital, this restaurant is an iconic presence in Thonburi. Renowned for its authentic Southern (Thai) Muslim dishes, favorites include the mutton biryani, beef satay, and the tantalizing goat Curries. The restaurant's warm, family-friendly ambiance is a bonus.

2. Yusuf Pochana

Yusuf Pochana is an unassuming gem that attracts both locals and tourists alike. Their signature dishes like the beef Noodles and Chicken biryani are not only flavorful but are also pocket-friendly. If you're in the mood for a casual yet fulfilling meal, this spot is a must-visit.

3. Charoenchai

Charoenchai is famed for its halal dim sum offerings, a rare find in Bangkok. From shrimp dumplings to custard buns, every bite here promises a burst of flavors. The restaurant’s setting is simple, allowing the food to shine.

4. Thonburi Halal Food

A street food style establishment, Thonburi Halal Food is perfect for those who want to indulge in local flavors without burning a hole in their pocket. Their grilled Chicken is legendary and pairs beautifully with a side of fragrant Rice and a spicy Sauces.

5. Al Madina Restaurant

For those missing Middle Eastern flavors, Al Madina offers a reprieve. From Kebab to falafels and hummus, the menu is extensive. The warm pita bread, fresh out of the oven, is the perfect accompaniment to most dishes.

6. Hadika Coffee & Eatery

A perfect blend of a café and a restaurant, Hadika is popular among the younger crowd. Apart from its aromatic Coffee, the eatery offers a mix of (Thai) and international dishes, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Bangkok Thonburi

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Ramadan 2022 Celebrations in Bangkok Thonburi

Ramadan 2025 in Bangkok/Thonburi

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Bangkok Thonburi


News & References Bangkok Thonburi


More Muslim friendly Destinations from Bangkok Thonburi

Take the train from Thonburi'sWongwian Yai Station to the fishing village of Maha Chai. Trains leave hourly and the trip takes about one hour. The train journey is an attraction in itself, with plenty of orchards, vegetable plantations and coconut groves to see. Maha Chai is a great destination for fresh seafood. If you wish, you can even continue your trip to Samut Songkhram from there.

Take the 3rd class train from Thonburi Train Station to Kanchanaburi. Trains depart twice daily. It is a fun ride and becomes quite scenic if you continue over River Kwai Bridge to the terminus at Nam Tok. You need to stay overnight for meaningful sightseeing. Some visitors do not return to Bangkok but continue by bus to Chiang Mai or via Ban Pong to Hua Hin.

Drive 15 kilometers west along Phetkasem Road for the Rose Garden in Nakhon Pathom. Get away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and experience the (Thai) rural way of life with beautiful gardens and orchards. It is a retreat into a peaceful environment, except at 14:00 when the tour buses and coaches arrive for the daily Thai Village Cultural Show.