1. What are the most popular local dishes served near Wat Pho?
Some of the most popular local dishes served near Wat Pho are:
1. Pad Thai – a dish of stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, vegetables, and a choice of meat or seafood
2. Tom Yum Soup – a spicy and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers
3. Som Tum (Papaya Salad) – a refreshing salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and a spicy dressing
4. Massaman Curry – a fragrant curry dish made with coconut milk, meat or vegetables, potatoes, peanuts, and spices
5. Khao Pad (Fried Rice) – a simple yet flavorful dish of stir-fried rice with your choice of protein and vegetables.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available at restaurants near Wat Pho?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan options available at restaurants near Wat Pho. Some popular restaurants with vegetarian or vegan options include Sala Rattanakosin (located inside the Sala Arun hotel), The Sixth (a rooftop restaurant with a separate vegan menu), Ethos Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant, and Rasayana Raw Food Café. Additionally, many of the street food stalls around the temple area offer vegetarian and vegan dishes such as pad Thai with tofu or vegetable stir-fries.
3. What is the best seafood restaurant in the area?
The best seafood restaurant in the area can vary, as it ultimately depends on personal preference. Some popular seafood restaurants in the area may include Waterman’s Surfside Grille, Catch 31 Fish House and Bar, The Atlantic on Pacific, or Rockafeller’s Restaurant. It may be helpful to read reviews and ask for recommendations from locals to find the best seafood restaurant for your tastes.
4. Are there any street food vendors near Wat Pho worth trying?
There are a few street food vendors near Wat Pho that are worth trying, including:– Pad Thai Ban Pho: This popular food cart serves up delicious pad thai noodles with your choice of protein. It’s located near the southwest corner of Wat Pho.
– Yaowarat Grill: This street stall offers a variety of grilled meat skewers, such as chicken, pork, and beef, as well as grilled seafood. It’s located on Si Lom Road, just a short walk from Wat Pho.
– Krua Singh Karn: Located on Maharat Road, this street stall is known for its authentic Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients. Try their tom yum soup or stir-fried dishes.
– Fai Sor Kamalasai: This small street stall offers a variety of traditional Thai desserts and snacks, such as mango sticky rice and coconut pancakes. It’s located on Tha Tien Road, adjacent to Wat Pho.
5. Are there any dress codes or etiquette expectations at Wat Pho?
As with most Buddhist temples in Thailand, there is a dress code and certain etiquette expectations that visitors should be aware of when visiting Wat Pho:
– Clothing should cover shoulders and knees – for both men and women. Avoid wearing revealing tops or shorts.
– Take off your shoes before entering any temple buildings or areas where Buddha images are present.
– Be respectful and refrain from loud talking or disruptive behavior.
– Do not touch or climb on statues or other sacred objects.
– Always ask for permission before taking photos inside temple buildings or near monks.
– If you come across monks during your visit, do not initiate physical contact with them – this includes shaking hands.
It’s also recommended to avoid pointing your feet towards Buddha images or monks as it can be considered disrespectful in Thai culture.
5. Is there a particular restaurant with a view of Wat Pho that you recommend?
Yes, I would recommend The Deck by Arun Residence. It offers a stunning view of Wat Pho and the Chao Phraya River, along with delicious Thai cuisine and cocktails.
6. Are there any restaurants offering authentic Thai cuisine near Wat Pho?
Yes, there are several restaurants offering authentic Thai cuisine near Wat Pho. Some popular options include Tha Tien Restaurant, Supatra River House, The Deck by Arun Residence, and Khrua Nai Baan. These restaurants are known for their traditional Thai dishes like pad thai, tom yum soup, and green curry, all of which can be found at street stalls around Wat Pho as well.
7. Can you suggest a good place to try traditional Thai desserts in the area?
Yes, Wat Mahathat Temple (also known as the “Golden Mountain” Temple) is located in Phra Nakhon district and offers a variety of traditional Thai desserts at their outdoor market. Another great option is Thong Lor, which has several dessert cafes serving up authentic Thai sweet treats such as mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, and kanom krok (coconut pancakes).
8. What are some must-try dishes at local restaurants around Wat Pho?
1. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) at Tha Tien Seafood
2. Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles) at Thip Samai
3. Khao Man Gai (Hainanese Chicken Rice) at Raan Jay Fai
4. Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad) at Thip Samai or Tha Tien Seafood
5. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) at Banglamphu Restaurant
6. Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Curry with Chicken) at Taling Pling
7. Pla Tod Rad Prik (Crispy Fried Fish with Chili Sauce) at Ruean Thai Restaurant
8. Grilled Squid from food carts around Wat Pho.
9. Kanom Krok (Coconut Custard Cups) from street vendors near the Grand Palace.
10. Mango Sticky Rice from various stalls and restaurants around Wat Pho.
9. Are there any budget-friendly dining options near Wat Pho?
Yes, there are several budget-friendly dining options near Wat Pho. Some popular choices include:
1. The Indian Kebab & Curries at Sanam Chai Road: This restaurant offers a wide variety of affordable Indian dishes, including biryani, tandoori chicken, and naan bread.
2. Boonchuay River Side Seafood Restaurant: Located along the Chao Phraya River, this restaurant serves fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices.
3. Wat Pak Nam Food Court: This open-air food court near Wat Pho offers a range of affordable Thai dishes such as pad thai, som tam (papaya salad), and tom yum soup.
4. Soi Rod Fai Night Market: This popular night market is located just a short walk from Wat Pho and is filled with street food stalls selling delicious and inexpensive Thai snacks and meals.
5. Stella by the River: This casual riverside cafe serves tasty sandwiches, salads, and pastries at affordable prices.
6. Pa Kocha Seafood Restaurant: A bit further away from Wat Pho but still within walking distance is this restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes at affordable prices.
7. Bangkok Burger Company: If you’re craving Western food, this burger joint offers affordable burgers, fries, and milkshakes just a short walk from Wat Pho.
8. Amphawa Night Market: Located in the Thonburi district (across the river from Wat Pho), this night market offers a unique dining experience with its floating food vendors selling traditional Thai food at budget-friendly prices.
9. 7-Eleven convenience stores: For quick and cheap bites on-the-go, the 7-Eleven convenience stores near Wat Pho offer ready-to-eat meals such as fried rice, noodles, and sandwiches at very low prices.
10. Do any of the restaurants offer cooking classes to learn how to make Thai dishes?
Yes, many restaurants in Thailand offer cooking classes to learn how to make Thai dishes. Some popular options include the Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant, The Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School, and the Sompong Thai Cooking School. Classes usually include a trip to the market to learn about ingredients and hands-on instruction on how to prepare traditional dishes such as pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup.
11. Is it safe to eat street food in the nearby market areas around Wat Pho?
The safety of street food in nearby market areas around Wat Pho can vary. It is generally recommended to exercise caution when eating street food, as some vendors may not follow proper hygiene practices. It is always important to choose a vendor that has high turnover and cooks food at a high temperature to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Also, try to stick to vendors who have a good reputation or are recommended by locals.
12 . Are there any rooftop restaurants or bars with views of Wat Pho?
Yes, there are several rooftop restaurants and bars with views of Wat Pho, including:
1. Sala Rattanakosin: This restaurant offers stunning views of Wat Pho from its rooftop terrace. Guests can enjoy Thai and international cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
2. The Deck by Arun Residence: Located right next to Wat Arun, this rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of both Wat Arun and Wat Pho. The menu features a mix of Thai and Western dishes.
3. Loy La Long Hotel: This boutique hotel has a rooftop bar that offers spectacular views of Wat Pho, as well as the Chao Phraya River. They serve a variety of cocktails and Thai snacks.
4. Attitude Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Located on the 26th floor of Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel, this venue offers breathtaking views of the river and Wat Pho from its outdoor terrace. They serve modern Asian cuisine and signature cocktails.
5. Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower: This iconic rooftop bar is known for its impressive 360-degree views of Bangkok’s skyline, including a view of Wat Pho in the distance. It’s one of the highest rooftop bars in the city and serves gourmet food and drinks.
Please note that some rooftop restaurants or bars may require reservations or have dress codes, so it’s best to check with each establishment beforehand.
13 . Can you recommend a restaurant for a romantic dinner near Wat Pho?
Yes, I would recommend Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar, which is located just a short walk from Wat Pho. It features a rooftop dining area with stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun. The menu offers a mix of traditional Thai dishes and contemporary fusion cuisine, perfect for a romantic dinner.
14 . Are there any cultural shows or performances offered at restaurants near Wat Pho?
Yes, there are several restaurants near Wat Pho that offer cultural shows or performances. Some popular options include Baan Rim Pa, which offers traditional Thai dance performances on certain nights, and Supanniga Eating Room, which features a traditional Thai puppet show during dinner service.
15 . What is the average cost for a meal at a local restaurant near Wat Pho?
It is difficult to provide an accurate estimate as restaurant prices can vary greatly. However, meals at local restaurants near Wat Pho are typically quite affordable and can range anywhere from 50-300 THB (approximately $1.50-$9 USD) per person.
16 . Is it appropriate to tip at restaurants around Wat Pho?
Tipping at restaurants is not a standard practice in Thailand, so it is not necessary to leave a tip at restaurants around Wat Pho. However, if you have received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation, leaving a small tip of 10-20 baht (approximately $0.30-$0.60 USD) would be considered polite.
17 . Do any of the local restaurants have menus in English for non-Thai speakers?
It depends on the restaurant. Some restaurants in popular tourist areas may have menus in English, while others may not. If you are unsure, you can always ask the staff if they have an English menu or if they can assist with translation. It may also be helpful to use a translation app to communicate with the staff and understand the menu items.
18 . Can you recommend a good place for breakfast or brunch near Wat Pho?
One highly-rated option near Wat Pho is Sala Ayutthaya Café & Restaurant, which offers traditional Thai breakfast dishes and a brunch buffet on the weekends. Another good choice is Noppharat Kitchen, which serves up delicious Thai specialties and Western favorites for breakfast and brunch. For a unique experience, you can also try Restaurang Sanitkul Coffee & Breakfast, located within Wat Pho itself. They offer a range of traditional Thai breakfast items, as well as tasty coffee and tea options.
19 . Do any of the nearby restaurants offer traditional Thai dining experiences, such as eating on bamboo mats?
Unfortunately, we do not have any information on specific nearby restaurants offering traditional Thai dining experiences. It is best to research and contact individual restaurants in the area to inquire about their dining experiences and offerings.
20 . Are reservations required for popular dining spots around Wat Pho, and if so, how far in advance should they be made?
It is not necessary to make reservations for popular dining spots around Wat Pho. Most restaurants in the area do not take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if you have a large group or are interested in dining at a highly sought-after restaurant, it is recommended to make reservations at least 1-2 weeks in advance to ensure availability. Some high-end restaurants may require reservations much further in advance. It is always best to check with the specific restaurant for their reservation policy.