Things to Do Near lebua: A Local Guide for Curious Travellers

Staying at lebua puts you in a unique position, not just high above the city but right in the middle of one of Bangkok’s most culturally rich and vibrant areas. The neighbourhood around Silom and Charoen Krung Road offers more than just photo opportunities from above. Step outside the hotel, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a mix of heritage, food, and authentic local experiences all within walking distance.

Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do near lebua, whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day to explore.

Wander Through Bang Rak’s Street Food Scene

Just steps from the hotel, Bang Rak loosely translates as “Village of Love,” but for many, that could easily mean the love of food, such is the incredible selection of quality food in the area. Along Charoen Krung Road, you’ll find a string of no-frills restaurants and shophouses serving up classic Thai street food, something everyone needs to try on a trip to Bangkok. After all, being world renowned for street food doesn’t happen for no reason. 

Look out for roast duck and pork over rice at long-standing Chinese-style eateries, crispy pork belly at family-run stalls, and Thai desserts sold from push carts for the sweet toothed among you. The mix of cultures,Thai, Chinese, Muslim, makes the food here genuinely diverse and worth exploring. No need to plan… just walk and follow the queues.

Take a Chao Phraya River Ferry

The Chao Phraya River is less than a five-minute walk from lebua, and it’s one of the most efficient and scenic ways to explore the city. Hop on a local river ferry from Sathorn Pier and you’ll have direct access to a number of Bangkok’s cultural landmarks.

Head north to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, or Wat Arun, all visible from the boat as you glide along. It’s not only faster than road transport during peak hours, but also offers a different perspective on how the city works and flows

Bangkokian Museum

If you’re interested in the quieter, everyday history of Bangkok, the Bangkokian Museum offers a fascinating window into the city’s past. This modest but well-curated museum is set in a pair of traditional wooden homes, filled with original furnishings, household items, and photos from the 1930s to 1950s.

Located on a peaceful street off Charoen Krung, it feels more like visiting someone’s home than a formal exhibit, which is exactly the point. It’s a refreshing change from Bangkok’s grand temples and a chance to understand how middle-class life used to look in this rapidly evolving city.

Explore Talad Noi and Its Hidden Temples

Just a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride away is Talad Noi, one of Bangkok’s most characterful old neighbourhoods. It’s full of tiny alleys, colourful graffiti, and restored shophouses. Unlike more tourist-heavy areas, this part of town feels lived-in, with a strong sense of local identity.

Another highlight in Talad Noi is the Leng Buai Ia Shrine, a centuries-old Chinese temple quietly nestled in the neighbourhood’s narrow lanes. Built in the 1600s, it’s one of the oldest active shrines in Bangkok, still visited daily by locals lighting incense and making offerings. The atmosphere is peaceful, the architecture incredibly detailed. The space feels genuinely lived-in without ever feeling closed off. It’s a great spot to observe everyday spiritual life and appreciate the deep Chinese-Thai roots of the area.

Catch the Sunset at River City Bangkok

For something a little more curated, River City Bangkok is a hub for contemporary art, antiques, and design. It’s about 10 minutes away by river or taxi and is home to galleries, a cinema, and occasional cultural events. Come around late afternoon, check out an exhibition, and grab a drink along the water as the sun goes down.