Hidden Coffee Shops Along the Canals in Bangkok

Nice night-time cafes along the picturesque canals in Bangkok. Unique cafes and restaurants along the Bangkok canals - here's where to find them and how to get there.



It's not easy finding a good coffee shop in Bangkok. Thais don't drink coffee as much as we do in the US or Europe. Most Bangkok coffee shops will serve you instant coffee in a crowded cafe with loud music and/or music videos playing in the background. A quiet cafe with good coffee is hard to find in Bangkok. In the Silom area, a central tourist spot, you can find a lot more coffee shops, but these will be expensive and not fresh. The added downside will be all the tourists around you. So where can we get good coffee in a relaxing cafe in Bangkok? I found a spot by accident: the San Saeb Canal in Bangkapi


Along the San Saeb Canal from Ramkamhaeng 65 to 43/1, there is a stretch of canal-side land dotted with a dozen coffee shops. The south side has 2 good cafes, and the rest are all on the north side of the canal, the side that leads to Lad Phrao (Ramkamhaeng 65 becomes Lad Phrao 122).



Atmosphere
These are nice outdoor cafes with good mood lighting. Decorative lamps hang from trees and from rafters to spread some soft light on the tables, and give a pretty reflection off the canal. You can sit in traditional chairs, or sit Japanese style on the floor at a short table. There are plenty of both to choose from. A couple cafes have specific styles: one is even reggae themed, and another has quaint little alcoves, like an old English garden. Music is played very softly - it's a relaxing place for a drink at night, while watching the lights and boats on the canal.

Taste
The coffee is brewed fresh and strong, and so is the tea! A dozen coffees and teas to choose from, but all are very strong, so order them with milk. They all taste good. I like the "thai tea" with milk. You can get any of them hot or iced.

Cost
Four people can get coffees and a snack for under 200 baht total (about $6.50). Very inexpensive! Each coffee is about 30 baht ($1) and snacks are under 40 baht ($1.29). A few main noodle dishes are also available for a light meal.


How to get there
The easiest way to get to these cafes is by boat. Take the boats from Central World or Asoke station up the San Saeb Canal, and get off at Ram 43/1. Sometimes it's easier to get off at the Mall Ramkamhaeng station and walk up the canal a few block. That station is marked clearer. By taxi, go to Ramkamhaeng 65 or 43/1 and get off at the top of the soi; then walk to the canal. Enjoy a walk along the canal until you find the cafe you like best.

More: Also check out the Lake-view Restaurants in Bangkok in the east end.
Canals and lakes are an under-appreciated part of Thailand's capital city life.