Banglampu District

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Banglampu is home to the infamous favorite of the budget (read backpacker) traveler: Kao San Road. Although not quite as grungy as it once was, the street is still chock full of cheap guest houses and good but inexpensive places to eat. Tanao Road, at one end of Kao San, has in fact become quite trendy, as has the river-side Phra Athit Road not far from the other end of Kao San.

Tewet Market: Along the northern side of Krung Kasem Road from the river to Samsen Road is Bangkok's premier garden center. While you're unlikely to find anything you can take home, browsing the market does make the walk from Tewet Pier to Wat Indrawiharn or the Dusit Palace a bit more pleasant.
Wat Indrawiharn: The 32-meter (100-foot) tall standing Buddha of Wat Indrawiharn used to be visible from just about any high vantage point around the old city. Nowadays its not so visible, which makes the temple, somewhat hidden off the main roads, a bit hard to find.
Bank of Thailand & Rama VII Bridge: In addition to the Dusit Palace, the prodigeous King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) also ordered the construction of Bang Khun Phrom Palace on the riverfront around the turn of the 20^th century. The palace is now the office of the Bank of Thailand. It sits beside the newest bridge to cross the Chaophraya River, the beautiful Rama VIII bridge.
Sumen Fort: Guarding the entrance to Banglampu canal is one of the few remaining structures of the old city walls which once surrounded the old city. The Sumen Fort is now the centerpiece of Santichaiprakan Park.
Wat Chana Songkram: Tucked away in the center of the backpacker are of Banglampu is the temple of Wat Chana Songkram. People often use the temple as a shortcut between Khao San Road and the river without ever stopping to take a closer look. Big mistake.
Wat Bowoniwet: Along Phra Sumen road a few blocks from the Banglampu river pier is the important but seldom visited temple of Wat Bowoniwet. The Chinese style of the temple's decorations suggest it was built, or at least rebuilt, around the time of Rama II in the early 19^th century.
Bangkok Tourist Information: The main tourist information center next to Pinklao Bridge provides information, free maps and even runs some tours of the city. There are also additional small kiosks located around the city.
National Museum: Built around the sprawling former palace of the second king (sort of a crown prince), the National Museum presents an expansive view of Thai history, from prehistoric settlers to relics of the quite recent past.