Let’s wander in Pak Phraek – The OG charm of Kanchanaburi Old Town
Think Kanchanaburi is all waterfalls and war history? Think again. If you’re into hidden gems, old-school vibes, and seriously cool cafés, Pak Phraek is calling your name.
This historic neighborhood is right in the heart of Kanchanaburi city — no long drive into the mountains needed. Just a short walk from the bus terminal and boom, you’re in a street that takes you back in time to the early Rattanakosin era. Yup, we’re talking King Rama III vibes here.
Start your stroll at the City Pillar Shrine, pass the Old City Gate, and don’t rush into Pak Phraek just yet — walk straight to the Mae Klong River where a gorgeous skywalk hugs the water. Great views. Chill spots. Lots of local food. And noodle shops? You’ll find three in a row fighting for your attention (pro tip: try them all).
City Pillar Shrine of Kanchanaburi : Start your walk here, where history meets sacred vibes right in the city center.
King Rama III Monument : Standing proud by the old city gate, this statue honors the king during whose reign Pak Phraek first came to life.
Mini Elephant Sculpture Garden : Cute alert! Chill with these tiny elephants on the green lawn near the ancient wall.
Street Art at Pak Phraek Junction : The gateway to the old town is splashed with color and creativity.
Next stop: Go-Ah Dessert Café – a local fave that hits the sweet spot right after your meal. Don’t miss it.
Backpacker on a budget? No problem. Check out the legendary Tonbab Chicken Rice & Red Pork Rice shop. Just 10 baht per plate. (Yep, you read that right.) Across the road? Grab cute baked goods at the famous See Fah Bakery for your next snack break.
Tonbab Chicken Rice & Red Pork Rice : The GOAT of budget eats! 10 baht per plate — yep, still real.
Go-Ah Dessert Spot : Cool down with local sweets just steps from the skywalk. Iconic Kanchan taste!
For the chill explorers, walk the riverside path and sneak under the bridge to find the peaceful Museum of Somdet Phra Sangharaja — a super calming, international-style Buddhist learning space. It’s quiet, modern, and the perfect escape from the crowd.
Kanchanaburi Skywalk : A 12-meter-high, 150-meter-long glass bridge hugging the Mae Klong River. Not for the faint of heart!
North Star Café : Floating coffee spot near the Yanasangworn Museum. Grab a drink and watch the river flow.
Yanasangworn Museum : A modern Buddhist heritage museum tucked in a serene space. Calm, clean, and underrated.
Raft Restaurants on the Mae Klong River : Local eats on floating houses with Wat Tham Khao Laem in the backdrop.
River Walk Path : A peaceful trail along the water, perfect for golden hour photos and river breeze vibes.
Now, let’s head into Pak Phraek proper. The streets are lined with gorgeous old buildings — teakwood houses, Euro-style architecture, and mixed modern-vintage cafés that somehow just work. Must-stops:
• Flat Cat Café
Flat Cat Café : Don’t miss the coconut ice cream here. It’s a local legend!
• Secret Treasure
Secret Treasure Café : Artsy and aesthetic. Full of wall murals and flower paintings. Closed Tuesdays, btw.
• Hua Hong
• Two Bar
• Sithisangk Café
• Two Bar
• Sithisangk Café
Sithisangk Coffee House : Spiral stairs at the back lead to a rooftop view with a perfect skywalk photo angle.
And if you love spicy Thai cooking, don’t leave without some curry paste from Uncle Khui’s shop.
Pak Phraek Old Town Vibes : Once a booming trade hub, now a quiet but stylish street full of stories.
Fun fact: “Pak Phraek” means the place where two rivers meet — the Khwae Yai and Khwae Noi — forming the Mae Klong River.
The best part? This isn’t a museum town. Pak Phraek is still very much alive — locals live here, work here, and keep the soul of the place beating. Visit on a Saturday or Sunday evening and you'll find pop-up stalls, walking street vibes, and a ton of friendly energy.
TLDR:
Pak Phraek = Old town cool + foodie paradise + hidden café trail.
Perfect for: chill weekenders, café hoppers, history nerds, budget travelers.
Don’t sleep on Kanchanaburi’s coolest corner.
Editor in Chief : Nampetch Siramanon
Editor: Pacific Leisure (Thailand)
Content Creator : Mr. Saroj Na Ayutthaya