Area Guide - Around the Co van Kessel office

Bangkok
Tips

The Co van Kessel office is located on the edge of Chinatown and on the banks of the mighty Chao Phraya river. For those looking for something to do before/after their tour, there is plenty to do around our office. Here are several of our recommendations for nearby cafes, restaurants, shopping malls and more.

Food & drinks

There are a variety of restaurants and shops around our office where you can enjoy both Thai and international food.  

Street-food

Eat as the locals do and choose one of the typical Bangkok street-food stalls that are available.  Especially between Tuesday and Saturday there are plenty of street-food stalls during lunch-time (11:00 - 15:00) that serve all kind of delicious Thai dishes. Most evenings there will also be a pop-up streetfood restaurant right in front of River City to enjoy a cheap meal or drink after your tour. Search for the blue, red or pink plastic chairs and enjoy a Krapao Moo Sap, Som Tam Thai or Kao Pad Kai; this is Bangkok!

Viva & Aviv

Located in the River City building next to the Chao Phraya River, this cool bar offers a variety of (international-) food and drinks.  A constant breeze, friendly atmosphere and funky tunes combined with the magnificent views on the river makes for a relaxing vacation-feel. Visit Viva & Aviv for a late afternoon cocktail or glass of wine while watching the boats on the mighty Chao Phraya river.

Riverview Guesthouse / River-vibe

River-vibe is the name of the restaurant located on the 8th floor of the River View guesthouse.  It’s a 10-minute walk from the Co van Kessel office. The atmosphere is casual and the food and drinks on the menu are standard Thai and international at reasonable prices.  You will moreover be treated with a magnificent 180 degree view on the Chao Phraya river which makes for a great sunset drink/meal experience.

Be My Guest

A small hidden restaurant that is tucked away between Millenium Hilton and IconSiam.  This restaurant offers delicious Thai food at reasonable prices. Located on the banks of the Thonburi-side of the river, it also offers some views (although not 180 degrees) on the Chao Phraya river.  The ferry boat to cross the river from Co van Kessel to Be My Guest costs 5 THB per person and typically runs daily until around 23:00.


Coffee

Arriving early morning or just in need for a good cup of coffee?  There are a few coffee shops located near the Co van Kessel office that open between 06:00 - 06:30 in the morning. But also the 7-11 next door serves hot/cold coffee for a quick morning fix.

Coffeeshop hopping

If you have time and love a photogenic coffeeshop, Talad Noi is the place to be. In the past few years, many coffeeshops have popped up in the area. Here are several recommendations; Mother Roaster, Bama Mama, Patina, Woodbrok and Chata.

Coffee Club

The Coffee Club is ‘’Australia’s favourite all-day cafe’’.  It not only offers a variety of coffee-styles, but also serves different kind of sandwiches and cakes.  The coffee club also offers several outdoor seats located on the Chao Phraya river.

Starbucks

This coffee chain is located on River City’s ‘promenade’.  Next to air-conditioned seats inside the River City Mall it also a good option for a quick take-away cup of coffee in the early morning.


Shopping

There are different kind of shopping options in the vicinity of the Co van Kessel office.  From souvenirs and art & antique to market t-shirts and bags to the latest international fashion at Dior, Louis Vuitton, Zara, Uniqlo, H&M or Thailand latest department store at Icon Siam; Thailand's largest shopping mall.

Khlong San Market

Right across the river (5 THB ferry-crossing) from our office the Khlong San Market is where the Thonburi community comes for shopping, eating and socializing.  You will find all different kind of shops here selling dresses, t-shirts, shoes, handbags, cosmetics and more at market-prices.  Also don't forget to check out the shops at the designated food-area and dine as a local.

River City Mall:  Art / Antique

The River City Mall is a mall dedicated to art and antique shops.  There are several floors where Thai and International paintings, sculptures and art can be purchased.  Small souvenir-, silk-, leather- and cotton shops can be found on the first floor of the mall.

Icon Siam: Modern shopping mall

Bangkok’s latest ultra-modern shopping mall is just a small river-cross away from the Co van Kessel office.  Find here the latest (luxury) fashion brands, a Thai/Japanese department store, kids-playgrounds, cinema’s and much more on one of the 8th floors.  


To do

Dinner cruise

Treat yourself to a special night out on the magnificent Chao Phraya River on a traditional antique teakwood rice barge.  Starting daily at 19.00 it makes a great addition for those doing the bicycle tour in the afternoon.