Traveling all the way to Bangkok just to eat... hmm, Hainanese Chicken Rice? Wait, really? Who would’ve thought?
While there’s still some debate about where Hainanese Chicken Rice truly originated, one thing’s for sure—it doesn’t have much to do with Bangkok! So why do so many travelers end up making a stop for chicken rice on their Bangkok itinerary?
Well, that’s because near the Pratunam Market, you’ll find a few legendary places famous for serving up this dish—so famous, in fact, that locals and visitors simply call it Pratunam Chicken Rice. Pretty much every food guide to Bangkok will mention this spot!
Whether it’s because the chicken rice here is genuinely outstanding, or because of a twist of fate that turned it into an international sensation—who knows. Either way, when you’re in the area, grabbing a plate and snapping that foodie pic just feels like the thing to do (as if we needed another excuse to eat!).
How to Get to Pratunam Chicken Rice: Best Routes & Travel Time
The Pratunam Market area actually has quite a few eateries specializing in Hainanese Chicken Rice. The two most popular choices among tourists and foodies are:
- The Michelin-recognized Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam
- The long-established Kuang Heng Chicken Rice
Whichever you choose, the route remains essentially the same. These two spots are located just meters apart. So, how do you get there?
1. Take the BTS Skytrain and Walk for About 10 Minutes
This is the most popular method for travelers: a quick BTS ride followed by a short walk.
You’ll take the light green Sukhumvit Line and get off at Chit Lom Station. From there, follow the skywalk down to the street. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Board the BTS Sukhumvit Line and get off at Chit Lom (E1) Station.
- Exit via Exit 1 and follow the skywalk on the Big C side.
- The skywalk will lead you past Bangkok’s upscale Gaysorn Village. After Gaysorn, you’ll reach Big C Supercenter—keep going a bit further until the skywalk ends, then head down to street level.
- Proceed straight ahead in the same direction. You’ll pass the main SuperRich Orange and Green currency exchange shops, then cross a bridge over the canal where the Pratunam Pier is located. Keep following the road.
- Once you pass Pratunam Pier, it’s just another minute or two before you’ll spot Kuang Heng Chicken Rice with its staff in green uniforms. Walk a few more meters, and you’ll see the pink uniforms of Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam just ahead.
The entire walk from BTS Chit Lom to Go-Ang Kaomunkai is approximately 760–770 meters.
While you can complete the walk in about 10 minutes if you stay focused, the numerous distractions along the way—including bustling shopping malls, enticing street food stalls, and even canal boats (which can delightfully get traffic-jammed!)—often mean it takes a little longer. Don't be surprised if you find yourself captivated!
To help you plan your route more easily, here’s a quick table showing the estimated travel times and fares from major BTS stations to Chit Lom Station:
| Station | Approx. Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Siam | 2 min | ฿16 |
| E2 Phloen Chit | 1 min | ฿16 |
| E3 Nana | 3 min | ฿23 |
| E4 Asok | 5 min | ฿26 |
| E6 Thong Lo | 8 min | ฿33 |
| S2 Sala Daeng | 5 min | ฿26 |
| S6 Saphan Taksin | 11 min | ฿40 |
2. Take a Grab or Taxi
Another option is to book a Grab ride or hail a taxi directly.
The primary advantage here is convenience—you bypass the 10-minute walk. This is especially practical if you’re traveling with a small group. For three or four passengers, especially for shorter distances, splitting the Grab fare can actually be more economical than individual BTS tickets, as Grab rides in Bangkok are generally affordable, while BTS fares can accumulate quickly.
But here’s the catch: Bangkok traffic jams are real.
In the Chit Lom area and around Pratunam Market, traffic is notoriously congested. There are only a few windows during the day when the streets aren’t packed—most of the time, you might find yourself stuck in traffic questioning your life choices.
If you opt for Grab, make sure you factor in possible delays due to traffic.
When booking on the app, simply set your destination to Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam using this address:
960 962 ถนน เพชรบุรี แขวง มักกะสัน เขต ราชเทวี กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400
About Booking with Grab
When you use the Grab app, you’ll see the exact fare before your ride. Once you’re in the car, that’s the amount you pay—no surprises. The only exception is if your route includes tolls or bridge fees, but the driver will always let you know in advance (these fees are fixed and non-negotiable).
Keep in mind that Grab fares are dynamic—they fluctuate based on real-time traffic, peak hours, and other factors. Prices for the same route can vary considerably depending on the time of day.
3. Take the Boat to Pratunam Pier
The third option is a more unique—and genuinely enjoyable—experience: taking a local canal boat!
As mentioned earlier, the famous Pratunam Chicken Rice spots are just a few steps away from Pratunam Pier. So, if your previous stop is already near any of the piers along the canal, or if your hotel is close to Bangkok’s inner canals, this can be a cool way to get there.
Besides being an interesting experience, taking the boat is also typically the most economical option. Tickets usually cost just ฿10–20 depending on distance, and the ride is pretty quick. The only downside is that piers are limited—not every hotel or neighborhood has convenient access.
Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat
The operator for this route is the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat. It comprises two main lines: the eastbound Nida Line and the southbound Golden Mount Line. Both lines converge at Pratunam Pier, which serves as the junction. So, if you want to ride the whole canal route from east to south, you’ll need to change boats here. For schedules and route info, you can check their official site: Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat.
Pink Uniform vs. Green Uniform: Go-Ang vs. Kuang Heng Chicken Rice
Whether you walk over from the BTS or take a boat to Pratunam Pier, you’ll spot the green-uniformed Kuang Heng Chicken Rice first.
So let’s start there!
Kuang Heng Chicken Rice – The Green Uniform
Locals often refer to Kuang Heng as the “green uniform place” because all the staff wear bright green shirts—it’s their signature look at Pratunam Market.
Kuang Heng Chicken Rice has been around for a long time—since 1932, serving Hainanese Chicken Rice right here for generations. That’s quite a legacy!
While most people come for the classic chicken rice, Kuang Heng is also famous for its satay skewers and fried chicken. Right at the entrance, you’ll see their grilling station—it’s eye-catching enough that you might even mistake it for a satay shop and accidentally walk past the main dining area.
Kuang Heng - Pratunam Chicken Rice (ก่วงเฮงข้าวมันไก่)
Open: 24 hours
+66 2 251 8768
930 New Petchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Thai Address:
930 ถนน เพชรบุรีตัดใหม่ แขวง มักกะสัน เขต พญาไท กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400
Kuang Heng Menu
The menu at Kuang Heng is surprisingly diverse. Besides the famous chicken rice, satay skewers, and fried chicken, you’ll also find boiled chicken, chicken offal, bitter melon pork rib soup, fish maw soup, toast, and even ice desserts! (They really do have a bit of everything.)
Here’s a look at their menu for reference (prices may vary):
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Pratunam Chicken Rice | ฿50 |
| Fried Chicken Rice | ฿50 |
| Boiled Chicken (Sliced) & Fried Chicken (Sliced) | ฿60 (Small/1 pax) ฿100 (Medium/2–3 pax) ฿150 (Large/4 pax) ฿350 (Half Chicken) ฿700 (Whole Chicken) |
| Mixed Chicken Rice (Boiled & Fried) | ฿50 |
| Chicken Oil Rice | ฿15 |
| Chicken Offal (Mixed Platter) | ฿40 |
| Bitter Melon Pork Rib Soup | ฿40 |
| Grilled Satay (Chicken/Pork) | ฿60 / 10 skewers |
| Signature Fish Maw Soup | ฿50 |
| Spring Rolls | ฿60 |
| Toast (Plain) | ฿10 / 2 slices |
| Toast (Butter & Sugar) | ฿10 / slice |
| Toast (Butter & Condensed Milk) or add Chocolate Sauce, Strawberry Jam, Kaya Custard, or Pandan Custard | ฿15 / slice |
| Banana Butter Toast with optional Chocolate, Caramel, or Condensed Milk | ฿30 / slice |
| Steamed Bread with Custard | ฿40 |
| Ice Bread with Red Syrup (Shaved ice dessert served over bread) | ฿40 |
| Fish Ball Noodles (Available After 7 PM) | ฿50 |
Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam – The Pink Uniform
Then there’s the other star: Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam. Locals easily call it the “pink uniform place” because everyone working here proudly wears bright pink shirts.
Compared to Kuang Heng, Go-Ang hasn’t been around quite as long, but they’re no newbie either—they’ve been serving chicken rice since 1960.
Thanks to its Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, loyal fans flock here daily. Come mealtime, the lines can look intimidatingly long. But don’t worry too much: despite the crowds, wait times are usually shorter than they seem. Go-Ang has a larger dining area, more seats, and a super quick turnover, so you’ll often be seated within 12–15 minutes—even if the line looks endless.
Michelin Guide Bangkok 2018
Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam is recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand selection.
Michelin’s take: “What looks like an ordinary roadside stall has drawn crowds of locals and tourists alike for over 50 years. The fragrant chicken oil rice and perfectly cooked chicken pair beautifully with their light soup. Locals simply exclaim: aroymak! (Thai for ‘very delicious’.)”
Check the official guide here:
MICHELIN Guide 2018: Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam
Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam (โกอ่างข้าวมันไก่ประตูน้ํา)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM–2:00 PM / 5:00 PM–2:00 AM
+66 2 252 6325
960, 962 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Thai Address:
960, 962 ถนน เพชรบุรี แขวง มักกะสัน เขต ราชเทวี กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400
Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam Menu
The menu at Go-Ang isn’t quite as extensive as Kuang Heng’s, but here’s what you’ll find:
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Hainanese Chicken Rice | ฿40 |
| Hainanese Chicken (Sliced) | ฿60 (Small) ฿120 (Large) |
| Chicken Oil Rice | ฿10 |
| Chicken Liver, Gizzard | ฿60 (Small) ฿120 (Large) |
| Stewed Spiced Pork | ฿60 (Small) ฿120 (Large) |
| Bitter Melon Pork Rib Soup | ฿50 |
| Mushroom Stewed Duck Soup | ฿60 |
| Stewed Chicken Feet Soup | ฿60 |
Pratunam Chicken Rice Opening Hours
In terms of hours, Kuang Heng is unbeatable—it’s open 24 hours, so you can swing by whenever hunger strikes.
They also serve their fish ball noodles after 7 PM, which is another local favorite. You can choose from a variety of noodles like rice noodles, vermicelli, egg noodles, and even different soup bases like clear broth, tom yum, or stuffed tofu soup.
Go-Ang splits the day into two shifts: the morning shift runs from 6 AM to 2 PM, then they take a short break before reopening at 5 PM and serving until 2 AM.
If you want dinner without the long line, try coming right at 5 PM—that’s when the crowd is smallest. We once showed up three minutes before five and ended up first in line!😎
Since both places serve up relatively modest portions, you don’t have to worry about getting too full. You can easily walk over to Central World or other nearby malls to snack, shop, and explore without missing a beat.
Or come for a late bite and cross the street to the Pratunam Neon Night Market for round two. No matter what time you visit, you’ll find plenty to do in the area.
Pratunam Chicken Rice Face-Off: Go-Ang vs. Kuang Heng
So which one’s better—Go-Ang or Kuang Heng?
Honestly, the flavor difference isn’t huge; both serve delicious plates of chicken rice.
If we had to pick, we lean slightly towards Go-Ang—not just for taste, but for other factors too: the dining area feels more spacious and brighter, there’s more seating, and prices are about 10 baht cheaper. The staff here are also super friendly and all smiles. That’s not to say Kuang Heng’s team isn’t nice—they’re great too!
As for the chicken itself, Thai-style chicken rice tends to be firmer and chewier compared to what you might find in Singapore, Malaysia, or Taiwan, where it’s often more tender and silky. Some people might not be used to that firmer bite, but many love it—food is always subjective, right?
Each place has its own dipping sauces, and both are tasty. Locals often pour the sauce directly over the chicken and rice, while visitors usually dip. One thing to try at Go-Ang is their sweet, thick black soy sauce—it’s mild and not too salty, but it’s different from the Singapore-style black soy sauce you might know.
Foodie Travel Tip:
In Thai, “Hainanese Chicken Rice” is pronounced like “Kao Mun Kai”—‘Kao’ means rice, ‘Mun’ means oil or fat, and ‘Kai’ means chicken. So in Thai, it literally means “chicken oil rice.”
Kaomunkai is a common, everyday street food in Bangkok. You’ll find it in many spots, from Terminal 21 and Siam Paragon to MBK and local night markets.
Final Thoughts: Is Pratunam Chicken Rice Worth It?
No matter which one you choose, both Pratunam Chicken Rice spots have tons of loyal fans and have basically become foodie pilgrimage stops in Bangkok. If you’re a food lover, skipping them would feel like missing out!
Of course, some people say it’s not worth a special trip just for chicken rice. Bangkok’s heat, the busy BTS, a 10-minute walk, and then another line—it might make you question your life choices once your plate finally arrives.
But the good news is, the Pratunam area is one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping and eating hubs. You’ve got Central World, Big C, luxury malls, and just across the street there’s Platinum Fashion Mall. When night falls, the Pratunam Neon Night Market comes alive. So whether you’re here for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, you can easily combine this food stop with lots more fun nearby.
Plus, the portion sizes are small, so you won’t feel overly stuffed—and you’ll have plenty of room left for other bites along the way. For anyone planning a day of eating and shopping in Bangkok’s mega shopping district, this is a must-try stop!
Finally, be sure to watch our video guide to help you decide which spot is calling your name!