Thon Buri lies on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, and was formerly called Amphoe Ratchakrhue. It is much older than Bangkok itself—it was the country’s capital under the rule of King Taksin, whose palace is here. Thon Buri was finally incorporated as a district of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area in 1971.

There are many interesting temples in Thon Buri. Foremost among these is the imposing Wat Arun on the riverbank. The district also has shopping centres with trendy shops and entertainment areas.