Rating: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily (for religious activities; visitors are advised to contact / make an appointment in advance)

Opening Hours: Varies by prayer times and mosque activities – please call before you go

 

Ton Son Mosque (Kudi Bangkok Yai / Kudi Yai), Bangkok When people talk about Thonburi, many will picture famous riverside temples, old local eateries, and little lanes that somehow let you time-travel without trying too hard. But in that same scene, there is another important religious landmark standing quietly near the mouth of Bangkok Yai Canal—a long-standing anchor of the Muslim community in Bangkok for centuries. That place is Ton Son Mosque, known locally as Kudi Bangkok Yai or simply Kudi Yai, and in certain periods of history it was also referred to as “Surao Khlong Nang Hong”

 

The appeal of this mosque is not only its great age—often said to have existed since before the reign of King Songtham in the Ayutthaya period—but also its architectural personality that makes passersby look twice. The most recognizable feature is its “dome,” the signature image of Ton Son Mosque. Various sources discuss inspirations drawn from Islamic elements across different regions, creating an atmosphere distinct from many other mosques in the capital. It has become a destination for history lovers, architecture-focused photographers, and travelers who prefer “real places in real communities” over staged attractions

 

The name “Kudi Bangkok Yai” is closely tied to its location, because the mosque sits near the mouth of Bangkok Yai Canal—a vital lifeline of Thonburi since old times. As for the name “Ton Son Mosque,” local oral tradition connects it to a pair of pine trees (“ton son”) planted anew during the reign of King Rama III near the front gate after the completion of a newer building. The name stuck and eventually became the best-known name among visitors today

 

The significance of Ton Son Mosque also links to events in the Thonburi era. According to accounts passed down, King Taksin the Great once came here to take part in funeral rites for “Chao Phraya Chakri Si Ongkharak (Mut)” a trusted military officer, and later granted restoration and additional land to expand the site. This illustrates how a “mosque” in Bangkok has never been merely a place of worship, but a part of the city’s political, social, and community landscape across different eras

 

Another reason Ton Son Mosque matters to people beyond the simple label of a “religious site” is its role as a learning and caring community space. In the past, there are accounts that some Muslims of other traditions who did not yet have their own mosque used Ton Son Mosque for general religious practice, including activities during Muharram. Beyond worship, the mosque also provides religious and Arabic-language teaching for youth on weekends. It’s a reminder that the heart of the place isn’t only the building, but the ongoing transmission of knowledge, faith, and community

 

If you plan to visit as a traveler, a lovely thing about this neighborhood is that it truly works as a “walkable” area and lets you see a calmer version of Bangkok. Still, it’s important to understand that a mosque is a sacred space with its own rhythm of religious activities. Dressing modestly, keeping good manners, avoiding disruption during prayer times, and asking before photographing certain areas are all essential. If you want a deeper visit or are bringing foreign guests to learn, it’s best to coordinate in advance so your visit is appropriate for both visitors and the community using the mosque

 

Getting There There are several ways to reach Ton Son Mosque. If you prefer rail transit, you can take the MRT to the Thonburi side and then walk or take a motorcycle taxi along main roads such as Itsaraphap / Arun Amarin (choose the best route from your starting point). If you come by bus or taxi, pin “Ton Son Mosque / มัสยิดต้นสน” and note that it is in the area near Wat Arun Ratchawararam and Bangkok Yai Canal. If driving, allow extra time for parking, as this is a community area with nearby religious sites and can be busy, especially on weekends and during major riverside events

 

Once you arrive, you can easily plan a “half-day is just right” route—visit the mosque and learn about the community, then continue to nearby temples and riverside viewpoints, or cross to the Phra Nakhon side to collect Old Town landmarks. Finish with local food around the Wat Arun–Itsaraphap area, where many long-running shops are tucked away more than you might expect. This kind of trip gives you faith, community, and food culture in one go—without having to rush across the city

 

 

A: It is in Bangkok Yai District on the Arun Amarin Road area, near the mouth of Bangkok Yai Canal and close to Wat Arun Ratchawararam.

 

A: The mosque is primarily an active place of worship. Visitors should dress modestly, observe proper etiquette, and contact / make an appointment in advance for the most appropriate visit.

 

A: The dome and the overall architectural character are the mosque’s signature, alongside its long-standing role as a Thonburi-side Muslim community center.

 

A: Since daily schedules follow prayer times and community activities, it’s best to call ahead to choose a suitable time for both visitors and the community.

 

A: Nearby options include Wat Kalayanamit, Baan Kudichin Museum, Wat Hong Rattanaram, and Wat Arun—all of which can fit nicely into a half-day walking route.