Originally, Tanao Road was a northern phase of Fueang Nakhon Road, which King Chulalongkorn (Rama VI) to be built in the year 1863–64. There was a presumption that the name of Tanao Road will be based on the Tenasserim people (Tenasserim in Thai is known as "Tanao" or "Tanao Si") that the king ordered to settle at this road, so-called Ban Tanao Si, Tanao Si or Tanao Roads etc. But some people assume that comes from this road cutting through the aromatic herb shop area, which this herb was called "Tanao" (a kind of sachet).
The area is notable for its food, particularly heritage restaurants serving dishes originating in palaces, including Baan Varnakovida and Kor Panich.[4]