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Talad Noi: The older me and the Old little Thai-Chinese community.

The older me and the old little Thai-Chinese community.

One Day Walk : Talad Noi (ตลาดน้อย) @Charoenkrung

08/09/2022

Talad Noi is a historic Chinese neighborhood on the borders of Bangkok's Chinatown, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It is well-known for having a strong community spirit, ancient buildings, and lanes brimming with street art and used vehicle parts. Many creative secret cafes and bars have recently appeared, becoming very popular among young travelers and Instagram users.

This place brings me back to the nostalgic atmosphere since I studied at Mahapruttaram School in Charoenkrung. I spend six years of my early teen phase walking past here almost every day before the days here go viral for travelers. I came to visit this place after three years of high school graduation to see how this place changed and to fulfill my desire for walking around like an early teen again.

Story of Talad Noi

Talad Noi, which means "little market," was one of the first Chinese communities in Rattanakosin. Because of the relocation of Portuguese and Chinese communities following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, there is a mix of ethnicity and religion. They were granted a tiny plot of land in Talad Noi. This is evidenced by the presence of multiple Buddhist temples, a Roman Catholic church, and Chinese Shrines in small communities. The most noticeable aspect, though, is the very strong atmosphere of the Chinese community.

Where you shouldn't miss at Talad Noi?

There are a lot of places that are 'instagramable' spots here in just one day I cannot walk around all the block to find all the nice places to show you guys because of the hell-on-earth level of the weather in afternoon Bangkok. BUT these are my favorite spot when I was a high school student and I came back to shoot for you guys just to be a sample of how beautiful and authentic these places are.

Soi Charoen Krung 22

A small alleyway filled with locals and old wood residents.

Street art in Trok San Chao Rong Kueak

It's a little alleyway filled with realistic wall murals and fascinating graffiti. The highlight is the wall paintings in front of the Mother Roaster coffee store. A vast wall also displays amazing photographs made by many photographers. This alleyway is a photographer's dream.

Hon Wong Kung Shrine (also known as Rong Kuak Shrine)

This modest Chinese shrine in the Hakka style is located near the Chao Phraya River. Inside, a color Bas-relief depicts stories about ancient Chinese who lived there. There are several notable wall paintings on the outdoors.

Sol Heng Tai Mansion

Sol Heng Tai Mansion was created around 200 years ago in the Hokkien-Teochew architectural style. It is a group of four homes that surround a big courtyard. It was owned by one of the first Chinese trade families to leave China. 

Little Rusty Fiat 500

This small orange Fiat is supposed to have been parked here for a very long time. So much so that it has become one of Talad Noi's landmarks, especially in these age of Instagrammable backdrops!

Because Talad Noi is a little community in the middle of Bangkok city, you can easily go to this place by bus no.1, 75 or MRT Hualampong station.

Hope this can guide you guys to this peaceful Thai-Chinese community along the Chao Phraya riverside :)