Talad Noi has old-school alleys & street art

Besides staying in on long weekends to catch up on domestic chores, you might be hard-pressed to find something other than street hawkers, night markets and glitzy shopping malls in Bangkok’s bustling streets. Especially if you’re a local or a tourist who’s been here quite a few times over the years.

But there’s tons more hidden places for those who’d like to spend time visiting places of cultural significance, and that includes one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods in Bangkok – Talad Noi.

Home to old-school Thai-Chinese buildings, and a market with photogenic street art, the neighbourhood has recently gained popularity with an unlikely crowd – Gen-Zs and youngsters – who’re often sighted embarking on impromptu mural hunts to snap pics for IG or TikTok.

Here’s the low down on what to expect, if you’re planning a visit.

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Take a stroll at Talad Noi and admire vintage Thai-Chinese alleys

Image credit: @arnuchida

Apart from Yaowarat, Talad Noi is another historic Thai-Chinese neighbourhood in Bangkok that has existed since the Rattanakosin Period – its massive growth as a hub for traders was helped by the trading boom, but its role today has largely evolved over the years.

Today, the main draw of Talad Noi is its chic, old-school buildings and hidden cafes that attract a much younger crowd. Plus, this neighbourhood is a well-loved hotspot for those with an interest in street photography.

Image credit: bkkmenu

A shrine worth-visiting for a deep dive into Thai-Chinese culture is Chow Sue Kong Shrine, a Hokkien shrine that’s lasted more than 200 years. This shrine is quite large and boasts pleasing Hokkien-style architecture. Inside the shrine, you’ll find many Hokkien gods, such as Guan Yu, Hu Ye, and Mazu. We heard many locals as well as Taiwanese tourists who’ll flock to pray at this shrine to wish them good fortune.

Furthermore, you can try explore other shrines, like Rong Kiek Shrine or Siang Kong Shrine which are hidden in the alleys. These shrines are walkable from each other, so you can take your time to hop around.

Image credit: @chartreejew

After exploring the old alleys, your body might be telling you to recharge. Thankfully, Talad Noi has some small retro coffee houses that you can take a break, sit back at, and enjoy your drink before continuing to the next spot.

For example, Photohostel & Photocafe is a retro Chinese hostel & gallery cafe that’s not to be missed. The place offers both rental rooms as well as a coffee bar with a smol hidden photo gallery to admire. Please note the nondescript cafe is rather hidden along Soi Wanit 2, so you should keep an eye out when you’re looking for it.

Hidden street art & photography on the walls

Image credit: @icekantachart

Among other places in Talad Noi, we’ll tell you about a not-so-secret little alley that you could hang around for hours at – just to snap Instagrammable pics.

On the way to Rong Kiek Shrine, you’ll pass by an alley full of portrait and street photos lining the walls. These photos depict the lifestyles of locals who live in this old neighbourhood. They’re also representative of the intersection of cultural heritages between Charoen Krung’s traditionally Chinese culture, and other religious themes from Christianity or Islam to inspire meaningful art.

Image credit: @jintana_chia

Walking further down the alley, you’ll spot more murals on both sides. We’ve got to say this is a major feature that makes the spot remarkable and explains the heavier foot traffic.

Even though the place is well-known among Thai folks, we think it would be nice if it deserves more recognition from tourists as it’s definitely a breath of fresh air compared to typical malls and shopping districts.

Image credit: @paihisakaejai

The highlight of the neighbourhood has got to be this place, with a run-down classic car. Together with the dilapidated wall in the back, we find that this a perfect spot to shoot film-look pictures.

Besides, one thing that will surprise you is the fact that you will find several old automobile repair garages around the area. That would explain the random vehicle parts you may see strewn about, as if it were a scene from Westworld.

Visit a neo-classic bank building & a retro Chinese house

Image credit: @seksan_muenwiset

Not far from the street art alley sits an ancient Chinese house, So Heng Tai Mansion. The mansion once belonged to a rich Chinese family in the Rattanakosin Period, and has been in existence for 200 years. Despite its age, the house, mostly, still appears in good condition.

When exploring the premises, you’ll spot many old pieces of furniture, collections of things, as well as vintage pictures around the building. Also, do take note of the big swimming pool that sits in the middle of the house, as it’s now used for diving lessons.

Image credit: @jintana_chia

On to our final recommendation, a pitstop that you can’t miss if you’re visiting Talad Noi. At first glance, we bet you can’t tell that the yellow building in the picture houses a bank. Yes, it’s a Siam Commercial Bank‘s building, and it is the first bank in Thailand – established in 1904. With its Western architecture mixed with Neo-Classic influences, we don’t wonder why this bank has become a landmark that attracts copious numbers of tourists regularly.

Located next to the Chao Phraya River, the bank is still open till this day.

Getting to Talad Noi in Bangkok

FYI, what we’ve covered is a but a sliver of the hidden gems that Talad Noi has to offer, but we guarantee that there’s much more to do in the neighbourhood than to sightsee. Talad Noi is a great place to explore if you’re a newcomer in Bangkok, especially for those who consider themselves enthusiastic city explorers or passionate street photographers.

Apart from its photogenic spots, you can also find a lot of street food along the way that you can munch while enjoying your walk.

So, if you get bored on the weekend bookmark this street and don’t forget to bring some friends along for the ride.

Talad Noi
Address: 22 Charoen Krung Rd, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Google Maps

Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): @jintana_chia, @peckiki, @martin_intar, @seksan_muenwiset

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