Bangkok, Thailand
Creative District Guide
The Creative District is a melting pot of diversity, history, and creativity. See a different side of Bangkok and to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture (as well as get a great coffee and Pad Thai), wander down Bangkok’s oldest (and first paved road), Charoen Kkrung Road.
The best bits are in the side streets and alley-ways that open a world of brilliant street art, quirky cafes and the best street food in Thailand. You can catch a ferry along the river and get off at Talat Noi. Make your way south staying between the river and the Charoen K
Places to Go!
Mother Roaster
(Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm)
Follow the aroma of roasted coffee beans to this 40 year old traditional wooden house turned coffee shop hidden in the heart of Talad Noi. Originally used to store car and boat engine parts, the funky café is owned by Pim , a 70 year old barista who brings her years of expertise to the wide ranging menu. Choose from savoury stews to sugar free cakes that accompany coffee passionately brewed. Dine in only as Mother Roaster has a strict no single use plastic ethos.
Baan Rim Naam
(Thursday to Sunday 6pm to 10pm, dinner only)
Nestled on the Chao Phraya’s River edge, this charming warehouse built in the early 1800s offers a unique and intimate dining experience by dynamic duo Florian Gypser and Goy Siwaporn . Embark on a culinary journey as Florian and Goy spark meaningful conversations over Thai tapas, home crafted cocktails and classic dishes at their communal table. Only 10 spots are available every Wednesday to Sunday so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Hong Sieng Kong
(Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm)
Filled with antiques, this Sino Thai style café and gallery space is the result of a meticulous yearlong restoration project by owner Decha Hong. Located next to one of the first Cantonese shrines in Bangkok Zhou Song Gong, the property’s buildings date back to 200 years ago where it was used for rice trading. Grab a waterside table and savour the colorful fruit pies or butterfly pea sorbet as you take in the Chao Phraya River sunset.
Citizen Tea Canteen
(Friday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm)
Tucked neatly in the alleys of Talad Noi , this mom and pop shophouse turned charming artisanal tea room is the brainchild of artist Saran Yenpanya. Decorated with hand painted wooden walls and local handicraft, the concept celebrates the classic Chinese ‘kopi’ café culture with a menu that is dedicated to tea aficionados. Sip on a selection of local blends from various Thai provinces or opt for the traditional Thai milk tea. Be sure not to miss out on their monthly specials too.
P. Tendercool Showroom
(Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm)
This design studio specializing in bespoke furniture remastered from reclaimed Ming Dynasty floorboards and Ayutthaya Teak wood is run by Belgian couple Pieter Compernol and Stephanie Grusenmeyer. Experts in restoring antiques, their method of ‘French polishing’ ensures every table is masterfully designed to be beautiful, functional and made to last. Each piece is one of a kind and has its own story to tell. Browse their coveted collection at Warehouse 30 or visit the factory, located just around the corner.
House No. 1
(Not open to the public)
Built-in the early 1900s, this neoclassical building is listed as an ancient monument. Located on Captain Bush Lane, the first paved road of which its neighbours include the Embassy of France and the first customs office, it was originally the office of the Societe Francaise des Distilleries de l’Indochine (SFDI), a French Corporation that managed the supply of alcohol products. This landmark remains a legacy of European presence in South East Asia at the turn of the century.
Warehouse 30
(Open daily from 9am to 8pm)
Built by the team behind The Jam Factory, the seven renovated warehouses contain a myriad of shops, galleries, showrooms, cafes, co-working spaces, and a large event space making it the center of the creative district. Through careful conservation and minimal intervention, the original architectural elements of the warehouses have been kept intact to preserve the charm of the aged wooden beams and structure. The property is also home to P.
BUKRUK Wall
(Guided tours available)
In 2016, the BUKRUK Urban Art festival saw artists from around the world gather to create eye-catching murals and art exhibitions. 8 years on, the street art left behind has transformed the historical Charoen Krung neighborhoods, turning it into an emerging area for creativity. Stroll down the alley and take in the expressive, mood-altering murals by the likes of Alex Face, Kult , Lolay and various other street artists. The wall paintings stretch from Charoen Kung Soi 28 to Soi 32 thus making the area an iconic
ATT19
(Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm)
Breathing inspiration into Charoen Krung, this retired 100-year-old Chinese school turned elegant mixed-use compound that has blended art, design, fashion, lifestyle, food, and an exhibition space beautifully together. Spearheaded by artistic siblings Mook and Cher, both sisters have curated the two-storey space to honour the building’s old teak wood structure whilst introducing interesting concepts to the compound. Don’t miss out on the exhibition space which displays rotating exhibitions by young emerging Thai artists and students.
Grand Postal Building
(Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm)
Originally the old British Embassy, Thailand’s postal service wasn’t established until after 1885. One little-known fact the origins of the Thai postal are tied to the British. Before 1850, mail service was limited, demand rose from expatriates and thus, a treaty signed between Great Britain and Siam had the British Consular Post Office take on the mailing services. As expansion grew, the Thai postal service came into its own and moved into its current building on the busy Charoen Krung road. In 1940, the building was given a makeover into its majestic form today.
Harmonique
(Open daily 10am to 8pm)
With Charoen Krung’s many secret sois ’ lies a hidden gem, a restaurant concealed behind lush floral flanks. Looking in is like staring into the tunnel, it’s only when you venture inside that you are welcomed by a large Banyan tree rising in the middle of a Chinese courtyard dotted with stone-top dining tables and antique wooden chairs. Founded by couple Boonma Vattana and Jacques Deen, their homey eatery offers Thai comfort food for its many generations of loyal patrons.
Haroon Mosque
(Open daily 9am to 5pm, Daily prayers at 6pm to 7pm)
One of Bangkok’s significant mosques dating back to the 1800s, the original design was of a hybrid Ayutthaya Java style then upgraded into its brick and lime form today. Founded by Haroon Bafadel , the mosque is central to the surrounding active Muslim community. With neighbours like the French Embassy and Old Customs House, the presence of this house of worship only adds to the diversity of the Creative District. Every Friday prayer, the neighborhood comes alive as people gather for prayers. One can become a wallflower and respectfully observe the activities if permitted or partake in the variety of Thai Muslim food s sold by its residents.
The Hidden Milk Bar
(Open daily from 11am to 6pm)
Tucked away behind a secret red gate in Charoen Krung Soi 32, this eye-catching yet adorable Retro Milk bar offers Aussie-inspired Instagrammable drinks and desserts like Fairy bread frappe, Jaffa milkshake, peach melba, and the beloved Lamington. This pastel-pink wonderland is a photo lover’s paradise, filled with cute interiors and vintage knick-knacks. After your sugar dosage, visit the second-floor gallery space that plays host to rotating exhibitions by art students. To note, their Lamingtons are only available on the weekends.
Jua
(Open daily 6pm to midnight)
Located at the end of an alleyway is a modern izakaya specializing in yakitori, artisanal sakes and hand crafted cocktails. ‘ Jua ’ is Thai for the gambling term ‘hit me’ me’, a reference to the previously illegal use of the corner shop house turned popular late night eatery. Sit at the long marble counter and spot the photographs from co owner Jason Lang’s book, ‘ Sake: The History, Stories and Craft of Japan’s Artisanal Breweries ’’. In the corner of Creative District, is a small kitchen where chef and co owner Chet Akins grills skewers over Japanese charcoal. The immaculately designed space is a fun place to be and combines the spirit of Osaka’s backstreets with the vibrant energy and laidback soul of Bangkok’s old town.
Tropic City
(Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight, closed every Sunday and Monday)
To complete our Creative District list is the ranked no. 17 in Asia by World’s 50 Best Bars, this award winning tropical cocktail bar is known for their innovative drinks, unparalleled hospitality and passion for everything rum. The brainchild of hospitality veterans Philip Stefanescu & Sebastian De la Cruz, the cocktail bar is a colourful design of tropical influences from around the world. Explore their signature craft cocktails including the LoveHangover, Chronic Iced Tea and So Fresh, So Clean, and check out their monthly rum tasting nights a recurring event that is not to be missed.
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