A walking guide to Talat Noi in Bangkok
Talat Noi is a historic neighbourhood located in the heart of Bangkok, just next to Chinatown. It is worth mentioning that ‘Talat Noi’ means ‘small market’, but despite the name, there is no real market in this area. It’s a maze of narrow lanes lined with old houses, fancy coffee shops, and mechanic workshops packed to the ceiling with greasy engine parts.
It is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, across from the famous Chinatown district. Talat Noi has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century when it was a thriving commercial and industrial hub.
Today, Talat Noi is known for its unique blend of Chinese and Thai cultures, as well as its well-preserved heritage buildings and street art. Visitors to the area can explore narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards, where they will find traditional shophouses, temples, and markets.
Chow Sue Kong Shrine
Chow Sue Kong temple is an elaborate structure and is believed to have been constructed in 1804. It is among the oldest temples that serve the Hokkien-Chinese community in Talad Noi. In those times, temples were designed to face the river as it was the primary means of transportation, and this temple still has its own pier. Additionally, Chow Sue Kong temple also participates in the annual Vegetarian Festival.
Talad Noi Street Market
As explained earlier, don’t expect to find a market in Talad Noi, but you can get a glimpse of the neighbourhood’s daily life by walking down the small street where locals buy vegetables, fruits and snacks.
So Heng Tai Mansion
So Heng Tai Mansion is a prominent landmark in Talat Noi built in the early 20th century by a wealthy Chinese merchant. The mansion is a stunning example of the fusion of Chinese and European architectural styles, featuring intricate carvings, ornate balconies, and stained-glass windows. Today, the mansion is open to the public and serves as a museum and cultural centre, showcasing the history and culture of Talat Noi and its residents.
Hong Sieng Kong
Hong Sieng Kong is a charming riverside café located along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Its expansive terrace by the water offers a delightful spot to relax under the shade of large trees, which also bring a refreshing breeze throughout the day. The café features multiple rooms, including two air-conditioned spaces, and a spacious central area where a talented duo performs live music in the evenings, creating a lively yet laid-back atmosphere.
As night falls, Hong Sieng Kong becomes even more appealing, with patrons gathering to enjoy the “blue hour” while seated by the river. The view of the iconic Che Chin Khor Pagoda across the water adds a mesmerising touch, making it a favourite spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy Bangkok’s riverside charm.
Talad Noi Street Art and Murals
One of the most popular attractions in Talat Noi is the Talat Noi Wall Art, a series of colourful murals and street art installations that can be found throughout the neighbourhood.
The Holy Rosary Church
The Holy Rosary Church, also known as Kalawar Church, is located close to River City and just next to the beautiful Siam Commercial Bank. It was built between 1891 and 1897, and its Gothic-style arched doors and Roman Catholic stained-glass windows are renowned for their beauty.
River City
River City Bangkok is a premier shopping, dining and art gallery complex located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is renowned for its antique shops, art galleries, and unique boutiques. The complex features a stunning riverside location, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and the bustling river below.
Visitors to Talat Noi can take a stroll along the narrow lanes and alleys that crisscross the neighbourhood, admiring the old shophouses and their distinctive architecture. Many of the shophouses have been painted in vibrant colours and adorned with murals and street art, making them a popular destination for photographers and art enthusiasts.
Overall, Talat Noi is a fascinating destination for those interested in history, culture, and architecture, offering a unique glimpse into Bangkok’s rich and diverse heritage.
Where to Eat and Drink in Talat Noi
Coffee shop culture
In addition to So Heng Tai Mansion, Talat Noi is also known for its many old mechanic shophouses, which can be found throughout the neighbourhood. These shophouses are a testament to Talat Noi’s industrial past when the area was an automobile and machinery repair centre. Today, many of the shophouses have been repurposed as art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops, adding to the neighbourhood’s unique charm and character.
Mother Roaster Coffee Shop
Mother Roaster Coffee Shop is a popular, trendy coffee shop hidden behind an unassuming facade covered with paintings and graffiti. What probably made the cafe so popular, beyond the pretty cafe and the talented baristas, is the fact that the coffee shop is on the second floor of a mechanic junkyard. If you don’t know about the place, you will not step inside once you see the massive pile of greasy engine parts stored in a giant mess on the ground floor. Apparently, the young generation is very attracted by such hidden places because Mother Roaster is always full.
Naam 1608 restaurant
Naam 1608 is a great restaurant and bar right by the Chao Phraya River, with a cosy atmosphere and beautiful views of the Chinese temple on the other side of the river. The restaurant is well hidden at the end of a tiny late date, but thanks to Google Maps, it has become easy to find. A nice breeze flows through the wooden building, perfect for a relaxing lunch, to end the day with a Thai dinner, or just enjoy a drink by the river from 11 am onwards.
Address: 1608 Song Wat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Hours: 11 am – 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: 091 936 1632
Reservations: strongly recommended, especially on weekends
Get the directions: https://goo.gl/maps/5KHEhhep68cn3mZ66
Siam Commercial Bank Building
The Siam Commercial Bank Talad Noi Branch is a historic building located on the Chao Phraya riverside, not far from Bangkok Chinatown. Opened in 1908, it is Thailand’s oldest operating bank branch. Designed by Italian architect Annibale Rigotti in the Beaux-Arts style, the building features an elegant façade with ornate details, arched windows, and a grand symmetrical design. Its architecture reflects early Western influence in Thailand, showcasing a blend of sophistication and functionality.
Situated in the Talad Noi neighbourhood, the branch offers visitors an unexpected glimpse into Bangkok’s past. Despite its age, the bank continues to serve customers, preserving its role in Thailand’s financial history. The building stands as a testament to the country’s early modernisation and architectural innovation, making it a treasured piece of heritage in the heart of Bangkok.
More Photos of Talat Noi
Talad Noi Map
