Tyla Fergusson-Platt discovers Bangkok’s hidden creative quarter and lays out a guide to the most interesting places to visit within it.

Charoenkrung is interesting, not just because of its newly burgeoning art scene, but it is also the oldest remaining area of Bangkok.

Unlike other major capital cities like New York or London, Bangkok is largely a modern metropolis. Which makes this small enclave of its historical buildings stand out and appear even more impressive.

In 2015, this part of Bangkok became its flagship creative quarter, incorporating both Charoenkrung and Talat Noi. Its beginnings came from the ‘Thailand Creative & Design Centre’ whose work inspired the government to eventually promote the area as the city’s ‘creative quarter’.

In this guide we showcase the most interesting areas of Charoenkrung to visit. Although walking around this area and getting lost is one of the most satisfying parts of visiting Bangkok’s creative district!

965bkk Cultural Centre

965bkk Cultural Centre

965bkk Cultural Centre is one of those places that you won’t find in a guide book. Tucked between a garage and a modern high-rise, it is easy to miss.

The building is a beautifully restored 200-year old Chinese merchant house, which would have originally had a shop downstairs and living quarters upstairs.

‘We’ve heard neighbours recount their experience in 965, their childhood memories of running through our shaded courtyards. Reminiscing the smell of oyster sauce permeating through the narrow laneways of Talat Noi and slow afternoons of playing card games on the second floor.’ – Owners of 965

The occupiers of the building have allowed the structure to keep its aged look, while invigorating it with modern touches.

The greenery that they have incorporated acts as ‘green shoots’ to the building’s new beginnings, while offering a colourful juxtaposition to the weathered rustic plaster.

Fresh paint on the wooden structures gives the centre a modern, trendy look that adds to the buildings illustrious history.

965bkk Cultural Centre

The local Thai artists selling their art inside 965bkk

The most interesting aspect of the Cultural Centre though is the range of local Thai art and crafts that are on sale in their shop.

You can get your hands on Thai literature written in English, offering a unique glimpse into Thai culture.

This dedication to championing local products also extends to their drinks and food sold at their on-site cafe. They source their ingredients directly from small-scale Thai farmers, supporting the local community.

The centre even has art workshops you can join. Visit the website for more information: https://965bkk.com/

The 965bkk art shop

Street Art – Walking to the river

All along the walk there is a competing battle between the last remnants of old Bangkok and the modern metropolis which is slowly eating away at its architectural history.

The high rises loom over the small ramshackle Chinese merchant houses, a sad decline for such a beautifully diverse area.

Street art though is a welcome, vibrant edition to the city.

Along this walk to the riverside from 965bkk, a complementary range of styles brightens up the ramshackle concrete buildings.

How to get to the riverbank from 965bkk

From 965bkk to the riverbank (where you can see more of the old Chinese merchant houses) it is a pleasant 10 minute walk.

The area is surrounded by street art and cool independent shops and cafes which are well worth stopping to see. The artwork includes unique Thai styles and themes.

Taking a left after leaving 965bkk, walk in the direction of Wat Traimit. Walk past the temple and go towards Trok San Chao Rong Kueak.

Take your time, it is a rare part of Bangkok where you can see its historic past and its modern artistic future.

Art and street art sit side by side in Talat Noi

Horseshoe Shrine – Rong Kueak Shrine

The horseshoe shrine sits in between the historic Chinese old merchant area and the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s vast river.

Historically it was used for the Chinese settlers in the area and continues to be used to this day. Its name derives from the fact that the temple was used by blacksmiths.

Inside it has a distinctive, sharp colour contrast that dazzles your eyes. It is still used by the Chinese community in Talot Noi, which means you can see first-hand a living, breathing monastery.

The shrine has the added benefit of having an expansive view of the Chao Phraya river. It is a secluded spot that allows you to take in the city-scape in a quiet, calming part of the river away from the maddening crowds of Chinatown.

Opening hours – midday to midnight everyday

Rong Kueak Shrine

Warehouse 30

Warehouse 30 is a mixed bag of different art and creative spaces, a building which was formerly a WW2 industrial location. There are lots of spacious stores with only a few ticketed items and expensive price tags.

Its a largely forgettable range of shops unless you have a large bank balance. It seems to be more the playground of Bangkok’s middle-class.

It is worth going to see the antique/second-hand shop though, which has a huge selection of antiques and vintage clothing. It includes items from all around the world, with a particular emphasis on Americana.

Prices are high though and reflect what you would pay in Europe for similar items.

Opening hours: 9am – 6pm (some shops close later)