'Lost in Time, Lost in Era: Exploring Bangkok's Chinatown' #TaladNoi Samphanthawong District

During the recent holiday, I decided to explore the city instead of traveling to the countryside. I wanted to experience a different atmosphere and wander around the capital. After some research, I discovered hidden gems within the city that offered a unique charm and a timeless appeal. These places, despite their age, exuded a sense of coolness and sophistication.

My attention was drawn to a place that resembled a miniature Chinatown, but with a completely different atmosphere from Yaowarat.

This location is known as 'Talad Noi' or 'Talakkia'.

After much deliberation, we couldn't find the perfect spot. Then, we stumbled upon a picture on a website. It depicted an old, Chinese-style building with dilapidated surroundings. In the center, a vibrant blue swimming pool stood out. We learned that it was located in the Talad Noi district of Samphanthawong, but details about its name and purpose remained elusive.

This image has sparked my curiosity, leading me to wonder, "Where is this place located?"

Lost and desperate, he set out on a journey to find his way back....

--------------------------

The Journey Begins: Exploring the Historic Rattanakosin Island

My journey commenced at the heart of Rattanakosin Island, arriving around 2 pm. Despite the slightly late hour, the Thai sun blazed relentlessly, a testament to its scorching power.

Stepping off the bus, sweat immediately beaded on my forehead, even before I had begun exploring.

This trip began at Wat Phra Kaew for a simple reason: my bus route from Lad Phrao conveniently passed through Sanam Luang. Opting to start my exploration of Rattanakosin's historical charm here, I found myself drawn to the auspiciousness of commencing the journey with a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, a temple I hadn't visited in quite some time.

My first stop, upon disembarking the bus, was the revered City Pillar Shrine.

The weather outside is scorching hot and sunny. Let's go inside.
But hey... I wonder if it's even hotter inside. 55555+

Well... I'm not a ghost or anything. It's better to play by myself than to be ganged up on.
It hurts less than when other people play against me.

The crowd today is relatively small, creating a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

After that, we walked towards Wat Phra Kaew. Next to the City Pillar Shrine is the Ministry of Defence building, which stands out with its bright yellow color. It has become another important landmark of Bangkok.

Today, when I visited, it was actually the Graduation Festival. There were so many people taking graduation photos around here. It has become one of the most popular places for graduates to take their photos.

Okay, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is right in front of us. Let's cross the street and walk together. There are a lot of cars and people, so be careful.

We have passed through the entrance gate. Let's go in!

The Enduring Enchantment of Wat Phra Kaew

The allure of Wat Phra Kaew remains undiminished. Each visit reveals its enduring beauty, with every corner adorned in resplendent gold. This magnificent temple fills me with immense pride in my Thai heritage.

The atmosphere at Wat Phra Kaew remains lively, with a significant number of international tourists. I believe that limiting the number of daily visitors would be beneficial, as the current volume is excessive. This overcrowding can detract from the serene atmosphere of a Thai temple. In certain areas, the crowds are overwhelming, with loud voices and commotion from tourists and guides shouting instructions. The sheer number of people can obscure the temple's essence, making it difficult to discern one's surroundings. It feels as though one is surrounded by a Chinese tour group, rather than being in a sacred space. Consequently, I was unable to capture many photographs at Wat Phra Kaew. Certain locations were simply impossible to photograph due to the crowds.

With only these photos, I'll head over to the **Giant Swing**. It's not far, so I'll stop by for a bit.
I'll hail a tuk-tuk from the front of Wat Phra Kaew.

Here we are! It feels like we just sat down, and I haven't even caught my breath yet.

As usual, the Graduation Festival and the Pre-wedding Extravaganza are in full swing, with countless couples taking photos.

It's almost as if they planned it! They take turns taking photos, one after another. Hehe.

I waited for a moment when no one was around and snapped a few pictures myself. I'll have to come back and take some photos at night sometime. I bet the atmosphere will be just as beautiful.

This photo is said to be hipster, so I'm going to try it too. I want to play too. 5555+

This row of shophouses is incredibly old, with a vaguely European feel. It's a glimpse of Bangkok that's not quite civilized, but undeniably charming.

No sooner had we set off than my stomach began to rumble. As lunchtime had not yet arrived, we decided to look for a place to eat. As we walked along, we came across an alleyway. Glancing inside, we saw people sitting and eating, with tables set up along the side of the road. We decided to take a closer look and came across this restaurant. It was a restaurant serving roast pork, crispy pork, noodles, tom yum fish head, and other similar dishes. The name of the restaurant was Siriporn Bhochana. The atmosphere of the restaurant was very much in line with the theme of my trip, so I didn't hesitate to order. I ordered a plate of roast pork and crispy pork rice.

Here it is! My roasted pork and crispy pork rice. Simple food, but it tastes great. Amidst the classic atmosphere of the restaurant, this is enough to fill both my stomach and my heart.

After a satisfying savory meal, we decided to indulge in some sweet treats. As we exited the alleyway where the restaurant was located, we spotted a large sign for "Kope" across the street. Intrigued, we headed over to investigate.

Today, I'm going to share with you a truly vintage experience. Brace yourselves for a journey into the past!

Kope Heea Tia Kee, in my opinion, is a local favorite. Upon entering, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere, with almost every table occupied. This type of establishment is sure to appeal to many, offering a vintage, relaxed, and warm ambiance. It's the perfect spot to unwind and admire the cityscape of Phra Nakhon.

Upon entering the restaurant, customers are greeted with a unique concept: self-service. This means that patrons are responsible for placing their own orders and collecting their food.

If you want to see the menu, please come and pick it up.
If you want to order, please come to the counter and order.
If you want to eat, please wait...wait.

The staff will then call us to pick up our food.
We have food, but no utensils to eat with. We walk, walk, walk... to pick up our utensils.

The experience is similar to visiting a food center or ordering from KFC, where you serve yourself.

A refreshing glass of sweet iced milk for 55 baht. The prices for both food and drinks are a bit high, but the taste is good. A price of 30-35 baht would be more reasonable, considering the size of the glass. However, the view is worth the price, as it offers a unique perspective of the old city.

Another dish I ordered to enjoy alongside the main course was crispy roti with condensed milk. It was a delightful combination, especially when paired with a glass of chilled milk.
Feeling hungry yet? Then let's get started!

Drizzled with milk and sugar, a decadent treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy it fresh for the ultimate indulgence.

A solitary corner for a mustachioed man like me, amidst the antiquity that surrounds me, including the various buildings and houses. This type of environment is becoming increasingly rare.

After a satisfying meal of both savory and sweet dishes, my stomach is full to the brim. Let's take a walk to aid digestion.

Exiting the Kope Hya Tai Kee coffee shop, we cross the street to the other side of the alley. The buildings here seem to transport us back in time centuries ago.

Wandering Through the Streets to Pad Thai Pratu Phi

Strolling through the streets, I stumbled upon the entrance to Pratu Phi Alley. Lo and behold, there it was – Pad Thai Pratu Phi!

I had no idea it was so close, just a short walk through the alleyway. However, the restaurant wasn't open yet. I'll have to come back later in the evening to patronize this famous establishment. I'm eager to discover what makes this renowned eatery so special, to the point of becoming a legendary spot for Bangkokians.

Alright, let's continue our journey. Hailing a tuk-tuk, we hop on and head towards Talad Noi. It's time to chase our dreams in this vibrant market.

The journey on a tuk-tuk was an adventure in itself, living up to its reputation. The ride was exhilarating, with the driver weaving through traffic as if the vehicle were a motorbike. It was a close call at times, making me hold on tight for dear life.

Taking pictures during the ride was impossible due to the constant need to brace myself. The only photos I managed to capture were during a brief traffic jam, offering a glimpse of the bustling street market.

To the safety of Talad Noi, good everyone. Hehe

Now it's time to follow my dreams… The place that inspired me to travel today, I still don't know where it's hidden in the nooks and crannies of Talad Noi. I have to go find it first. But along the way, there are buildings and houses that still retain their old charm, which has become even more beautiful over time. I don't think it looks bad or dilapidated, but rather classic, harmonious, and very charming. I actually feel good that people here still live in these old buildings and go about their lives normally.

If we talk about safety or anything, that might be another story. But some things that should be preserved, we can keep them by taking care of them, repairing them, and improving them, but not by changing them into something new like lifeless square buildings.

Upon arrival, I was disoriented and unsure of the direction to take. I approached a local resident and showed them the picture of the destination, hoping to get some directions. The resident was unsure of the exact location but suggested it might be near the Marine Department. They advised me to walk straight ahead until the end of the road and then turn right towards the Marine Department. Following their advice, I began my journey. As I walked, I noticed an old building across the street that captivated my attention with its timeless beauty. I couldn't help but wonder about its age and the era in which it was constructed.

After walking to the front of the Marine Department, I tried asking for directions from the tuk-tuk drivers in the area. They might know the way, but they said that the only thing they knew about the area was street art painted on the walls a little further down the road. They couldn't remember anything about the old Chinese building with the swimming pool.

So we continued walking... Let's go take pictures of the street art first. It's a highlight that we can't miss.

After walking along the path, I still wasn't sure where the street art was. I thought it might be easy to find along the way, but my eyes caught sight of this sign hanging in the distance, so I decided to walk a little closer. There must be a shrine inside, so let's walk down the alley.

As you walk in, you will find that every building and every house is full of traces of memory and time.

I found some amazing street art that isn't just in popular tourist spots. This place has some beautiful and unique pieces that are just as good as anywhere else.

A New Haircut for a New Adventure

My new haircut is absolutely amazing! I opted for a vintage style to complement the location. Although, to be honest, it might not be that noticeable compared to my previous hairstyle. 😜

While I was taking photos, two women who were also taking pictures nearby approached me. They whispered, "Hey, have you been to this spot yet? Hurry before they close it!" They then showed me photos they had taken on their iPad, revealing a stunning sight: a pool surrounded by ancient Chinese architecture – exactly what I had been searching for!

I couldn't thank them enough. Initially, I planned to leave after capturing some street art, assuming that was the end of the road. But thanks to their tip, I discovered a hidden path leading deeper into the area.

It's like finding a needle in a haystack! With destiny on my side, I rushed towards the pool, determined to see it before it closed.

Translation:

Is this what I've been looking for... The entrance alone is magical. Let's go inside and see.

Stepping inside feels like falling in love. The antiquity of the place blends seamlessly with the vibrant red hues and the distinct aroma of Chinese art. It resembles an ancestral home, once inhabited by generations past (photography in this area is restricted by the homeowner). Today, it welcomes visitors and photography enthusiasts, but respect for the space is paramount.

This is the angle I've been looking for! This is the starting point of my journey today.
Finally, I found it! I'm happier than finding my soulmate.

As for the swimming pool, I'm not sure why it's here. From what I've read, it seems to be used for scuba diving lessons.
However, I'm not sure if it's still in use today.

Another interesting aspect of this location is its role as a breeding ground for beagles. Dozens of these adorable canines reside here, their identical faces posing a challenge when it comes to assigning individual names.

It's time to say goodbye to the place I've been searching for. I'm truly impressed until the very last moment I have to leave.

After walking a short distance, I stumbled upon this hidden gem. Its beauty is unparalleled, and I haven't seen it featured on any websites or social media platforms. While some may have visited this spot, it hasn't received much attention or promotion. In my opinion, its charm rivals any other corner of the historic district.

It's unclear whether the presence of the vintage orange car was a coincidence or intentional, but it perfectly complements the scene. Today, I explored extensively, leaving me drenched in sweat but filled with immense joy.

Translation:

The old-world atmosphere that surrounds me today truly lends Talad Noi its charm, along with the beautiful blend of Thai and Chinese influences.

Even newly built shops and hotels in this area are designed to blend in with the classic surroundings. The emphasis is on warmth, wood, and the use of colors similar to ancient architecture, further enhancing the value of this area, which successfully blends the old and the new.

Translation:

It's time to go back. It's getting late. On the way back, let's stop by the Odeon Circle to take some pictures. It's a coincidence that there is an event today, so I feel like going to take some pictures from a high angle.

For this angle, I went to ask to take pictures on the parking lot of the building in the area. So I got a high angle like this. It's quite unusual and you can also see the back view of Wat Traimit, which fits perfectly in the angle.

The journey of "Lost in the City: Lost in Time" by "Lost Traveler" has come to an end.
One day of exploring places that are close to us but may be overlooked.

Usually, my life is all about seeking out nature, going far and wide.
You could say you'd find me in the forests and mountains, hehe.

This was the first time I gave myself the opportunity to look at things from a different perspective and try exploring places closer to home. Instead of traveling to nature, I decided to travel through time. Even though the world is spinning fast, some places still retain their unique character that hasn't changed with time.


The beauty of life... is truly in the small things. Just being content with our own little world right here, that's all it takes to be happy.

------------------
Thank you all for following the journey of Lost Traveler. See you again soon! As a parting shot, here's a picture taken from the rooftop of a building near Odeon Circle, where I went to capture some high-angle shots today. The once-mighty capital city, when viewed from this angle, becomes just a small thing we can see from afar with our naked eyes...

For further travel discussions, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Lost.Somewhere.Together