Experience Bangkok’s good ol’ days at this hidden gem devoted to preserving Thai culture
| LOCATED on the banks of Klong Bang Luang on the Thonburi side of the river, Baan Silapin (The Artist’s House) is well worth a visit if you want to experience what life in Bangkok was like before the concrete jungle took hold. The wooden house, over 200 years old and lovingly restored by its owner Khun Chumpol Akkapantanon, sits at the heart of a small community of rustic shophouses which are connected by a wooden walkway that follows the edge of the klong (canal). Apart from long-tail boats frequently whizzing by – sometimes stopping to sell desserts and tempting snacks – and the crowds of curious locals who turn up at the weekends, the neighbourhood is generally much quieter (and the pace of life much slower) than the bustling territory across the river. And it’s lovely. |  |
  | Devoted to promoting local artists and preserving Thai culture, Baan Silapin is steeped in history and oozes inspiration. At its heart sits a 600 year old white chedi, in front of which a troupe of puppeteers performs every Tues-Sun from 2pm, bringing to life Thai folklore through rhythmic dances, intricately crafted puppets, and a dose of typical Thai humour. A small coffee shop on the ground floor provides a selection of hot and cold drinks (as well as curries and simple Thai dishes on the weekends). Here kids can also take part in puppet workshops and art activities (mask painting starts at B89). Wander up the wooden staircase at the rear of the shop, and you can also peruse and buy paintings and drawings by local artists. During weekdays most of the shops near Baan Silapin are closed, but the advantage of this is that the house is much quieter. Take a good book, sit on the edge of the klong, and soak up the atmosphere – you’ll feel a million miles away from Bangkok. |
Getting there
The easiest way to get to Baan Silapin is to take a taxi from Wongwian Yai BTS station (Exit 2) to the end of Jaran Sanitwong Soi 3 (the taxi ride takes around 10 mins – roughly B60). Cross the small bridge over the klong and the artist’s house is on your left. Baan Silapin is open Mon-Tues 10am-6pm; Wed-Fri 9am-6pm; and Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. Puppet shows are held every Tues-Sun at 2pm.
The easiest way to get to Baan Silapin is to take a taxi from Wongwian Yai BTS station (Exit 2) to the end of Jaran Sanitwong Soi 3 (the taxi ride takes around 10 mins – roughly B60). Cross the small bridge over the klong and the artist’s house is on your left. Baan Silapin is open Mon-Tues 10am-6pm; Wed-Fri 9am-6pm; and Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. Puppet shows are held every Tues-Sun at 2pm.
