In this blog, we will explore Bangkok attractions that are less known to tourists such as Ban Krua Nuea Community, Jamiul Khairiah Mosque, Ari Alley, Ministry of Finance’s Flea Market and Ban Ari Dharma Library. These attractions are not mainstream. Thus, it will be less touristy and full of local culture and experience.
Table of Contents
Ban Krua Nuea Community
According to historical accounts, Ban Krua Nuea of the Cham Community, migrated to Siam in the reign of Rama I. Originally, they were renowned in fishery and silk-weaving. The latter developed to be-the community’s specialty.
Photo credit: บ้านครัวผ้าไหมไทย
Photo credit: ชมชนบ้านครัวเหนือ
Initially, silk products produced here were for everyday use like sarongs. However, the outstanding craftsmanship was spotted by Jim Thompson who helped to modernize products and marketed them aboard. High quality silk products from Ban Krua Nuea were popular among foreigners and were selected to be featured in the film ‘Ben Hur’ but after Thompson’s disappearance, silk-weaving in the community began to decline. Nowadays, there are only two families who remain as silk-weavers with some degree of governmental support.
Jamiul Khairiah Mosque
Also known as ‘Surao Asa Cham’ (Cham Volunteer Corps’ Mosque), this mosque was built in the early Bangkok period. According to historical accounts it was built by Phraya Ratchabangsaenmaen, a Cham officer.
Photo credit: masjidmap.co.th
Photo credit: matichon.co.th
In Rama VII’s reign, the old hipped roof building of the mosque was torn down to make way for the new concert building. The exterior wall is made of stone and was the old building’s facade. It’s roof is a sky deck with a dome at its centre. The front part’s floor is laid with craft ceramic tiles which are well preserved.
The mosque was completed in 1957. Its interior is large and decorated gracefully. The mosque has been a part of the Ban Krua Community for ages.
Ari Alley or Soi Ari (Soi mean alley in Thai) is a quiet neighborhood that is good to reside. Beside being a good area to live, the neigborhood also has many street food vendors selling tasty food, Ministry of Finance’s Flea Market that is famous among the local and official working at the ministry and Ban Ari Dharma Library, the library about Buddhist Religion. If you would like to go off-the-beaten-track in Bangkok, these would be an area to consider.
Ari Alley
The lane is both a food steet and shopping area. As a food street, it offers various choices from hawkers and stalls to cafes and high-end restaurants. Maliwan, sa small Thai desserts shop, is recommended. It is a three decades old family business. It opens in the morning. desserts are freshly made daily and often sold out. Ari Alley is located at the BTS Ari Station.
Photo credit: manager.co.th
Photo credit: themomentum.co.th
Photo credit: manager.co.th
Ministry of Finance’s Flea Market
It mainly serves officials from departments and ministries nearby; The Ministry of Fiance, The Treasury, The Controller General’s department, etc. There are shops and stalls along the street that offer various goods at seasonable prices. Food stalls in the morning are replaced with clothing stalls in the afternoon. Moreover, the street is clogged with people during the day break. The market is located behide the Ministry of Finance.
Photo credit: manager.co.th
Ban Ari Dharma Library
First it was a Buddhist study centre run by volunteers and it was open to the public and then expanded to the Dharma Library. Its collection consists of Dharma book in Thai and foreign languages.
Photo credit: manager.co.th
Moreover, the library also issues free Dharma books and CDs, and hosts Buddhism-related events, especially Dharma-talks and meditation sessions. The relaxing atmosphere of the library makes it welcome to everyone. The library is close to the Ari BTS Station.