Looking for less known Bangkok attractions that show you authentic local experience and culture? The followings are what I recommend for going offbeat in Bankgok. Bang Luang Mosque, Ban Pattayakosol, Talad Phlu (Phlu Market), Wat Bang Saikai Community, Samray, the First Presbyterian Church of Bangkok, and Wat Ratchakrueh Woravihara, and Wat Buppharam Woravihara.
Table of Contents
Bang Luang Mosque
It is an old religious place of Muslims in the Khlong Bang Luang Community, which was founded at the same time as Rattanakosin. It is presumed that the mosque was built in the reign of King Rama I by a Muslim merchant named Toh Yi.
The Bang Luang Mosque, also known as ‘Kudi Khao’ (which literally means the white monastery), was built of brick and cement and painted white. It is one of the few remaining mosques with a unique style of Thai architecture in the country. There is the gilded black lacquer (lai rod nam- prestigious Thai fine art) cabinet storing the Qur’an inside the mosque.
The pediment ornamented with a stucco motif of foliage and curved stems in Western style combined with flowers in Chinese floral patterns. Location: in the area of Kudi Khao Community, Soi Bang Luang Mosque, Arun Amarin Tad Mai Rd.
Ban Pattayakosol
Photo credit: บ้านพาทยโกศล
It is the place for passing on the heritage of Thai Music culture, by the aristocratic founder: Luang Kanlayanamitra (Tab Pattayakosol). He used to be the Thai music teacher for the orchestra of Phraya Prapakornwongse. He was talented at playing the three-stringed fiddle, a famous musical instrument during King Rama V era.
Photo credit: บ้านพาทยโกศล
Another important person of the family is Chang Wang Tua Pattayakosol, the son of Luang Kanlayanamitra. ‘Pattayakosol’ is considered an influential family to Thai music. Every generation is talented in music, especially the Thai orchestra, Nowadays the eighth generation of the family is taking care of Ban Pattayakosol. Location: Arun Amarin Tad Mai Rd.
Wat Buppharam Woravihara
Wat Buppharam Woravihara’s vihara. Photo credit: dhammathai.org
Formerly known as ‘Wat Dokmai’, the temple was built during the Ayutthaya period. It was later restored by Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Srisuriyawong, and then King Rama IV renamed it ‘Wat Buppharam’.
Most of Wat Buppharam Woravihara’s structures were destroyed during WWIl. There was only the vihara left standing. The vihara was built with the mixing of Thai and Chinese architectural style, the Chinese style roof with Thai style chofa decoration. The pediment of the vihara is decorated with hibiscus floral motifs sculpted in stucco and it displays the emblem of Maha Suriya Monthol. Aatuonn Masns. Location: Tessaban Line 1 Rd. or Arun Ammarin Soi 5.
Wat Ratchakrueh Woravihara
Photo credit: dhammathai .org
Wat Ratchakrueh Woravihara was built in the early Thon Buri period by a Mon army chief, formerly named Wat Bang Yi Ruea or Wat Mon. The temple was inaugurated as the royal temple in the reign of King Rama I.
Photo credit: dhammathai .org
The significant structures include an ubosot enshrining a big Buddha image, a Thai style vihara, a mondop with a beautiful four-gable top called ‘Chaturamuk’ on the hill and Pichai Dab Hak’s prang (temple tower) which was registered by the Fine Arts Department as a historic site. Location: Thoet Thai Rd., in the area of Talad Wat Klang. Location: Thoet Thai Rd., in the area of Talad Wat Klang.
Samray, the First Presbyterian Church of Bangkok
It is Thailand’s first Protestant religious site, founded by American Presbyterians, the missionary group that came to Thailand in 1857, during the period of King Rama Ill, when the first permanent church was built. Since then Samrae, the First Presbyterian Church has been the centre of the Presbyterian group.
Fifty years later the same church was demolished and a new church was built, which stands until today. It is beautiful and in good condition after the renovation in 2007, The distinctive point of the church is the two clocks that were given by King Rama V. Location : Charoen Nakhon Soi 59. Location: Charoen Nakhon Soi 59.
Wat Bang Saikai Community
Wat Bang Saikai Community is also known as the Ban Lao Community and it is believed that their ancestors migrated from Viang Chan. People here are skilled in musical craft which is based on the bamboo flute (Khlui). A finely crafted bamboo flute of the community is called “Khlui Ban Lao” (Bamboo Flute of Ban Lao). The quality of the bamboo flute of Ban Lao has been accepted by both Thais and foreigners, particularly the floral design which is the community’s identity.
Photo credit: sanook. com
Apart from the bamboo flute, “Ban Silpa Thai” (House of Thai Art) is another attraction that was founded by Suk Pepai and Chareon Kitrat, the famous makers of Khon (Thai classical performance) masks, ornaments, costumes, paper dolls and plaster dolls. Later in 1967, the makers started to make Khon masks in big sizes for sale in Thailand travel fairs as well as fairs for reinforcing Thai identity.
The two founders of Ban Silpa Thai received the 1992 award for excellence in culture of the Central area (Bangkok), in ategory of arts and craftsmanship. This was (awards that they have received for their elence. Location: Itsaraphap Rd. Soi. 15
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Talad Phlu (Phlu Market)
Photo credit: manager.co.th
Talad Phlu is located on the bank of the Khlong Bangkok Yai. It was formerly a Chinese community during the Thon Buri period. The Muslims subsequently settled down in this neighbourhood and initiated the cultivation of betel leaves. Soon after the cultivation expanded rapidly, the area finally became a betel leaf market (literally means ‘Talad Phlu’ in Thai language).
Photo credit: manager.co.th
Wat Intraram Woravihara is a famous temple in the neighbourhood. The vihara to King Taksin is situated at the back of the temple and it is a sacred place which is treated with great respect and reverence of the Thai people.
Talad Phlu is also well- known as a centre offering a wide variety of restaurants, especially Chinese food such as stewed beef noodle soup and Chinese Chive Bun. Location: in the area of Thoet Thai Rd. Location: in the area of Thoet Thai Rd.
Looking for Bangkok experience that show you the other side of the city? Check out Explorenique’s Bangkok Tuk Tuk sunset tour for unique local experience.