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Hua Takhe canal in the afternoon (Photo Credit: Facebook: Huatakhe Cat)

Hua Takhe: charming local art community in Bangkok

Hua Takhe canal in the afternoon (Photo Credit: Facebook: Huatakhe Cat)

Thai Escapes

Go back in time and visit the Hua Takhe old market

May 1, 2024

Text: Sawasdee

3 min read

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Regardless of the destination, if there is a narrative touching on art and culture, then it is bound to attract visitors’ attention. “Bangkok” has many tourist attractions known for art and community life, waiting to be discovered. One such location that should not be missed is the Hua Takhe old market with its classic retro atmosphere and riverside community vibe. It is on par to going back in time and experiencing the simple way of village life filled with a rustic charm. This iconic village has an abundance of smiles and fun resonating from both Thais and foreign tourists alike.

Wooden shophouses lined up along the canal (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Wooden shophouses lined up along the canal (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Hua Takhe canal (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Hua Takhe canal (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)

A community of Thai ways

The first highlight upon arrival at this old market community in Lat Krabang district is a high bridge that crosses over a canal. You will see a visible sign “Hua Takhe Old Market” which dates back to the fifth reign and is a confluence of three canals namely Prawet Burirom, Lam Pla Thio and Hua Takhe – the latter’s name meaning “crocodile’s head”. On both sides of the bridge overlooking the canal is a nostalgic line of century-old wooden houses, a popular check-in spot for tourists. Inside the Hua Takhe old market, you will experience a unique atmosphere of the old times and the simple life of villagers. There are shops, traditional grocery stores and community knowledge centers to visit.

Enjoying art in the heart of this old market

In addition to being a commercial area, the market is known for its art because of its proximity to Bunditpatanasilpa Institute’s College of Fine Arts; hence the community is decorated with street art. There is also a gallery showing artworks. Additionally, the community organizes art workshops on drawing, painting, and creating various craftwork such as embroidery, sculpture and woodwork. If you have all day to travel, then you will be spoiled for choices, be it any form of art created by your own hands.

Street art on walls in the community (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Street art on walls in the community (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Street art on walls in the community (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Street art on walls in the community (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Painting workshop (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Painting workshop (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)

Café, kayaking and boat trip with cats

Apart from small restaurants that will fill your stomach, such as the Rong Klueng noodle shop (its name derived from its proximity to the only lathe shop in the community) which promises to recharge your energy at lunch time, there are shops selling Pad Thai noodles and fried oysters as well. Also featured are chic cafes such as the Na Lat Krabang homemade café which specializes in shaved ice desserts, the Si Yaek Huatakhe Café and guesthouse located inside a 100-year-old house (the 2016 Outstanding Architectural Conservation Building recognized by the Association of Siam Architects). A continuous flow of tourists come to sit and relax here. The upper floor functions as a guest house.

In the evening you can go paddling in the canal with cats from the guest house. The boat ride is actually an environmental mission to help collect trash in the canal. Anyone who is a cat lover should not miss this (Facebook: Huatakhe Cat).

For those who opt for kayaking instead, can enjoy the village atmosphere and a service fee of 350 Baht per hour; if you collect more than 10 pieces of garbage from the canal, a special discount will knock off the rental fee to 100 Baht per hour.

Café in Hua Takhe old market (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Café in Hua Takhe old market (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Café in Hua Takhe old market (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Café in Hua Takhe old market (Photo credit: Phuttiphat Suppaviboonphon)
Paddling in the canal with cats (Photo Credit: Facebook: Huatakhe Cat)
Paddling in the canal with cats (Photo Credit: Facebook: Huatakhe Cat)
Paddling in the canal with cats (Photo Credit: Facebook: Huatakhe Cat)
Paddling in the canal with cats (Photo Credit: Facebook: Huatakhe Cat)

Travel’s Guide

The Hua Takhe Old Market opens from 10.00-18.00 everyday and is easy to reach

  • Take the Airport Rail Link to the Lat Krabang Station, get on the minibus No.333 or taxi-meter to Lat Krabang Soi 17 or the Udomphon Market, walk a short distance and you will arrive at Hua Takhe Old Market.
  • Take the train to Hua Takhe train station, then walk along the canel around 1.3 Kilometers to Hua Takhe Old Market
  • Travel via personal vehicle, park at Udomphon market and cross the bridge on foot to Hua Takhe Old Market.

Ready to visit Hua Takhe old market in Bangkok? Fly there with Thai Airways.

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