Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Old City (Rattanakosin Island)

Riverside & Thonburi

Siam & Pratunam

Silom & Sathorn

Sukhumvit (Asoke–Nana–Thonglor)

About Us

TRAVJOY

CITIES

XMLID_468_.svg

Chat with us

mail_send_envelope_envelope_email_message_unopened_sealed_close_8cc78e55d6.png

query@travjoy.com

GET HELP 24 / 7

Trav_Logo_aa739c59ff.svg

Experience Providers

Affiliates

Creators & Influencers

PARTNERS

upi.svg

Discover_a828ad0dd1.svg

Paypal_05b4c0b013.svg

Visa_c472a14759.svg

Mastercard_fc8c29e8bd.svg

PAYMENTS WE ACCEPT

linkedin.png

facebook.png

SOCIAL MEDIA

business.svg

Business

couple.svg

Couple

kids.svg

Kids

luxury.svg

Luxury

elder.svg

Seniors

solo.svg

Solo

art-and-heritage.svg

Art & Heritage

cruising-water.svg

Cruising & Watersports

f-and-b.svg

F & B

tours.svg

Guided Tours

Hidden Gems

icons.svg

Icons

Nature & Parks

nightlife.svg

Nightlife

shopping.svg

Shopping

shows.svg

Shows

theme-parks.svg

Theme Parks

Wellness & Spa

TJ__TravJoy Logo.png

TravjoyLogo

Search

My Wishlist

Tom Vater - Thailand LE.jpg

Bangkok

A tucked-away canal community where Bangkok's artistic heritage thrives. Wooden shop-houses, art studios, and puppet shows bring old-city charm to life along the water.<br/>
Wooden boardwalks creak underfoot along the canal. Colorful murals catch your eye as distant music from a puppet show mingles with the aroma of grilled snacks in the breeze.<br/>
- Often dubbed a 'hidden gem' in Bangkok travel guides
- Praised by visitors for its authentic, laid-back local atmosphere
- Famous for free traditional Thai puppet shows 🎭 each week


tabler_icon_sparkles_2ccf094353.svg

Highlights

All Experiences

Deep Dive

• Original river path – Khlong Bang Luang was actually the original channel of the Chao Phraya River before a shortcut canal was dug in 1785

• Film set – The charming canalside scenery has been featured in Thai period dramas and travel shows as an example of old Bangkok life

• Free entry – There's no admission fee to explore this community, and the daily puppet show is offered at no charge (donations welcome)

• Name trivia – Despite being called a floating market, it's more of a riverside arts village; don't expect lots of boat vendors, which is part of its peaceful charm

tabler_icon_bulb_1_7ae3c600db.svg

Did You Know?

This waterway (Khlong Bangkok Yai) was once part of the Chao Phraya River's main course until the late 18th century, making the area an important trade route

• Historic Canal

In the 1700s, many aristocratic families settled along this canal during the Thonburi period, giving rise to the name Bang Luang (Village of Nobles)

• Noble Heritage

By the 2000s, local artists and residents collaborated to turn aging homes into galleries and cafés, revitalizing the community while preserving its old-world feel

• Community Revival

The Artist House's puppet troupe is reviving the ancient art of Hun Lakorn Lek (Thai small puppets), keeping a cultural tradition alive in the modern city

• Preserving Tradition

Khlong Bang Luang offers a living snapshot of Bangkok's past. Understanding its history and community spirit can enrich your visit:

Explore Deeper

• Artist House Café – Cozy cafe within Baan Silapin offering Thai iced coffee, tea, and simple lunch dishes in an art-filled setting

• Boat Noodle Stall – A tiny eatery on the boardwalk serving flavorful boat noodles; enjoy your bowl on wooden benches as canal boats putter by

tabler_icon_soup_d25b37ff02.svg

Food & Coffee Shops

• Best Time: Weekday mornings are very peaceful; weekends after 10:00 have more activity but still enjoyable

• Cash only: Bring small bills as most artists and food stalls accept cash only and no ATMs are on-site

• Feed the fish: Purchase bread or fish food from a vendor and join locals in feeding the canal's catfish for good luck

• Respect locals: Keep noise low and be courteous when walking past private homes; this is a living community

• Boat arrival: If possible, arrive via a longtail boat tour along the canal for a scenic entrance

Insider Tips

• Boardwalk layout – A single main boardwalk runs along the canal's edge; meander down this path to explore the community

• Artist House – The central hub; wander inside its gallery and head upstairs for art exhibits and a viewpoint (puppet shows happen in the courtyard)

• Crossing over – A small footbridge near the Artist House lets you cross the canal to visit the temple opposite and get a wider view of the area

• Free roaming – The area is compact. Feel free to pop into open studios or shops; locals are friendly and often chat with visitors

Internal Navigation

Know Before You Go

- • By BTS: Take Skytrain to Bang Wa (Silom Line terminus), then a 10-minute taxi or motorbike ride to the Artist House in Soi Phet Kasem 20
- • By boat: Many canal tours include a stop here – a memorable way to reach the community via Bangkok's waterways
- • No tickets needed: The area is open to the public. Look for the white Artist House building with a statue out front to know you're in the right spot
- • Driving: Limited parking near Wat Kamphaeng (at the end of Soi 20); using a taxi/rideshare is recommended due to narrow local lanes

Getting There & Entrances

- • Restrooms: Available for visitors inside the Artist House (ask staff) and at a nearby coffee shop
- • Snacks & drinks: Plenty of street food stalls and a cafe on-site for refreshments
- • No storage: There are no lockers—travel light. Also, no official information center or guides here
- • Notable: Wooden walkways have a few steps and can be narrow, so wheelchairs and strollers may have difficulty

Amenities

Know Your FactsOnce You Reach

Approx Price For Two

Best Places to try

Cuisine

Operating Hours

Popular Drinks

Signature Dishes

Snapshot

Tips

What it is

Once You Reach

Persona Fit

• Golden hour glow: Late afternoon sunlight bathes the canal in warm hues – perfect for photos of the wooden houses

• Puppet show shots: During the show, sit up front (no flash) to capture the expressive puppets and puppeteers in action

• Candid moments: Use a moderate zoom lens to discreetly capture daily life and street art without intruding on locals

Photography Tips

The traditional Thai puppet show at the Artist House usually starts at 2:00 PM. Shows are typically held every day except Wednesday (schedule can vary). It's free to watch, but leaving a donation is appreciated.

When do the puppet shows take place at the Artist House?

The easiest way is by taxi or rideshare to Baan Silapin (Artist House). For public transit, take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa station, then a short taxi or motorbike ride. Some guided canal boat tours also stop at Khlong Bang Luang.

What's the best way to get to Khlong Bang Luang?

tabler_icon_question_mark_55f1ecf32f.svg

Plan Your Visit

Pro Tips

tabler_icon_circle_check_f0176ff04a.svg

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen — notable temple nearby with a towering Buddha statue and beautiful interior museum

Wat Khun Chan — riverside temple visible from the Artist House, known for its large colorful statues and local vibe

Talat Phlu Market — a short ride away, a local food market famed for delicious Thai desserts and street eats

Things To Do Nearby

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Take a personalized tour in and around Bangkok for a unique look at Thai culture and lifestyles. Your personal guide works with you to tailor a full-day itinerary to the city's top attractions, such as the Grand Palace and Floating Market. Explore distinct neighborhoods, browse the shops, and see key sights all in one day.

Bangkok: Khlong Bang Luang Artist House

Persona Fit

Highlights

1 Curated Booking Option

Tom Vater

Table of Contents

Once You Reach

Similar Options you'd love