In this blog, I will take you to two hidden gems communities in Bangkok. They are offbeat experience. These community visits show you the traditioal monk armbowl making and Shino-Thai way of life. If you enjoy real local life experience, you should read this blog. The communities that I will show you are Charoen Chai Community and Ban Bat.
Charoen Chai Community
Charoen Chai Community’s attractiveness is reflected in its’ own culture. The community reflected the Shino-Thai way of life in this part of Yaowarat, where they have been here for a century and have continued their trades for generations.
Shop selling metal paper
Charoen Chai Community is home to shops, selling items for Chinese ceremonies such as metal paper, paper-mache, and ornaments. There are also herbal shops, traditional food vendors, and Phlapphla Chai Camera, an old photo equipment shop, in the community.
By nairobroo.com
Ban Kao Lao Rueang (an old house with stories) is also located there on a small alley on Chareon Krung Soi 23, near Wat Mangkon Kamalawat. It’s a small local museum run by local people to provide knowledge about Sino-Thai people’s traditional way of life in this area, as it is going to be swept away by urban development.
By nairobroo.com
Ban Bat
Ban Bat (Almsbowl maker quarter) is an old community where people had lived their lives as almsbowl makers for many generations.
Ban Bat’s famous hand-made almsbowls were not only available at sampeng and Sao Chingcha but nation-wide. Each house in this quarter makes almsbowls in a different part of its procedure. Nowadays, the community of Ban Bat has set up a project to prerserve this craftsmanship as well as being a tourist attracton.
From the community, you can walk to the famous Golden Mount of Wat Saket to explore the attraction that was once used to be the highest spot in Bangkok. There on the top of the Golden Mount, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city after you climb up 334 steps.
Golden Mount at Wat Saket
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