Hua Takhe: Bangkok’s Enchanting Riverside Art Market – A Hidden Gem Uncovered
Sometimes, the best discoveries are the ones you didn’t even know you were looking for. That was precisely my experience with Hua Takhe Old Market (ตลาดเก่าหัวตะเข้), an enchanting, under-the-radar “floating” market suggested by my husband for a leisurely outing with my niece.
“It’s an old market, with art, murals, lots of cats, and a boat ride with cats!” were the tantalizing bits and pieces he shared, leaving me unsure if it was still a bustling place. I had no idea this gem existed, and information online seemed delightfully scarce, only adding to its allure. When we think of “floating markets” in Thailand, we often visualize vendors selling from boats, but as I’ve learned, many don’t operate that way; Hua Takhe is one such example, where the charm lies more in its riverside community than on-water commerce.
A Step Back in Time, Brimming with Art
Located in Lat Krabang, this isn’t your typical bustling Bangkok market. Instead, it’s a delightful, short stretch of old wooden shophouses gracefully transformed. Here, you’ll find charming eateries nestled alongside vibrant art workshops and activities, stalls brimming with handmade crochet items and clothing, quirky toy stores, and vendors selling traditional games and toys. It truly feels like stepping into a living, breathing art installation, far removed from the city’s usual hustle.
My husband, trying to pinpoint the artistic vibe, realized that King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), specifically its School of Architecture, Art and Design, is located nearby. This proximity likely explains the creative pull, attracting students and artists alike. He also shared a fascinating tidbit: long ago, this very canal served as a vital waterway for people traveling from other provinces to Bangkok by boat, before they transferred to buses or trains from here. It adds a wonderful layer of historical charm to the present-day artistic energy.
Authentic Stays and Calming Vibes
There are a few homestays dotted along the canal and in the alleys, making Hua Takhe an ideal spot if you’re seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path stay, far removed from the usual tourist crowds. We even saw videos featuring a homestay with adorable cats and a boat, showing locals diligently pulling garbage from the canal – a genuine glimpse into everyday riverside life. The houses here largely retain their original, rustic charm, offering a beautiful window into the past.
For those looking for a more active, eco-conscious experience, there’s even kayak rental. A standard rental is 350 baht per hour, but the price is reduced to just 100 baht if you collect more than 10 pieces of garbage from the canal. This initiative really highlights the community’s dedication to preserving their beautiful environment, and I absolutely loved the vibe it created.
Due to its modest size, Hua Takhe is perfect for a chill coffee break or a leisurely lunch. However, if you’re looking for a larger, more comprehensive market experience, the Khlong Suan 100 Years Market in Chachoengsao might be a better bet. We absolutely loved the homestay cafe we stopped at, Si Yaek Huatakhe Cafe & Guesthouse (สี่แยกหัวตะเข้คาเฟ่ แอนด์เกสต์เฮ้าส์); it was filled with lush plants and created such a calming atmosphere. A special bonus was discovering kittens for adoption during our visit. Perhaps it’s an outing best enjoyed just with my husband and me, especially for him to capture its unique beauty through his photographs.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
For drivers, there’s a convenient open-air car park available for just 10 baht. If you prefer public transport, take the Airport Rail Link to Lat Krabang station and then continue with a red song taew. Alternatively, it’s possible to take a local train from Hualamphong station to Hua Takhe station and enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk to the market. We did spot a few other foreigners, suggesting that this hidden gem is steadily gaining more recognition.
If you’ve explored Bangkok extensively and are now seeking something genuinely new and authentically charming, the Hua Takhe Old Market is absolutely worth your visit. It’s a delightful step back in time, blended with a vibrant artistic spirit.
Hua Takhe Art Market Details:
- Location: Lat Krabang, Bangkok (The community runs along the canal, not a single address.)
- Access:
- By Car: Open-air parking available (10 baht fee).
- By Airport Rail Link: Take the ARL to Lat Krabang station, then a red song taew.
- By Local Train: From Hualamphong station to Hua Takhe station, then approximately a 15-minute walk.
- Note: This is an old community along a canal, not a structured market building. Navigation is best done by searching for “Hua Takhe Old Market” or “ตลาดหัวตะเข้” on Google Maps.
- Facebook Pages:
