Hua Takhe Market: Bangkok's Hidden Gem A Century-Old Canal Market Transformed into an Artistic Community

Hua Takhe Market, over a century old, has developed into a small community along the canal.

Located just a 10 to 15-minute drive from Bangkok International Airport, Hua Takhe Market is a perfect first stop after arriving or a last-minute visit before departure. Legend has it that during the canal’s excavation, workers discovered a piece of a crocodile skull, leading to the area being named Hua Takhe (Crocodile Head). As the canal opened, residents began trading along its banks, gradually forming the market.

Hua Takhe Market become a unique nostalgic riverside market in Bangkok. The shops are reminiscent of the city’s atmosphere in the 1960s and 70s.

Revitalizing the Village with Art

Villagers collaborated with art students to revitalize Hua Takhe Market, preserving traditional structures while introducing vibrant graffiti to the community. The market’s name comes from a crocodile skull found during the canal’s excavation, inspiring many graffiti designs.

As time passed, the canal’s significance diminished, and the market was largely forgotten. However, following two significant fires, residents began to reflect on the importance of preserving this historical market. They collaborated with local art students to revitalize the area, which involved not only preserving the old architecture but also adding vibrant graffiti and attracting artists to the community, transforming it into a unique artistic hub.

To enter Hua Takhe Market, visitors cross a motorcycle-pedestrian bridge marked with simple signage.

To enter Hua Takhe Market, visitors cross a motorcycle-pedestrian bridge marked with simple signage. The entire area is built along the canal, with raised wooden houses and shops extending alongside it, resembling a Bangkok version of Hong Kong's Tai O fishing village.

The entire area is built along the canal, with raised wooden houses.

Nostalgic Atmosphere for a Relaxed Evening

Numerous artists have set up studios and shops in the nostalgic market. The ceramic shop features many exquisite pieces for sale. The ceramic shop with a uniquely decorated upstairs area.

During weekdays, Hua Takhe Market remains quiet, with few outsiders. Scattered along the riverside are quaint coffee shops, traditional Thai snack stalls, and noodle shops, many retaining the charm of the last century. This area feels like a nostalgic old street in Thailand—each wooden house and corner is a photo opportunity, surrounded by traditional architecture, wooden doors, and vintage signs that evoke a sense of stepping back in time.

Along the river, there are many Thai restaurants and street stalls. The tranquil market, often devoid of tourists, allows for easy dining by the riverside, with each eatery serving as a perfect photo spot. The vintage signs outside the shops is also perfect photo spot. The old printing machine still operate.

On the day of my visit, it coincided with school dismissal, and many nostalgic shops selling toys and snacks drew in students looking to unwind. The warmth of the Thai community is evident everywhere. Numerous art shops not only sell unique items but also offer workshops for visitors to engage in painting and ceramics, providing a perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon.

After school, many students come to buy snacks, adding a lively Thai flavor to the market. Boutique stores and small shops retain their old-world charm. Numerous artists have set up studios here, including a painting shop that offers art pieces and workshops for visitors to join.

Sitting at a riverside café during sunset is a delightful experience, with prices well under a hundred baht for a drink, making it a great value. Some cafés even offer small boat rides along the canal, with friendly cats welcoming guests—an experience that adds a unique charm to your visit.

Shops at the market’s end attract many visitors enjoying their afternoon. Drinks range from 40 to 60 baht. Riverside cafés are filled with nostalgic charm. Relaxing with a frozen drink by the river is a refreshing escape from the heat.

Hua Takhe Market

Address: Soi Lat Krabang 17, Khwaeng Lat Krabang, Lat Krabang, Bangkok 10520

Opening Hours: 06:00 - 17:00 (Some cafés may stay open until 19:00)

Access: Take the Airport Rail Link to Lat Krabang (A2), then a 15-minute taxi ride or about 45 minutes by charter from the city center.

Nearby Attractions: Siam Premium Outlet, Central Village Outlet, Suvarnabhumi Flea Market.