[ This page ] Lose yourselves in the alleyways and lanes of Talad Noi , a historic neighbourhood in Bangkok where you can go for a walk , explore old Thai-Chinese buildings , and snap pics of some of the city ’ s best street art . colourful design mix and neon-lit tropical influences — it ’ s often on Asia ’ s Top 50 bars list , and is the perfect place to explore a menu of crafty cocktails , and maybe stay to dance the night away , too .
Bangkok ’ s budding creative community has crept its way into the maze-like alleyways of the city ’ s most traditional neighbourhoods , too , and it ’ s time to get back on our feet to discover another side of Bangkok that few tourists ever see . Off-the-beaten tourist track , the old and new charms of Talad Noi are great for exploring on foot — this historic neighbourhood , located next to Chinatown , is home to beautiful architectural structures , including the 200 + -year-old So Heng Tai Mansion ( a nineteenth-century Chinese courtyard house , one of Bangkok ’ s oldest ) and — somewhat surprisingly — more truly epic street art !
Take in a fascinating mish-mash of scenes , and be sure to have your camera handy — the area is a street photographer ’ s dream , with traditional homes , dilapidated warehouses , and scrap metal workshops butting up against old-school Thai-Chinese buildings and temples .
Many of the alleyways in Talad Noi are covered with incredibly cool and contemporary art installations , making for a unique representation of the intersection of cultural heritages between this area ’ s traditionally Chinese culture , and the future-thinking new generation of Bangkok creatives making waves and inspired by one of the most exciting cities in the world . H
PHOTOS : NATALIE BANNISTER
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