Ban Silapin

Ban Silapin or known as Bangkok’s Artist House is located in Wat Thong Sala Ngam, Soi Phet Kasem 28, Phet Kasem Road, Khuha Sawan sub-district, Phasi Charoen district, Bangkok. The house, formerly, belonged to “Raksamruat Family”, an old goldsmith family, but was later sold to Khun Chumphon Akaphanthanan who renovated and re-opened it as art gallery which is the center of all arts lovers. The building is Manila style and built encircling the old Chedi which is assumed to be one of the 4 Chedis that marked the temple’s territory. The building is in a good condition and its wall is served as art gallery. The ground floor is a space for creating artworks and ornaments. Every material used for making decorations is from the old material of this building since the former times. On Sundays, training of ornament making is offered for free. Tourists can purchase souvenir, postcard at the souvenir shop or have a coffee by the river experiencing the life of locals. Moreover, this house is the place where Tumnai Puppet Company was formed with purpose to promote Thai puppet dance. Today, the puppet dance show performs at Ban Silapin for free only at 2 p.m. daily except on Wednesday. Ban Silapin is considered as an important learning center for students. How to get there? By car, enter Soi Phetkasem 28 all the way to Wat Kuha Sawan (over 200 years old). Park your car at the temple’s parking lot. Walk toward the canal, at the end of the parking lot. There are houses and a few shops along the canal. Walk all the way through to the Artists House. When you cross the alley watch for bicycles and motorcycles. Remember they think they have the right of way at all times. By car through Soi Charan Sanitwong 3, go all the way to the end of the road. Park and walk across the canal. At the end of the bridge, turn immediately left and walk all the way to the end. By boat, you can take a boat at most piers along Chao Phraya River. Keep in mind, loud noises and pollution from the engine are not welcomed by the locals. Perhaps, you can help by ask them to go slowly along the canal and enjoy the slower ride.