RIVERSIDE REVELRY

From a traditional market to the new centre of cool, Klong San has a surprise in store. Ask any Klong San local what’s there to see and do, and they’ll probably draw a blank. It’s a bit hard for them to understand why people, especially teens and millennials from the other side of the river, are deciding to brave traffic, train or ferry to visit the district once known for its quiet river life and traditional residences. But with Bangkok’s centre so saturated and chaotic, it’s only a matter of time before city folk seek new quality places to hang out.

Klong San, on the Thon Buri side of the city, is rich in history, famous for its tiny walking streets, waterways, markets, street food, and communities of Thai, Chinese, Muslim and Hindu traders. However, the area, like most other districts in Bangkok, is starting to change and develop fast.

In the past five to 10 years, the once-serene residential district is now seeing an influx of urban sprawl. More guest houses and hotels are opening up, and IconSiam, a multi-million-baht mixed-use project that will cover 520,000m² of the Chao Phraya riverfront, is set to be finished by late this year.

Locals are definitely curious about the change that will follow, but for now, Klong San still has its rustic charm, known among urban developers and artists as one of Bangkok’s creative districts, for its distinct personality and commercial and creative studios.

Life scouts some Klong San spots that are worth the trip.