DETAILS
Creative Charoen Krung
The 150-year old Charoen Krung Road has recently been given a facelift. The old riverside neighborhood, once known for its Chinese and Muslim street food and high-end hotels, are gradually changed, upgraded and hipsterized to be art galleries, hangout spaces, modish shops and boutique hotels and hostels.
Today Charoen Krung is known as a “Creative District” where arts, culture can coexist with property preservation and development. The initiative started when the Thailand Creative & Design Centre, better known as TCDC, (https://web.tcdc.or.th) relocated its headquarters to the Grand Postal Building on Charoen Krung Road late last year. The facility has a big library for arts and design, exhibition zone and co-working space to help spark your creativity.
Within a one kilometer distance from TCDC, you will come across a number of art spaces and galleries. Among them is a long-established Serindia Gallery (www.serindiagallery.com) in Soi Charoen Krung 36. It exhibits both contemporary arts and photo exhibitions from local and international artists in its 60-year old post colonial style house.
Another cool place to go is Warehouse 30 (www.facebook.com/TheWarehouse30) in Soi Charoen Krung 30. The facility is huge and comprises seven warehouses. With total space of 4,000 square metre, it has four main sections including a creative co-working space, a variety of shops like a vinyl music corner, book shops, flower shops, fashion outlets, cafe and restaurants, furniture showrooms and a documentary screening space.
A short distance from Warehouse 30 stands Most Gallery (www.mostgallery.com). It is a three-story shophouse turned to an art space. Located in Soi Charoen Krung 28, the facility is open by appointment only. Within 40 meters down the alley, you will find Speedy Grandma (www.facebook.com/SpeedyGrandma). The gallery-cum-bar hosts modern art exhibitions and sometimes there is a talking session for artists to meet with their fans.
If you legs are not get tried yet, then pay a visit to Soy Sauce Factory in Soi Charoen Krung 24. The old shophouses are turned to be a restaurant and bar on the ground floor and an art and photography exhibition on the second floor. Be noted that while you exploring the old pocket, you may also find street arts on some old shophouses or walls. So keep your eyes widely open.