Koh Sarn Chao – unspoiled Bangkok

by Lynn, on

In the north of the Thai metropolis Bangkok, the small neighborhood Koh Sarn Chao in the district Taling Chan shines forth. The quarter is an insider tip to explore the real and authentic Thailand. Far from the hectic metropolis, you can discover Thailand’s original charm that often is barely noticeable due to mass-touristic offers. Therefore, we are pleased to introduce you to the siblings, Achi and Mint from Hivesters, who organize trips to untouched corners of Thailand.

Discover the artisan craft work Tang Yuak, banana palm carvings, in Koh Sarn Chao.
Discover the rare artisan craftwork Tang Yuak, banana palm carving, in Koh Sarn Chao. © Hivesters

Revive local cultures

Founding the APPEAR project, the sisters have brought to life an initiative with two plans: on the one hand, preserving old Thai cultures, and, on the other, providing travelers with insights into untouched corners of the country. Koh Sarn Chao in the north of Bangkok is one of the numerous destinations of the Hivesters tours. In the shade of the modern global city, you will plunge into a kind of parallel world, namely the original and unspoiled Thailand. Small typical houses and welcoming residents tempting visitors to stay longer in this little paradise in Bangkok’s suburbs characterize the neighborhood. Let yourself be surprised by the Hivesters tour to this charming and diverse quarter.

Manufacture your own jewelry from scented powder at the Vintage Perfumery House in Koh Sarn Chao.
Manufacture your own jewelry from scented powder at the Vintage Perfumery House in Koh Sarn Chao. © Hivesters

Give disappearing traditions a forum

Amidst biologic gardens and lush nature, you will find a peculiar feature which formerly was characteristic for the region: artisan craftwork. In Koh Sarn Chao, among few others, family Wangchan practices Tang Yuak, the dying craftwork of banana palm carvings. Back then as well as today,  the family makes the carvings primarily for religious ceremonies. You also find another almost disappeared craft art, namely Pang Puang, in the Vintage Perfumery House. You can make jewelry of perfumed powder yourself here.

Paddle through Koh Sarn Chao and explore the quarter from a whole different angle.
Paddle through Koh Sarn Chao and explore the quarter from a whole different angle. © Hivesters

Savor real Thai delicacies

Next stop: the river. After your paddle tour supported by the professional P’Ja you can visit the floating market of Klong Lat Mayom at the pier of Baan Suan Rim Klong and get to purchase traditional, regional dishes and tasty drinks like the juice of the local Jackfruit (insider tip!) directly from the boats. Or you try an organic drink made from fresh herbs at Dr. Toi’s Garden House. The last stop of the excursion is a tasty piece of banana cake at Grandma Berms café (of course you also get other traditional delicacies here). Enjoy your Hivesters tour to Koh Sarn Chao and indulge yourself with regional delicacies!

Cover image: © Hivesters