The ancient stone-paved Charoenkrung Road has been given a new look thanks to revitalization efforts accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic. Charoenkrung runs through some of the most upscale and luxurious neighborhoods in the Thai capital.
For years, the street attracted many new residents to Bangkok, but many of the houses and shops fell into disrepair in the 2000s. After renovations, the area was reborn as a boho-chic space with bars, cafes, and luxury hotels. Its opulence attracts a large number of tourists and those looking for a new life by taking advantage of its long history.
This is the oldest neighborhood in Bangkok.
Since 2000 the neighborhood has gradually deteriorated.
During the two Covid-19 outbreaks, this street gradually revived.
Leading the revival on the Chao Phraya River – where the Mandarin Oriental group opened as The Oriental Hotel in 1876 – is the Four Seasons Bangkok, which opened in December 2020. There are also multi-billion-baht apartment projects in the vicinity.
According to SCMP, Charoenkrung was Bangkok’s first commercial and residential street. The Siwilai Club saw this place give birth to jazz bars in the Golden Temple country.
Many of the former eateries have been converted into fashion stores, cafes, bakeries, bars and art venues. Charoenkrung also attracts billionaires to invest in real estate. They renovate dilapidated houses and crumbling walls into modern architecture. However, the old buildings, surrounded by centuries-old trees, are still familiar check-in spots for young people.
After the renovation, the space features several boho-style bars.
Dominating the street is Hong Sieng Kong Cafe. Despite pandemic restrictions, the 2,000-square-meter space was completed within a year and opened in April 2021. A 150-year-old staircase made of Burmese golden teakwood is the pride of the location, attracting many “foodies” and antique furniture lovers.
In addition, TEP bar, which uses traditional Thai medicine style in mixing drinks, is also a highlight of Charoenkrung. Next is Tropic City, ranked 17th in the list of 50 best bars in Asia this year. This street owns many of the most famous entertainment venues in Bangkok.
A famous graffiti work at Charoenkrung.
Along with the regeneration of buildings, street art has also flourished in Charoenkrung. In 2017, artist Vhils was commissioned to depict the friendship between Thailand and Portugal on the walls of the latter’s embassy. Nearby is another Thai artist’s depiction of the Chinese God of Wealth.
The relocation of the Thailand Creative and Design Center to Charoenkrung in 2017 cemented its position as an art venue, specializing in exhibiting artists' work.
