From this Tha Tien Viewpoint the Chao Phraya River unfolds. It’s a breathtaking panorama. Here at Tha Tien Viewpoint you witness centuries of history. Tha Tien wasn’t always a viewpoint. It was once a bustling market. Imagine a time long ago. A floating market thrived here. Vendors in boats sold goods. This was the heart of Rattanakosin Island. It was the biggest trading center on the Chao Phraya River during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Tha Tien Market was a unique blend. It combined a “Thai Wang market” with a floating market. The Thai Wang market had stalls rented from royalty. They resold goods from the floating market. This market offered everything. Fresh and dried foods clothing and daily necessities were available. This all happened during the reigns of Rama I to Rama IV. Thais lived along the river. They were a water community. Temples palaces and government offices were also situated nearby.
The Bowring Treaty in 1855 changed things. International trade boomed. Urban development shifted towards land-based communities. Under Rama V roads became important. The king built U-shaped shop houses. These provided space for the market. The fresh market moved into the center. It concealed the older less appealing aspects of the market. Some stalls remained by the river though.
Tha Tien continued to be important. It stretched to Pak Khlong Khu Muang Derm. This was another large market. Both were vital trade hubs. They distributed goods throughout Siam. Goods came from China and other regions. The Morakot market was nearby. It was known for its 24-hour operation and wide variety of goods. This prosperity ended tragically. A fire destroyed the Morakot Market in 1963.
Today the Tha Tien Market remains. It specializes in dried salted seafood. It occupies the area of the Rama V U-shaped buildings. It connects to Maha Rat Road and Tha Tien Pier. Standing at this Tha Tien Viewpoint you see a blend of old and new. You see the river the bustling city and glimpses of a rich past. You see a place of trade a place of life and a place of enduring history. The Tha Tien Viewpoint offers a unique perspective on Bangkok’s incredible past and present.