Wat Klong Suan

One hundred years of stories whisper along the Khlong Prawet Burirom canal. Here stands Wat Klong Suan, a testament to time and tradition. Wat Klong Suan isn’t your typical bustling Bangkok temple. It’s part of a living museum, a market that stretches for hundreds of meters along the canal. The market, officially known as Khlong Suan 100 Years Market, came to life during the reign of King Rama V. It blossomed alongside the canalization of Khlong Prawet Burirom. This waterway, connecting Bangkok to the east, once pulsed with life. Water buses, operated by Nai Lert, ferried passengers from Chachoengsao past Wat Klong Suan and all the way to Bangkok’s Pratunam pier. Imagine the sights and sounds of those days. The market buzzed as a vital hub, a meeting place, and a trading post for goods transported along the water. Over time, however, the waterway’s importance waned. Boats stopped coming. The market grew quiet, a forgotten treasure. Then, in 1999, a revitalization breathed new life into this historic site. Khlong Suan Market was reborn as Khlong Suan 100 Years Market, a tribute to its rich past. Today, as you stand at Wat Klong Suan, you can still feel the echoes of its history. Two-story wooden shophouses line the canal, their Chinese-Thai architecture a nod to the market’s diverse heritage. Explore the narrow lanes and discover a treasure trove of Thai treats. Sample traditional sweets like Khanom khai and Khanom khai pla. Perhaps you’ll even try the local delicacy of dried snakeskin gourami and its roe. Don’t miss the traditional coffee shops, some of which still serve the refreshing iced coffee known as Oliang. The market truly comes alive on weekends and holidays, so if your travels allow, time your visit accordingly. Wat Klong Suan is more than just a temple. It’s a portal to the past, a place where the stories of a century unfold along the gentle currents of the Khlong Prawet Burirom.