Baan Silapin: The Artists' House on Khlong Bang Luang

Updated on October 9, 2026

Baan Silapin, "the artists' house" (the Artist's House), is an old wooden stilt house on the banks of Khlong Bang Luang, a peaceful canal on the west bank of Bangkok, on the Thonburi side. Converted into a gallery, café and small theatre, it is best known for its traditional Thai puppet show, usually staged around 2 pm every day except Wednesday. According to the guides consulted in October 2026, entry is free and donations are welcome. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the house, the roughly 30-minute show and a stroll through the neighbouring lanes. The place is modest and little visited by travellers in a hurry: that is precisely its charm.

Highlights

The house on the canal

Wooden façade, a terrace over the water and small tables: the place invites you to sit, have a tea or coffee and watch the boats go by, far from the bustle of the east bank.

The puppet show

A troupe performs traditional Thai puppet theatre. The show can be followed without speaking Thai, as gestures and music carry most of it. Times can change, so check on the day.

The exhibitions and the shop

The upper floors hold works by local artists and a small shop of cards and handmade objects.

The khlong lanes

Around the house, narrow walkways run past wooden houses, gardens and small stalls: see also our canals of Thonburi.

Practical info

Tips

Entry is free; leave a donation after the show, it is what keeps the troupe going. Drinks and snacks are paid for on the spot; ask the price before ordering. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the show starts to get a seat. The walkways are narrow and slippery after rain: closed shoes recommended. For a half-day on the west bank, combine it with Wat Kalayanamit and Wat Arun, or read our guide to Thonburi.

How to get there

Khlong Bang Luang, Charoen Sanitwong Soi 3, Bang Khun Si, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700. The simplest way is Grab or a taxi from the centre. By public transport: blue line MRT to Bang Khun Non station, then a short taxi or motorbike-taxi ride (confirm the route on your map app).