Visit So Heng Tai Mansion (Bangkok)

So Heng Tai House is one of the oldest private residences still standing in Bangkok. This traditional Chinese courtyard mansion was built over 200 years ago in the historic Talat Noi district, not far from Chinatown, Bangkok's Chinatown, by a wealthy Hokkien Chinese merchant named Phra Aphaiwanit (originally from Fujian province, China).

The house reflects traditional Hokkien-style Chinese architecture, with its wooden buildings surrounding a central courtyard. It has been passed down through generations and still belongs to the same family today, making it a rare testament to the history of Bangkok's Chinese community. It has now been transformed into a café and diving center (more on that below) and can be visited for a small entrance fee, which is deducted from the purchase of a drink inside.

Passing through the red wooden entrance doors, you arrive in a courtyard with a deep pool in the center. You can stroll upstairs, buy a drink, and relax on one of the balconies. Here, you're away from the hustle and bustle of the city and transported to the past for a fleeting moment. While I wouldn't suggest you come specifically to see this typical old Chinese house, I do recommend exploring the entire Talad Noi neighborhood where it's located—it's a veritable little village within the city! I created a walking tour of Talad Noi that I recommend, which includes a stop at the So Heng Tai Mansion.

A Diving Center in the Heart of Bangkok

The pool, built in 2004, serves as both a living space and a unique and rather active diving center in one of Bangkok's most charming historic neighborhoods. The goal is to generate income to contribute to its upkeep. Maintaining such an old building is expensive, and the revenue from the café is too low. Visiting the So Heng Tai House, buying drinks and snacks there, also supports its preservation.