Rating: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 07.00 - 16.00

 

Kao Hong Market Bang Pla Ma, Bang Pla Ma, Suphan Buri. It is an old Thai-Chinese trading community market located near the Suphanburi or Tha Jean River with over 100 years of history. Today, wooden houses are constructed at both sides and the view of those old times can still be seen.

 

Built around the beginning of the reign of King Rama V, the name was originated from the name of 9-room house which is an ancient house with a long history. Its founder Hong or Boonrod Liangwanich survived the robbery at his bustling raft shop-cum-house but his wife was killed. 

 

It is said to be built by Mr. Hong who moved from Bangkok and started the trading near the nine room houses. He sold things on his rafting boat parking in front of the house.

 

He then tried to create the trading market at the opposite side of the house and moved all rafting boat trading to the ground to become the center of the river-based trading in that area while welcoming more business on the ground. He then named the market "Kao Hong Market" following the house’s original name. 

 

One year later, Hong constructed the 4 meters wide and 4 meters long tower with 5 floors. The top floor is a rooftop. There are big round holes on the wall on every floor.

 

The reason for making these holes is because of the ongoing theft and killing near Ta Chine River called “Tiger”. The tower was then constructed in order to help observe and prevent the theft.

 

It is told that during the Work World, there were guards staying on the tower. If there was any plane flying by, villagers would be signaled to turn off the candle light in order to prevent the bombs. This observing tower has become one of the most beautiful sightseeing view of the market.

 

Another highlight includes "Kao Hong Market Museum" at the south of market near the tower. It is decorated with Chinese architectural style built in 1934. The buildings situated in this area include traditional pharmacy. They were then developed these building into museum showing to the next generation.

 

Kao Hong Market offers a variety of delicious food including Pia desserts, Puffs, Kao Kriab pak Mor, coffee boats, traditional noodles topped with sauce, and other Thai traditional desserts like Chan Ub dessert. It is then the center of traditional desserts of Suphanburi province. The popular dessert of Kaohong Market is Pia as it is the biggest Pia dessert maker of the province.

 

Travel: From Bangkok, take the 240 road (Bangbuathong-Suphanburi) for 100 kilometers, then turn left at Bang Plama district (around Caltex gas station before turn into Bang Plama district for 100 meters) for another 4 kilometers.