Bang Lamphu is the name of Bangkok's major trading center, which was very famous in the past. The name is derived from the lamphu trees that grew in abundance on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
The roots of the lamphu tree spread along the ground. Fireflies that glow in the dark often come to stay in this tree. The flickering light of fireflies seems like light decorations at night time. So the community on the riverside of the Chao Phraya is called Bang Lamphu.
Since lamphu trees were so plentiful in this area, they created several occupations for local people. For instance, lamphu roots could be made into stoppers for bottles containing traditional medicine, liquor, fermented fish sauce, and wine. Later, the number of
Lamphu trees declined significantly. Only one lamphu tree still exists as the symbol of this area, in Santi Chai Prakan Park.
Khlong Bang Lamphu came into
existence when more canals were dug to expand Bangkok in 1783. This canal was used as a transportation route for trading by boat. Vegetables and fruit and other
products from the provinces were transported on various types of boats for sale in this area. Moreover, Khlong Bang Lamphu was also the trading area for large and small boats, such as pratuns and sampans.
Development has led to the construction of many roads in the Bang Lamphu area. Among them is Khao San Road, which was the location of the palace of Princess Chalermkhet, the house of the Thepphasin acting troupe, and a major shop for incense sticks. Phra Sumen is a busy road in Bang Lamphu, as it is famous for men's wear. Tani Road, or known as Sip Sam Hang Road, consists of buildings constructed in the reign of King Rama IV, and all kinds of fashion accessories can be purchased there.
Bang Lumphu in the past was as important as shopping centers are today. It was also the location of many entertainment places, such as Mae Boonnark Theater on the bank of Khlong Bang Lamphu, li-ke (a popular form of theater) of the Horn Huan troupe, and Penang Theater.Bang Lamphu today is still a major trading center. Both older and younger generations may find their favorite products in this area.
products from the provinces were transported on various types of boats for sale in this area. Moreover, Khlong Bang Lamphu was also the trading area for large and small boats, such as pratuns and sampans.
Development has led to the construction of many roads in the Bang Lamphu area. Among them is Khao San Road, which was the location of the palace of Princess Chalermkhet, the house of the Thepphasin acting troupe, and a major shop for incense sticks. Phra Sumen is a busy road in Bang Lamphu, as it is famous for men's wear. Tani Road, or known as Sip Sam Hang Road, consists of buildings constructed in the reign of King Rama IV, and all kinds of fashion accessories can be purchased there.
Bang Lumphu in the past was as important as shopping centers are today. It was also the location of many entertainment places, such as Mae Boonnark Theater on the bank of Khlong Bang Lamphu, li-ke (a popular form of theater) of the Horn Huan troupe, and Penang Theater.Bang Lamphu today is still a major trading center. Both older and younger generations may find their favorite products in this area.
