The Saen Saep Canal was dug at the
I initiative of King Rama III in the early Bangkok period, to join the Chao Phraya River with the Bang Pakong River. When this canal was linked to other canals, such as Maha Nak and Krung Kasem, it needed a gate to maintain the water at an appropriate
level. The water gate for Saen Saep Canal was located in the area that is presently Pratunam which literally means 'water gate'.Pratunam is found in the heart of Bangkok, at the intersection of Phetchaburi and Ratchaprarop roads, and today, the area has become a center for all kinds of products, especially ready-to-wear clothes, and textiles, which are sold at local market prices. It had not always been a shopping area. Around 1957, Pratunam was still considered suburban as rice fields could still be found nearby. Subsequently, a fresh foods market wasbuilt on Ratchaprarop Road opposite the Indra Hotel, and before long, the Chaloem
Lok and Chaloem Lap markets came up, drawing more shoppers and collectively making the area even more active and popular.
As Pratunam represents one the oldest trading areas in Bangkok, it is not strange therefore that many hotels and shopping complexes have also sprouted in its proximity. These include the Indra Hotel, Grand Diamond Hotel, Amari Watergate Hotel and Pantip Plaza, or popularly known as Bangkok's IT Mall, as well as the newly opened Platinum Fashion Mall. The shops at Pratunam offer both retail and wholesale prices for a wide range of products. Those shopping for fashion wear would be spoilt for choice as there is an amazing variety of ready-to-wear garments,
evening dresses and fashion accessories.Today, Pratunam is easily accessible. Visitors can take one of the many public buses which ply the area. An alternative is to use the Skytrain and alight at Chit Lom Station, and then take a short walk past the Saen Saep Klong to reach Pratunam - this in itself is a pleasant discovery as one can catch a glimpse of the local people who live along the banks of the canal Yet another refreshing way to travel to Pratunam is to take the 2-way boat service which plies the canal from and to the Bang Kapi area.
As Pratunam represents one the oldest trading areas in Bangkok, it is not strange therefore that many hotels and shopping complexes have also sprouted in its proximity. These include the Indra Hotel, Grand Diamond Hotel, Amari Watergate Hotel and Pantip Plaza, or popularly known as Bangkok's IT Mall, as well as the newly opened Platinum Fashion Mall. The shops at Pratunam offer both retail and wholesale prices for a wide range of products. Those shopping for fashion wear would be spoilt for choice as there is an amazing variety of ready-to-wear garments,
evening dresses and fashion accessories.Today, Pratunam is easily accessible. Visitors can take one of the many public buses which ply the area. An alternative is to use the Skytrain and alight at Chit Lom Station, and then take a short walk past the Saen Saep Klong to reach Pratunam - this in itself is a pleasant discovery as one can catch a glimpse of the local people who live along the banks of the canal Yet another refreshing way to travel to Pratunam is to take the 2-way boat service which plies the canal from and to the Bang Kapi area.