I thought that I had visited the Old Customs Housepreviously but then I read about the building and didn't realise that the big building is actually around the corner.
I read on the Internet that some people were not granted access to the building - well it is condemned and would be dangerous - much like the Guest Tower nearby.
There is a small coffee shop around the corner.
It would be a shame for them to demolish such a lovely building though and designed by an Italian architect (Joachim Grassi) in the 1800's. In 2016 the occupants of the building was the staff of the Bang Rak Fire Station have they have since been asked to leave. The Natural Consortium purchased the land in 2005 and intend to develop this area - as an Aman Resorts and Hotel - so let's see how much longer this takes... Then this has recently been changed - the Treasury Department have revoked this license and the building must be kept... watch this space.
BUT the security might not allow you to use your camera - I wasn't - so I stuck with the iPhone and took some more from the Chao Phraya River Express. Another way to see it is to watch In the Mood for Love - a Hong Kong movie.
I had to pass this Hua Lamphong Railway Station when I was attempting one of the TAT Walking Routes in Bangkok- on the way to ChinaTown. It was certainly an impressive building - which was designed (amongst other buildings in Bangkok) by an Italian in Design.
Quite an interesting to visit - or take a trip somewhere?
Do all railway stations in Thailand have a Dunkin' Donut's and a Black Canyon?
Sometimes you should just follow a guide - this entrance was not something which I would have followed if I did not have the guide to take me down this way.
A small corridor leads the way...
And then open onto a small forecourt with the Chinese Shrine at the back.
With what you expect to find in a Chinese Shrine - simply worth the effort if you are in the area.
Here are some more details - with a safe to make a contribution.
Sala Chaloem Thani was another place to visit on a Bangkok Walk. This is an original Thai wooden cinema, first showing in 1918 and will closed in 1993.
Bangkok Dolls is a company which has been "creating a great variety of exquisite handmade collectible Thai Dolls". I did not know what to expect but I had read a little about it so I set off on a walk. Bangkok Dolls was near a dual carriageway and down some small roads - it was sign posted but I was a little worried, GOOGLE does not always give you the best directions...
But then again this was the sign I missed.
"Bangkok Dolls" are authentically handcrafted to the most minute detail. Exstensive research precedes each design. Antique costumes have been based on museum originals, temple murals, and illustrations from antique books. Contemporary costumes such as those of the Farmer and Hilltribe dolls faithfully reproduce the clothing and ornaments of these people. - http://www.bangkokdolls.com/collection
Wow - what an amazing place to find! There are a great many different dolls that are made here!
It may be a very small place to visit and yes it will not be something for everybody but if you are in the area it is definitely worth a visit.
