Hong Sieng Kong: A Hidden Gem Café by the Chao Phraya River

While wandering through the alleys of Talat Noi in Bangkok, I stumbled upon a blue ancient house with a large gate, which turned out to be the Hong Sieng Kong café. It looked like an old mansion of a wealthy family, and stepping inside revealed a whole new world. The interior is cool and somewhat dim. This is where you place your order. I ordered a simple meat sauce spaghetti and iced coffee for lunch. I initially thought the food would be pre-packaged, but to my surprise, it was delicious. The meat sauce was perfectly mixed with the tomato flavor and fine noodles, with the right texture and seasoning. There are limited seats indoors, so I continued to look for a spot. The outdoor area is a high-ceilinged corridor with a canopy, making the space bright and spacious. The old walls of the mansion are adorned with wooden furniture and antique decorations, giving it a vintage charm. There is also a wooden spiral staircase leading to the second floor, filled with antique collections, though it's unclear if they are genuine. Passing through the corridor, you reach a small outdoor courtyard and the riverside seating area. The sunny Chao Phraya River view attracts many foreigners who don't mind the heat. I thought that was all, but the adjacent building is also part of the café! It features an indoor seating area with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for those who want to enjoy the river view without being exposed to the sun. Further exploration reveals an old courtyard with an inner-facing old mansion façade. The blue-painted walls and two-story corridor exude a rustic charm, though it's not open for public viewing, which is a pity. Hong Sieng Kong is designed in a U-shape. The front left is the indoor ordering area, the middle left is the corridor seating, the bottom is the riverside outdoor seating, the middle right is the indoor seating with floor-to-ceiling windows and courtyard, and the top right is the closed-off ancient house area. It's a fantastic space that you would never guess from the outside. Highly recommended for a cool break while exploring Talat Noi. Hong Sieng Kong ✓ Business hours: 1000-2000 ✓ Address: 734, 736 Soi Wanit 2, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand