English
We would like to bring you to a small cozy town called “Mallika R.E. 124.” Visiting this city will show you the Thai traditional style of how people back in 1905 A.D. lived their lives (R.E. stands for Rattanakosin Era.), so you can see and explore the fascinating way of life they had.
In this blog, we are taking you to get back in the reign of King Rama V, the year R.E. 124, when the Thai local people was living by the Chao Phraya Basin in the beautiful town “Mallika.” We will highlight some of the most interesting things to explore.
Kanchanaburi is the province of Thailand that has a wide variety of tourism spots to visit, a diversity of activities to do, and one of the most exciting places to travel around.
The list of tourism attractions that travelers can go to includes: Mallika City, Sangkhla Buri district, The Bridge Over the Kwai River, Srinakarin Dam, Underwater Temple Church at Wat Wang Wiwekaram, Erawan Waterfall, and the Thailand–Burma Railway Center.
1. Strolling over the Han Bridge
The Han Bridge or turntable bridge has this name for its function. This bridge has an end tied to the bank while the other side doesn’t tie. Then it allows the bridge to be movable and can let the boats, which is the main vehicle of people back then pass through the waterway. During the reign of King Rama IV, he commanded to rebuild the Han Bridge with steel for the frame and wooden boards for the pad. Later, in the reign of King Rama V, the bridge is rebuilt with a new design of wooden arch spans like that of the Rialto Bridge in Venice and Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.
The Han Bridge brings back the memory of life along both shores from the past. The merchants used to sail their boats bringing their merchandise to the market of people living ashore who came out of their Thai traditional-style houses. In the present days, visitors can douse their hunger with authentic cuisines from the Thai restaurants along the shores. All of the decorations are suited up in Thai traditional outfits that go together with the town’s arts and building styles that have been preserved through time.
2. Thai vintage clothing for rent
Mallika City Kanchanaburi is a vintage town, so visitors who are in the right mood can find rentals of vintage clothing to fit their size. We must say that you should do so, just so you do not look out of place, because almost all tourists, officials, and merchants are fitted out in vintage clothing.
No need to be bashful, as it is not often you can find a town like this. We cannot stress how much fun this experience can bring you! The rental price is as follows:
(1) Female
Price 200 THB will provide a shawl, Thai loincloth, jewelry, belt, and umbrella
Price 300 THB will provide ham-sleeved shirts, satin sash, Thai loincloth, jewelry, belt, and umbrella
(2) Male
Price 100 THB will provide a Kui-heng shirt, Thai loincloth, and waistband
Price 300 THB will provide a royal patterned shirt and Thai loincloth
(3) Children
Price 50 THB will provide a round-basket collar shirt and loincloth for girls. And, Kui-heng shirt and loincloth for boys
Remark: All prices are subject to change on certain dates.
3. Be lugged around town
Pulled rickshaws are charming in a town like Mallika. Back in the reign of King Rama V, the Chinese immigrants were the ones pulling them around town. Visitors can get the service for just 50 THB per trip.
Tickets are available at the ticket counter in the town centre. Find out how it must have felt like in the old days when mostly well-to-do women used to be lugged around town in these pulled rickshaws.
4. Holed coins
The currency used in ancient Ayutthaya and Sukhothai was holed coins. At Mallika City Kanchanaburi, they are also using those to buy products and services throughout the town.
It is a rather strange experience but charming nevertheless. The exchange rate is about 5 THB a satang, being the unit of currency of these holed coins, and there are 1, 2, 5, and 10 satang coins available.
5. A taste of authentic Thai cuisine
After getting tired from taking selfies and making your friends jealous, if you are hungry, the locals are ready to serve you authentic Thai dishes, food, desserts, drinks, fresh produce, dried fruits, and preserves. There are so many shops to choose from beginning at the entrance down to the town center.
Many make your order right in front of you. Pick up the food, and feel free to walk around. After the meal, take a look at the souvenir shops and take something back for the folks at home.
For those who want to shy away from the chaos in the city, come and relax in this old town that is well preserved through its history, Mallika City Kanchanaburi. They are open from 09:00 – 18:00. An all-day ticket for an adult is just 250 THB, and for children/ seniors are just 120 THB. A ticket for dinners and evening exhibitions for adults is 700 THB and for children/seniors just 350 THB.
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