Lhong 1919 Travelogue｜A Riverside Courtyard of Old Times and Creative Charm

One afternoon, I took a boat across the Chao Phraya River from the east bank to Lhong 1919, a riverside cultural and creative park transformed from a 19th-century Chinese merchant warehouse complex. Upon entering, I was greeted by a U-shaped courtyard surrounding the river, adorned with red lanterns hanging in the center. The old murals on the walls and the terrazzo bricks carried deep historical traces, making it feel like stepping into a medieval crossroads of Chinese and Western cultures. The most captivating spot was the Mazu Shrine, which houses three Mazu statues brought from China. The air was filled with incense smoke, and devotees prayed silently. I was deeply moved by the religious atmosphere, which vividly conveyed the sentiments of Teochew immigrants who embarked on sea voyages and left their homeland. The park not only preserves historical architecture but also hosts numerous stylish cafes, craft shops, and Chinese restaurants. In the afternoon, I visited Plearnwan Panich Café and ordered their signature sesame soy milk iced coffee. It was rich with a subtle sweetness, perfectly matching the vibe of a trendy tea house. I also explored Nai Harng Bistro, where I tried the seaweed shrimp vermicelli pot—a homely yet intriguing dish. Walking through the courtyard, sitting on wooden benches, watching tourists take photos and artists create, I found myself seated by the riverside, enjoying the breeze and feeling time slow down. People call this place an "Instagramers’ Dream," and I took plenty of photos myself. The light filtering through the warehouses and red lanterns subtly revealed the details of old Bangkok. As dusk fell, the park came alive with music and chatter, creating a lively yet serene atmosphere—a romantic "riverside artistic café" vibe. Lhong 1919 is indeed a hidden gem along Bangkok's riverside, blending history, faith, creativity, and cuisine.