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So Heng Tai Mansion

A 19th-century Hokkien courtyard house in Talat Noi, still lived in by the founding family, with a diving pool sunk into the courtyard.

3.8(1,153)$$$$Hua Lamphong MRT Station · 9 min walk
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00
Price
$$$$
Budget
Getting there
Hua Lamphong MRT Station
9 min walk

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Details

Full opening hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday09:00–18:00
Wednesday09:00–18:00
Thursday09:00–18:00
Friday09:00–18:00
Saturday09:00–18:00
Sunday09:00–18:00

Why go, and how to do it well

So Heng Tai is a 19th-century Chinese courtyard house in Talat Noi, built for Phra Aphaiwanit, a Hokkien tax farmer of the So clan who lived from 1813 to 1849 and joined the Siamese nobility under Rama III. Four timber ranges frame a central courtyard, and his descendants have lived in the house ever since, which makes it one of the oldest family homes in Bangkok still in use.

The surprise is in the middle. In 2004 the family sank a swimming pool into the courtyard, and the house runs a diving school, so you may see divers below the old carved eaves. It has been opened to visitors at times since 2014 and now has a small café, but it's a private home first, so keep your voice down and ask before photographing people. It's a short walk from the riverside cafés on Soi Wanit 2.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of So Heng Tai Mansion, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Budget-friendly

282 Soi Wanit 2, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

So Heng Tai Mansion: Frequently Asked Questions

Is So Heng Tai Mansion worth visiting?

So Heng Tai Mansion holds a 3.8★ rating from 1,153 Google reviews. Reviews are mixed, so check recent visitor feedback above to see if it fits your plans.

What are the opening hours of So Heng Tai Mansion?

So Heng Tai Mansion is typically open 09:00–18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

How expensive is So Heng Tai Mansion?

So Heng Tai Mansion is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other temples & culture in Bangkok.

When is the best time to visit So Heng Tai Mansion?

The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).

Where is So Heng Tai Mansion located?

So Heng Tai Mansion is at 282 Soi Wanit 2, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).

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