The Artist House, also called Baan Silapin, is a riverside art space in Bangkok’s Thonburi area. Set in an old wooden house beside a canal, it combines a gallery, café and craft activities. Make a bracelet, paint or decorate an item, then browse the artwork and displays upstairs. The canal-side setting gives you a quieter pause from the city, with boats passing by. A traditional Thai puppet show is held at 2pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so you can plan your visit around it.
A wooden house beside the canal
Known as Baan Silapin as well as The Artist House, this old two-story wooden house sits beside a canal in Bangkok’s Thonburi area. Its setting is part of the visit: boats pass on the water, and homes on stilts line the nearby canal. The house gives you space to pause and look around at a slower pace than the city’s busy streets.
At the center of the café is an old stupa, also called a chedi. The ground floor has a puppet display and a performance space, while the upper floor has art for browsing. Prints, drawings and photographs are among the works sold there.
Crafts, artwork and a puppet show
You can spend time making a bracelet or necklace, painting, decorating a bag or trying other crafts. Materials for activities include beads in different sizes, colors and designs. Coloring materials are also available for items such as cups or ashtrays. Not every activity has a listed price; one visitor paid 150 baht to make a bracelet.
The upstairs gallery has more artwork and seating, so allow time to look around beyond the craft tables. The shop also sells art supplies and distinctive souvenirs, including notebooks, watercolors and colored pencils.
A traditional Thai puppet show takes place at 2pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The puppets enact Thai folktales and scenes from the Ramayana, brought to life by three puppeteers. Check the performance schedule against your visit day if the show is a priority.
Coffee by the water
The café serves iced coffee and juice, and food options include Thai snacks and noodles. You can take a break between browsing and making something, with the canal in view. The downstairs craft area can become crowded, particularly on weekends, so a morning weekday visit suits travelers who want a calmer time at the tables. The upstairs area provides another place to sit and see the art.
FAQ
Is entry to The Artist House free?
A visitor reported free entry. Craft activities and items for sale are separate.
When is the Thai puppet show?
The show starts at 2pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
How long should I spend at The Artist House?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours to try a craft, browse the gallery and take a café break.
When is the best time to visit?
Go in the morning, preferably on a weekday, for a quieter visit. Weekends and later hours can be busy.
