Tak seems to have more wooden houses on stilts in its backstreets than other Thai towns, which have mostly replaced such buildings with modern, concrete and brick edifices.
To see a concentrated street of such traditional houses, head for Trok Ban Chin, an atmospheric alley lined with a variety of grand and simple houses. ‘Trok’ means ‘alley’, so Trok Ban Chin means ‘alley of Chinese houses’.
Most of these houses were built in the 19th century by wealthy Chinese merchants when most trade was done on the river, and in those days the river reached as far as this street. Several of the houses have now fallen into disrepair, though others have been renovated in their original style, with lots of intricate carvings on the eaves and balconies.
None of these houses is open to the public at present, though that may change as the local tourist office wants to promote it as an attraction. Nevertheless, it’s well worth a stroll down this narrow lane to admire the kind of architecture that’s becoming rare these days.
Getting There
Trok Ban Chin is just south of the town center, a couple of blocks east of the Mae Ping Park and south of Tha Rua Road. It’s easy to walk to from anywhere in town.
Need to Know
- What is it? An atmospheric lane of traditional wooden houses.
- When to go: any time
- Where: South of the town center
- Address: Trok Ban Chin, Tak
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Entrance fee: Free