Baan Silapin, The Artist's House

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Other highlights at Taling Chan Floating Market other than the seafood treat is the canal tour which include the stop at the Artist's House (Baan Silapin) near Wat Thong Sala Ngarm (Thong Sala Ngarm Temple). There are 2 options for canal tours, one that is a public boat tour where the boat will depart once it is full but require some waiting time for the earlier boat to finished its round and returned to the pie. The second would be private boats which could also be shared with few others (good for couples) offering more privacy and comfort.

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After about 20 minutes canal tour which wooden and semi-wooden houses could be seen along the canals, (sadly some of which on verge to collapse while some had already seen collapsed and disappeared) as well as witnessing how the community along the canal involve in daily activities, the boat arrived at the Wat Thong Sala Ngarm pier for visitors to get to Baan Silapin to watch the Thai puppet show themed under the Hanuman epic, which according to Thai myth was a Lopburi monkey with appearance wearing a crown on his head created by Lord Shiva, the Hindu God and also a devoted soldier of Rama, another Hindu God.

BAAN SILAPIN AND SURROUDING AREAS

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Under Thai myth, Hanuman was not believed to be God but a flirty monkey who likes to seduce women as well as a powerful character who could demolished millions of demon armies. To reach Baan Silapin from the Wat Thong Sala Ngarm pier, visitors will pass through some traditional wooden canal houses with some of the house owners involve in coffee shop and food business, souvenirs trade and fish food sale for fish feeding as there were many fresh water fish in the canals (interesting colourful fish food were on sale apart from the bread). Walking on the edge of the canal along the front wooden walkways of the traditional old wooden house brings back the nostalgic of olden era of Thailand. There were some interesting sights along the pathways leading to Baan Silapin and within Baan Silapin where an artist was seen showcasing his great drawing skills, a post box structure and 2 human structures in red and white along the edge of the wooden pathways in front of Baan Silapin.

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Before the start of the puppet show, the performers wearing in black attires and black masks were seen holding the Hanuman puppet and paying respect to the Thai puppet master. The stage was a simple courtyard of a wooden canal house with lush plants on the surroundings with an open concept. Guests watch the show from the covered living hall where seats such as long bench, sofa and chairs were arrange for seating. During show time, the seating area was noted to be full and insufficient to accomodate the guests. So, crowds could be seen standing and seating on the floors in front of the stage. The puppet show was just incredibly amazing on how the performers were so skilful in controlling the puppet to each of the Hanuman's actions as if the Hanuman was a real life puppet.

THE THAI PUPPET SHOW PERFORMANCE @ BAAN SILAPIN, ARTIST HOUSE

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As in Thai myth where Thai people thought Hanuman was a flirtatious monkey, the show at Baan Silapin include the performance that showcased how Hanuman did the tricks in seducing the mermaid Suvannamaccha. It was also believed under the Thai myth, as a result of the union between Hanuman and mermaid Suvannamaccha, a baby half monkey and half mermaid was born. I remember I have watched the show before at the Louis puppet theatre in Suan Lum Night Bazaar, which has since closed and moved to Asiatique? At the end of the show, visitors could donate to the performers for their good and skilful performance and opportunity to have close photography sessions with Hanuman and the performers.

THE CANAL TOURS AT TALING CHAN FLOATING MARKET AND AT BAAN SILAPIN (ARTIST HOUSE) AND ITS SURROUNDING AREA

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