Thanon Maharat

The northern stretch of this street is one of Bangkok’s most interesting. On the opposite side of Wat Mahathat’s whitewashed walls, the street is monopolised by ancient Thai industries: herbal apothecaries and amulet dealers. In the cool season, medicinal bowls of ginger-infused broth are sold from steaming cauldrons to stave off winter colds (yes, seriously!). Outdoor displays of pill bottles are lined up and dusted daily like prized antiques. Each remedy bears a picture of a stoic healer, a marketing pitch that puts a human face on the medicine. Further along, the amulet market (đalàht prá krêuang) spills out of its medieval warren into the street, forcing pedestrians to run zigzag patterns through the plastic mats (the Thai equivalent of blanket stalls) on which the tiny images are displayed. Unpopular plans to redevelop this area as a cultural theme park with shops catering to tourists have been shelved – for now. But considering Bangkok’s love of reinvention, leaving Th Maharat for your next trip is probably not a good idea.