Hop on one of the boats that goes down the majestic Chao Phraya River that zig zags its way through downtown Bangkok, dropping off a mix of tourists and locals along the way. Get off at Marine Dept. Around the stop there is an amazing temple tree to the right as you are walking out and be sure to also look to the left. On the other side of the park, behind the swing, there is a tree that has grown out of a building wall which is quite a sight.
Continue straight until you reach the first road and then turn left and then take the first right. You are now in Talad Noi, a very cool neighbourhood on the border of Chinatown characterised by narrow alley ways filled with little shops, homes and a lot of impressive graffiti. Many of the homes and shops are set up with decorations for Chinese New Year tomorrow and families have already started gathering for the occasion.
Walk along the narrow paths, right, then left, then right and you will arrive at 32 Bar X. Before you find it, you might notice the temple tree surrounded by engine parts, or the old car out front. This craft chocolate maker is in an old factory where a glass box has been built within the building and inside that glass box a tiny little café set up. A menu of a dozen options of single origins chocolates from around the country is offered, all with distinct flavor notes that you can try before choosing. Your drink is then made up with your choice of chocolate in a paper cup and can be enjoyed within the building but just outside the glass box, alongside some strange old statues of micky mouse and other Knick knacks.
We sit with our hot chocolate in front of three girls more interested in taking pictures of themselves for social media than to enjoy the chocolate, which remains in their cups, cooling quickly on the table. Unlike us, most visitors arrive by accident, entering almost like Alice would have entered wonderland, wondering what might be inside. The hot chocolatiers in the box are quick to bring them in with promises of chocolate tastings and smooth talking. It works every time and no one seems unhappy at the slightest about it. On the contrary, this is truly a magical place.
32 Bar X, Talad Noi. Hours: 11-19:00. @32bar_treetobar
