Previously falling under the radar of most tourists who visit Bangkok, the neighbourhood of Talat Phlu doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as its more bustling counterparts do. But after serving as the filming location for the blockbuster hit How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, you may just have reason to give it some due consideration for your next trip to Thailand.
Ever since How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies hit cinemas worldwide, it has been met with raving reviews. People are warned to prepare a lot of tissues and have elderly parents on speed dial, especially for the Asian community who has shown to relate to the story of intergenerational bonding as shown in the film.
How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies Bangkok filming locations: Inside Talat Phlu, Amah’s neighbourhood home in the film
Where was How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies filmed?
The central filming location for How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, Amah’s home is set in a beautiful, quaint neighbourhood called Talat Phlu. It’s located in the Thonburi area, on the west side of the Chao Phraya river. Although this side of the river is not talked about as often as areas around Sukhumvit, Khaosan, or Silom, visitors will get a chance to really immerse themselves with the local culture — what really makes Bangkok become Bangkok.
This old neighbourhood has existed since around mid-1700s, housing people of many nationalities. Having a khlong right next to it had given Talat Phlu lots of opportunities to become a hub for trading, and it is still the case to this day.
Must-visit spots in Talat Phlu, as featured on How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
A quick walk from BTS Talat Phlu (or a short motorcycle taxi ride), you’ll find the Talat Phlu Market. It’s a street food paradise filled to the brim with stalls you’ll be spoiled for choice.
It’s one of those areas where you’ll find people who have been mastering their craft for generations, and selling their products for prices more than reasonable. Kim Aeng has been selling sweetened banana in coconut milk for over 30 years, and it will blow your mind for only THB 20 per serving. Tek Heng has been using the same recipe for mee krob (fried rice noodles with palm sugar and soy sauce) for three generations. It’s crispy, aromatic, and delicious — all to savour for only THB 120 per serving.
Apart from the market, Wat Khlang Talat Phlu (Chantharam Worawihan) is a royal temple built during the time of King Rama III. You’ll find a blend of Buddhist and Chinese art and architecture, with images of the Buddha and Chinese mural art found all in one place.
It’s also a great idea to travel by train to Talat Phlu, then walking by the old Sino-Thai shophouses that will make you feel like you’re transported back in time. That’s probably the best way to live like and understand the community represented in How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies.
How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies premiered on April 1, 2024, and is now hitting cinemas worldwide. It is currently rated at 8.5/10 on IMDb, with 97% positive rating from Google users, and has made THB 320.7 million in Thailand alone, as of June 2, 2024. The film’s run time is 2 hours and 5 minutes. Lifestyle Asia rates this film an 8.5/10.
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
