Bangkok Design Week 2026: Exploring Fueang Nakhorn Through Scent and Storytelling
This year, we are excited to unveil our newest cultural experience, Scented Stories of Fueang Nakhorn, presented as part of Bangkok Design Week 2026. The guided walking tour and scent-design workshop invited participants to explore Bangkok’s Old Town in Phra Nakhon through heritage storytelling and fragrance.
Discovering Fueang Nakhorn
The experience unfolded in Fueang Nakhorn, an Old Town neighbourhood located just minutes from landmarks such as The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Khao San Road. Shaped by royal roots and a vibrant commercial past, the area is one of the lesser known places to go in Bangkok where Siamese heritage meets Western influence, with history still present in its architecture, family businesses, and everyday local life.
A Walk Through Stories and Hidden Corners
Led by our specialized storyteller and historian Ajarn Ton, the walking tour began at Wat Ratchaphobit, known for its distinctive blend of Thai tradition and Western design. Participants then visited Hattakamamakarn, home of the well known Sriracha chili sauce, where they learned about a family recipe that travelled from a coastal town to Bangkok and has been passed down through generations.
We continued the route to Suan Ngern Mee Ma, a calm community space where books, food, and crafts come together, encouraging visitors of all ages to slow down and spend time with literature and creativity. The group also stopped at Chi Kat Cha, a cafe shaped by time and passed through generations, still carrying traces of locals’ everyday lives. The walk concluded at Worrawan Palace, a place that has lived many lives, from a royal residence to a theatre and later a school, reflecting the layered history of the neighborhood.
Turning Places into Scent
Throughout the walking tour, fragrances inspired by each stop were introduced by P’Yai, founder of Saisalang. Participants were invited to smell the scents along the route, offering a new way to experience the places they had just visited. One of the most memorable moments came at Hattakamamakarn, where the chilli-inspired scent drew laughter, surprised reactions, and even a few playful coughs from participants caught off guard by its spicy kick. These scent moments added a lively, sensory layer to the stories and helped turn places into lasting memories.
From Walking Tour to Hands-On Workshop
After the walk, the group returned to The Roots Routes for the workshop portion of the experience. Guided by the founder of Saisalang, participants were introduced to the basics of scent design before creating their own one-of-a-kind fragrant sachets, inspired by the local places and stories they had just explored.
A Shared Experience
The workshop welcomed a diverse mix of participants, from perfume enthusiasts to tourists and expats. It was a shared, hands-on experience centered around scent and storytelling, and everyone went home with their handmade sachets, limited edition perfumes, and a tote bag filled with special scents.
We would like to thank all our participants, partners, and our in-kind sponsor Canon for supporting the local workshop and helping us bring the experience to life by adding a personal touch for the participants.
Explore More with The Roots Routes
Missed this Bangkok Design Week 2026 experience? No worries, We also present a range of self-guided audio tour experiences that invite visitors to explore the city at their own pace while exploring hidden gems and local stories. Click here to check it out and discover more cultural experiences in Bangkok