This thing to do in Bangkok with kids brings classic films grandparents once loved back to a historic wooden cinema.
While most kids today are used to watching movies on tablets or inside giant modern cinemas, this thing to do in Bangkok with kids lets them experience classic films in the city’s oldest surviving wooden cinemas.
Taking place this weekend on 23–24 May at Sala Chaloem Thani, it will screen 2 romance classics as part of its special classic love programme, featuring The Scar (23 May) and Roman Holiday (24 May).
Hidden in Bangkok Old Town, Sala Chaloem Thani, also known as Nang Loeng Cinema, is a rare piece of Thai entertainment history that occasionally opens its doors for free movie screenings and cultural events.
Even if younger kids may not sit through the entire film, the experience itself is part of the fun. From the creaky wooden floors and vintage atmosphere to the chance to explore the oldest cinemas, the outing feels more like a mini cultural adventure than a regular movie trip.
What is the classic love film programme at Sala Chaloem Thani?
This thing to do in Bangkok with kids is a free 2-day classic film event curated by the Thai Film Archive, Thailand’s national organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the country’s film history.
Set inside a 108-year-old wooden cinema, the programme pairs a renowned Thai romance film with a Hollywood classic. It gives you the chance to experience movies in a completely different setting from today’s multiplex cinema.
Inside the experience: what families can expect
Here are some highlights you can look forward to:
Classic films on the big screen
The programme features 2 timeless romance films, bringing together both Thai and Hollywood love stories.
The Scar (แผลเก่า, 1977)
This emotional tragedy tells the story of Kwan and Riam, a young couple forced apart after Riam’s father falls into debt and sells her to a wealthy widow. Often described as Thailand’s version of Romeo and Juliet, the film offers kids a glimpse into classic Thai storytelling and cinema history.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Starring Audrey Hepburn, this Hollywood classic follows a runaway princess exploring Rome for a day with a journalist she unexpectedly meets along the way. Funny, warm and easy to follow, it remains one of the most beloved feel-good films of all time.
A cinema unlike modern movie theatres
For many kids, this may be the first time visiting a traditional wooden cinema. From the old architecture and vintage seating to the nostalgic atmosphere, the experience feels almost like travelling back in time from the moment you walk in.
A chance to introduce kids to classic films
This is a fun way to show children and teens what movies were like before streaming platforms and special effects-heavy blockbusters.
A relaxing afternoon in Bangkok Old Town
Since doors open from 1pm, families can take their time wandering around the cinema and nearby neighbourhood in Bangkok Old Town before the films start at 4pm.
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What is Sala Chaloem Thani?
Sala Chaloem Thani, also known as Nang Loeng Cinema, is Bangkok’s oldest surviving wooden cinema and a rare piece of Thai entertainment history.
Located in the historic Nang Loeng neighbourhood in Bangkok Old Town, the movie house first opened in 1918, 108 years ago, during the golden age of standalone cinemas long before modern shopping mall theatres existed.
After closing in 1993, the historic cinema was recently revitalised by the Thai Film Archive and reopened as a cultural space hosting free nostalgic film screenings, community events and programmes celebrating Thai cinema history.
Why families are excited about this event
What makes this thing to do with kids in Bangkok special is how different it feels from most family outings in the city.
It combines history, cinema and quiet exploration in a way that feels calm, affordable and memorable. You get a dose of nostalgia while kids get to experience a side of Bangkok many may have never seen before.
Good to know before you go
Best for: Little movie lovers, nostalgic parents, culture-loving families and anyone curious about Bangkok’s old-school cinema history
Where: Sala Chaloem Thani, Bangkok Old Town, 30 minutes walk from MRT Sam Yot, Bangkok. Call: 099-245-7777
How much: No entry fee
When: 23–24 May, 1:30pm onwards for visits, with free tickets handed out at 3pm and film screenings starting at 4pm
