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Tang Seng Jua: Gift Options Galore

By  Nida Tunsuttiwong
1 Apr 2010
While many tourists and travelers may enjoy buying a T-shirt, postcard, or fridge magnet as a souvenir to remember an enjoyable trip, foods and snacks tend to be the most popular purchase among Thai folk when they visit the provinces.

Long-established tourism-friendly provinces, such as Chiang Mai in the north, or Phetchaburi in the south, boast lots of souvenir stores and outlets where you can purchase tasty regional or local food specialties. But finding such outlets in lesser-known destinations, such as Chachoengsao, can be much tougher. Fortunately, during my recent visit to the province, I soon found Tang Seng Jua, a store selling lots of interesting products that also boasts a rich history.

A family affair
Tang Seng Jua was established in 1932 by Hok Saetang, a Chinese migrant who opened the store as a place to sell the popular dessert known as Yue Bing in Cantonese and Khanom Pia ('Mooncake') in Thai.

The store is now run by members of the Tankongkarat family – third-generation descendants of the store’s founder. Hok changed the family name from Saetang to Tankongkarat once it was apparent that his family intended to settle in the kingdom for the long-term.

Tang Seng Jua has certainly made strides since its humble beginnings and now includes five outlets within the province. Today, we'll take a look at the branch in Bangkhla district, along Highway 304.

This store is considered to be one of Chachoengsao's most popular places among visitors looking to purchase souvenirs, as well as serving as a major landmark. We'll take a look at the store’s products in depth shortly, but it should also be noted that the building that houses the store, built in 2004 in a modern Chinese style, is also notable due to its architecture and design features, which led to it receiving a Best Architecture award from the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA) under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Sino-inspired splendor
Tang Seng Jua includes three buildings and a Chinese pavilion surrounded by a lotus pond that serves as its entrance. The main building at the center of the site is where visitors can sample the various different kinds of Mooncake.

The main counter area, set below a wooden, reproduction shophouse, displays all kinds of Mooncakes featuring an array of different fillings, such as black bean, black sesame, durian and Mung bean. One of the top sellers is called Snow Skin With Mixed Fillings. This particular kind of Mooncake features traditional fillings and is uncooked.

The other thing that differentiates Tang Seng Jua from other stores is its tastefully designed packaging. Customers can buy snacks in a nice cardboard box, or purchase a special set, that includes a beautiful bag featuring colorful patterns and the brand’s logo.

In one corner of the store is a small coffee counter and an area where you can just relax and enjoy a refreshing drink or bite to eat. The interior design is a subtle combination of traditional and modern Chinese styles.

Sweet reminders
If you still feel you’d like to buy a more concrete memento of your visit to Tang Seng Jua, there’s another charming building nearby that sells all manner of things that could also make nice gifts, such as apple peelers, colorful Chinese outfits, dolls, key chains, lamps, stationary, toys and even Tang Seng Jua T-shirts.

Since there is a huge amount of stuff for sale here, taking up all the available space, a visit to Tang Seng Jua certainly keeps shoppers on their toes and their eyes peeled.

Tang Seng Jua opens daily from 8 am to 6.30 pm. For further information, call Tel: +66 (0)3 858 4420.

Transport connections:
Car: From Bangkok, take Highway 9 (the Bangkok-Chon Buri motorway) towards Chachoengsao province.

When possible, please switch over to Highway 314. Follow this stretch of road for about 18 kilometers until you are able to access Highway 304. Continue along Highway 304 for about 9 km, where you will spot Tang Seng Jua located on the other side of the road. It’s possible to make a U-turn further down this road or at the Bangkhla intersection about 3-km away.

POI: N 13.66692 E 101.18532
Resource
TAN NETWORK