Hengseng: The Last Prayer Cushion Maker of Talat Noi

If there’s one local product that is truly unique and special to Talat Noi, it would be the handmade prayer cushion from the Hengseng shop. Established over a century ago, this two-storey shop along Charoen Krung Road is the last of its kind in the area, devoted to making prayer cushions for Chinese temples.

Bangkok’s Only Kneeler-Maker

Hengseng’s journey begins with Wimon Leangaroon’s grandparents who migrated from mainland China and settled in Talat Noi. The family built their business making mosquito nets and mattresses. When the demand declined, they gradually shifted to crafting prayer cushions or kneelers used in Chinese temples and shrines.

This area once had several similar artisans, but Hengseng now remains the only shop offering such handicrafts. According to Wimon, who belongs to the family’s third generation, the business does not earn much profit. It’s likely one of the main reasons why other shops decided to let go of the craft. Not to mention the time and effort required to complete a single cushion.

Each cushion is entirely handcrafted, from stuffing the pillow with kapok and dry coconut coir, to covering it with unbleached muslin, to shaping and adding the final touches. Given the meticulous process and the hours it takes to finish one piece, the team produces only around five cushions per day.

The Motivation Behind

Despite the modest profit, the family intends to keep the business alive not just to earn a living but also to preserve the art of making prayer cushions. Hengseng even offers workshops for those who want to learn how to make these traditional kneelers.

The business gets particularly busy during the Vegetarian Festival, when Chinese temples and shrines replace their sets of prayer cushions. Demand spikes during this period. Wimon firmly believes that the business won’t disappear anytime soon, as long as there are Chinese communities in Thailand paying respects to their gods in temples and shrines.

To further sustain the family business, they have also started selling the cushions as home decor pieces, which can instantly make any home feel cozy. The shop also offers Thai sweet snacks.

The craft of creating something humble yet meaningful has been delicately preserved by the family across generations. For travelers looking for more than just a shop selling souvenirs, Hengseng is a perfect detour. It offers a glimpse into Bangkok’s layered history of Chinese-Thai communities, traditional craftsmanship, and the slow, intentional work behind making beautiful cushions piece by piece.