The name "Bang Lamphu" can mean
"area of mangrove apple" (
lamphu is Thai for mangrove apple).
Mangrove apples (
Sonneratia caseolaris) once flourished
along waterways in the area, including the
Khlong Bang Lamphu and
Chao Phraya River. There are no more mangrove apple trees in the local
Santi Chai Prakan Park, since the last one died in 2012 from the
2011 Thailand floods, but the name Bang Lamphu is still commonly used to describe the area. Bang Lamphu became a community prior to the Rattanakosin period. It was the residence of royalty, courtiers, vassals and citizens of many ethnic groups, including
Thai,
Chinese,
Mon and
Muslims who settled in the vicinity. Once the Khlong Rop Krung canal was excavated, a pier was established at Bang Lamphu by which goods such as vegetables and fruits could be transported from the
Thonburi side. In those days, Bang Lamphu resembled a lively
floating market, bustling with activity. The renowned poet
Sunthorn Phu described the area in his work
Nirat Phukhao Thong, written during his journey to pay homage to the
Chedi Phukhao Thong (Golden Mount) in
Ayutthaya, as he passed through Bang Lamphu by boat: Bang Lamphu also became a major market for overland trade via the
Khaosan Road and a number of other roads. The community was home to
likay dancers and
Thai musicians and was the birthplace of
Montri Tramote, a Thai musician recognized as "master of Thai classical music" and
National Artist of Performing arts (Thai music). Bang Lamphu has become a popular
tourist destination, especially for
Westerners. The Khaosan and
Rambuttri Roads feature tourist attractions. Accommodations and dining are available including
guest houses,
hostels,
restaurants,
street food, bars,
cafés,
clothes, and
travel agencies including
Thai massage services. For Thai people, Bang Lamphu is also considered to be a hub for notable
school uniform stores. Bang Lamphu, especially
Sip Sam Hang Road, the area opposite
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara was considered a center of teenagers in the 1950s–60s, like
Wang Burapha. Since it was home to many restaurants including cafés and ice cream parlours that offered jukeboxes and televisions, which were rare appliances in those days. Hence, Bang Lamphu and Sip Sam Hang Road were cited in the 1997
Thai heroic bloodshed film ''
Dang Bireley's and Young Gangsters'' as a backdrop for the characters in street gang battles. ==Surrounding places==