Bangkok's Chinatown in Yaowarat is one of the oldest areas in the city. Almost every major city has its own Chinatown, but the one in Yaowarat is one of the largest in the world. This vibrant and colorful neighborhood is the hub of the Chinese community in Bangkok and a destination not to be missed.
Yaowarat is also one of the most bustling areas of Bangkok, with Yaowarat Road serving as the main artery. This sprawling neighborhood encompasses a variety of unique attractions, including its rich history and immersive culture, not to mention some of the best places in Bangkok for street food.
Yaowarat stands out as a must-visit destination, with its one-of-a-kind attractions and charm. The neighborhood should be on the bucket list for any visit to the city. So here's the guide covering things you need to know, including how to get here and things to do for an unforgettable experience in Yaowarat, Bangkok.
Table of Contents
- History of Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown
- Where is Yaowarat and How to Get Here
- Exploring Bangkok's Chinatown
- Eat Like a Local in Chinatown
- Yaowarat's Sampheng Market
- Chinatown Gate at Odeon Circle
- Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple)
- Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
- Chinese New Year in Yaowarat
History of Bangkok's Chinatown in Yaowarat
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The history of Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown, began in the late 18th century when King Rama I moved the capital of Siam (former name of Thailand) from Thonburi to Rattanakosin. Yaowarat was a home for many Chinese immigrants, mainly from the Teochew ethnic community, bringing their traditions, culture, and skills.
The heart of the Chinese community in Yaowarat initially centered around Sampheng. It then moved to Yaowarat Road when the road was built in 1891, during the reign of King Rama V. This transition marked a pivotal moment in shaping the character of Yaowarat that remains to this day.
From the late 19th to early 20th century, Yaowarat evolved into a commercial hub, not to say the least, its gambling and opium dens. Though Chinese businesses dominated, the neighborhood attracted people from other countries, including Vietnamese and Indian Muslim traders.
Into the present, Yaowarat remains a thriving commercial hub, and many are Chinese-owned businesses. Over the decades, Yaowarat has transformed into one of the busiest neighborhoods in Bangkok and a hive of activities. Land prices around Yaowarat Road have also been among the most expensive in Bangkok.
Despite assimilation into Thai society, Yaowarat is the cultural home of Bangkok's large Chinese community. The residents continue to practice their culture, which you can see in their foods, crafts, and religion. Many signages are not only written in Thai but also in Chinese characters.
Where is Yaowarat and How to Get Here
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Bangkok's Chinatown in Yaowarat is nestled south of the Chao Phraya River in the city's central area. Chinatown is a sprawling area, encompassing almost the entire Yaowarat. Nearby is Phahurat, affectionately known as Bangkok's Little India, home to a community of South Asian descent.
Yaowarat Road is the primary artery, spanning 1.5 km (nearly a mile) through the heart of Chinatown. The Chinese enclave also includes the nearby streets of Charoen Krung Road, Mangkon Road, Songwat Road, Songsawat Road, Ratchawong Road, Chakkrawat Road, and narrow Sampheng Lane.
There are many ways to get around Bangkok, and going to Chinatown depends where you're coming from. MRT Wat Mangkon Station (Blue Line), on Charoen Krung Road, is a short walk from Yaowarat Road. Another is MRT Hua Lamphong Station (also on the Blue Line), which is near Wat Traimit and China Gate.
If taking the Chao Phraya Express, boats stop at the Ratchawong Pier and it's a short walk to Yaowarat Road. You can hire a taxi (make sure the driver uses the meter) or a tuk-tuk (negotiate the fare before boarding). You can also hire a vehicle using the Grab e-hailing app, and you'll know the fare upfront.
Exploring Bangkok's Chinatown
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As backpackers congregate on Khao San Road and well-heeled tourists revel in shopping and dining in fashionable Sukhumvit, Yaowarat provides a glimpse into the daily life of Bangkok. Yaowarat stands out as a genuine Bangkok neighborhood, shaped over two centuries by shared ethnicity and culture.
Chinatown in Yaowarat does not conform to the conventional image of a Chinese enclave in many Western cities like New York and London. Amidst the modernization sweeping through Bangkok, Yaowarat has remained mostly unchanged over the decades, immune from the relentless march of time.
The most convenient way to Chinatown is to take the MRT Blue Line. You can get off at Hua Lamphong or Mangkon Station, which are located near Yaowarat Road. Chinatown is a big neighborhood. If you don't know where to start, any of the two stations are excellent starting points for exploring.
Yaowarat is not only home to one of the largest Chinatowns in the world but also one of the most bustling areas of Bangkok. The blend of Chinese and Thai cultures makes the neighborhood a unique destination in Bangkok. It's an authentic area of Bangkok to explore, so don't miss a walk around Chinatown.
Centered on Yaowarat Road, Chinatown is a hub of activities and a trove of history, culture, and diversity. While Yaowarat Road is the main artery, don't forget to venture beyond the thoroughfare. Stroll through the adjacent streets, not to mention the many alleyways for hidden gems.
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Walking around Bangkok's Chinatown is an adventure in itself. Though it would take 20 minutes or so to walk from one end of Yaowarat Road to the other, it would take a few hours to explore the neighborhood. It would take a whole day or two to fully immerse yourself in the history and culture.
Old Chinese brick shophouses and rustic dwellings line the streets and alleyways of Yaowarat, each with a unique history and story to share. The presence of Chinese billboards adds to the authentic appeal of Chinatown and after dark, illuminates the streets in a vibrant array of colors.
There's a wide range of merchandise to be found. Yaowarat, namely Yaowarat Road, is famed for the many shops selling jewelry and Chinese herbal medicines. You'll also find tea shops and stores selling fancy ceramics, Buddha amulets, colorful textiles, home items, souvenirs, and even hardware items, to name a few.
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Chinese-style restaurants and cafes also occupy the shophouses. That said, several modern restaurants and cafes have replaced the traditional establishments. Explore the alleyways for more tempting foods from the street stalls. And at nearly every street corner, you'll come across a few market stalls selling all kinds of things.
Home to one of the largest Chinese communities in Thailand, Yaowarat boasts several splendid Chinese temples. Among the most notable is Wat Traimit, featuring an enormous golden statue of Buddha. Another is Wat Mangkon Kamalat, which plays a central role in the religious activities of the Chinese community.
While Yaowarat Road offers a bit of Hong Kong, the shophouses on Song Wat Road feature Sino-Portuguese architecture, also known as Chinese Baroque. It's an Asian hybrid of Chinese and Western architecture featuring decorated facades, carved wooden doors, and a roof clad in curved tiles.
On the north end of Yaowarat Road is Ong Ang Canal. Once a little dirty, it's now a renovated area and a charming place for wandering. The best time to come is after 4 PM from Friday to Sunday when there's a street market and numerous food stalls along the canal. There's also street art to admire and kayaks for hire.
A short jump from the map is the Old Siam Plaza on Tri Phet Road. Opened in 1993, this small three-floor shopping mall looks outdated and hidden from most tourists. Here, you can find clothing, shoes, and accessories. The big draw is the food stalls on the ground floor, offering a massive array of inexpensive Thai delicacies.
Eat Like a Local in Chinatown
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Besides shopping, eating seems to be the other primary activity in Chinatown, and every few steps, you'll find a new food spot. Street food is the first thing that comes to mind, but there are also a lot of restaurants. The primary focus is on traditional Chinese and Thai fare, served in flavorful variations.
For an authentic taste of what locals savor daily, Yaowarat is the destination of choice. The most satisfying aspect is having money left while departing with a contented stomach. A typical meal with a drink shouldn't cost you more than 100 THB (2.80 USD) or, at the very most 150 THB (4.20 USD).
Yaowarat is home to a vibrant street food scene that shouldn't be missed. From spicy stir-fries to crispy fried noodles, there's something for everyone. One of the highlights is the traditional desserts and snacks. Some must-tries include mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, and durian pancakes.
As night falls, Yaowarat Road metamorphosizes into a bustling haven for street food enthusiasts. It's a vibrant tapestry of culinary delights, courtesy of the myriad street stalls lining the thoroughfare. Plastic tables and stools are placed on the wayside, transforming the street into a huge open-air restaurant.
This nocturnal food paradise on Yaowarat Road not only attracts local diners but tourists as well. Whether you're looking for a meal or a midnight snack, you'll find a wider variety of dishes than during the day. There's a wide range of what you can eat, from Chinese to Thai fare. And many stalls operate well past midnight.
Yaowarat's Sampheng Market
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Sampheng is a narrow lane running parallel to Yaowarat Road. Though officially known as Soi Wanit 1, many still refer to the lane as Sampheng. The lane is home to a famous market in Bangkok and one of the oldest. Packed with little shops, it spans nearly 400 meters (440 feet) and encompasses the surrounding alleys.
Sampheng is both a retail and wholesale market, selling a massive range of goods at affordable prices. Don't hesitate to haggle, and prices get cheaper by purchasing in bulk. Many of the merchandise sold in Bangkok's markets is sourced from the numerous shops in Sampheng.
The market opens daily throughout the week. Opening hours vary from shop to shop but typically from around 7 AM to 7 PM. The market in Sampheng tends to be crowded most of the time. It's a bit more packed on weekends, so you may want to come here for a smaller crowd during the weekdays.
Sampheng pretty much defines the shopping experience in Yaowarat's Chinatown. It not only attracts locals but also the attention of curious tourists. With prices often cheaper than in other areas of Bangkok, many tourists turn into serious shoppers practicing their haggling skills.
You can find almost anything here. Some are locally made, and some are imported mainly from China. There are cheap fashion, sarongs, trainers, bags, jewelry, watches, shoes, and sandals. There is also a range of household items, electronic accessories, decorations, toys, and curious knick-knacks.
Whether or not shopping is on your agenda, a visit to Sampheng promises a captivating and memorable experience. While exploring, don't forget to venture into the side streets and narrow alleyways. There are hidden gems of shops offering a treasure trove of unique items.
Chinatown Gate at Odeon Cirlce
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Odeon Circle is a roundabout near the south end of Yaowarat Road. The circle gained its name from a movie theater in the area, one of the first cinemas in Bangkok. The theater was demolished in 1980, and while the cinema is no longer around, the roundabout retains the name in its honor.
The circle features a big ceremonial gate, often referred to as the Chinatown Gate. The gate is the symbolic gateway to Chinatown and a significant cultural landmark in Yaowarat. It was built by the Thai-Chinese community to celebrate the late King Bhumibol's 72nd anniversary in 1999.
The ceremonial red gate is adorned with intricate designs, reflecting traditional Chinese architectural elements. On the side of the gate, you can see two lion statues made from white jade, given as a gift from the government of China. There's also a rabbit statue made of white jade in front of the gate.
Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple)
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Wat Traimit, also known as Golden Buddha Temple, is near the Chinatown Gate. It's a prominent Buddhist temple in Yaowarat, featuring traditional Thai temple architecture with intricate details, colorful murals, and decorative elements. The temple opens from 8 AM to 5:00 PM, and there's a 40 THB (1 USD) fee to enter.
The highlight of Wat Traimit is the massive Golden Buddha statue, which resides in the temple. The Buddha image is made of solid gold and is one of the largest gold statues in the world. The Golden Buddha stands 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall and weighs approximately 5.5 tonnes.
The Golden Buddha has a fascinating history, believed to date back to the 13th or 14th century during the Sukhothai period. The gold statue was initially covered in plaster to conceal its value to prevent theft. Its true nature was discovered in 1955, during relocation, when the plaster chipped and the gold revealed.
The gold in the statue is estimated to be worth more than 250 million USD! The body is 40 percent pure gold, the volume from the chin to the forehead is 80 percent pure, and the hair and topknot are 99 percent. There's a small but engaging museum on the temple's upper floor where you can learn about Yaowarat's past.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
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Wat Mangkon, also known as Wat Leng Noei Yi, is on Charoen Krung Road near the MRT Wat Mangkon Station (Blue Line). The house of worship was founded in 1872 as a Mahayana Buddhist temple. Besides being one of the largest, it's the most important Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok.
The exterior follows a classic Chinese architectural style, featuring sweeping tiled roofs adorned with animal and floral motifs. Intricate representations of Chinese dragons further enhance the temple's traditional design. In front of the temple, several shrines and furnaces grace the courtyard.
Wat Mangkon plays a central role in the religious activities of the Thai-Chinese community. The main altar inside the temple is where religious rites are performed. Relics and images of revered Taoist deities decorate the temple. Besides the Taoist deities, there are also several gilded images of Buddha.
The temple plays a significant role during the Chinese New Year and Chinese Vegetarian Festival celebrations for the Thai-Chinese community. Devotees converge upon the temple, participating in various religious ceremonies, including making offerings and seeking blessings for good fortune.
Chinese New Year in Yaowarat
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The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, typically falls between late January and mid-February. The exact date varies each year based on the ancient Chinese lunar calendar. In Bangkok, The Chinese New Year festival centers around Yaowarat.
A section of Yaowarat Road comes alive with festive decorations during the Chinese New Year season. Streets are adorned with red lanterns, banners, and traditional Chinese symbols. While the Chinese New Year isn't a public holiday in Thailand, the celebration is a three-day event in Yaowarat.
A section of Yaowarat Road is closed to vehicles during the three days, transforming it into a walking street. During the occasion, there are traditional dances and musical performances. The highlight is the Chinese dragon and lion dances, accompanied by rhythmic sounds of drums, cymbals, and exploding firecrackers.
The bustling street food scene in Yaowarat reaches new heights during the Chinese New Year. Food stalls and vendors offer a wide array of traditional Chinese and Thai delicacies, allowing locals and visitors to indulge in a myriad of festive treats that capture the rich flavors of the occasion.
