The Sights, Sounds and Smells of Chinatown, Bangkok

Chinatown, Bangkok

View Photos (1) Image © 2009 Apiradee Boonkwang

For a truly unique multicultural experience, a day spent in Chinatown, Bangkok is a must try. The streets are filled with ethnic Chinese people and large neon signs, reminiscent of a city in China. It is also a great place to shop for just about anything.

Chinatown covers most of Yaowarat Road and portions of neighboring roads such as Charoen Krung in one of the oldest sections of Bangkok. Yaowarat Road itself is said to emulate a dragon’s curvy body thus making the road a great business center for Chinese (dragons are a symbol of luck). However, Chinatown was not always on Yaowarat Road.

Chinese merchants came south to trade with Thailand (called Siam at the time) during the 1700’s and eventually settled on an area in what is now the Grand Palace complex. King Rama 1 wanted to move the Thai capital to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River and into the area occupied by the Chinese at that time. This forced them to move two kilometers down river into modern day Yaowarat.

The atmosphere in Chinatown is frantic. There are shops all over the streets selling items ranging from gold, textiles, electronics, jewelry and food. There is also the rare Stone Museum and numerous temples and shrines in the area.

Chinatown is easily accessible by Bangkok’s MRT subway system. Just ride the train to the end of the line at Hualumphong Station and it is an easy walk from there.

Biking along Chinatown’s vibrant streets is an experience in itself.

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Published on 12/9/09