Discover the Heartbeat of Chinatown Bangkok - A Local's Perspective

Nestled in the heart of old Bangkok is Chinatown: an area that brings together food, culture, and a unique blend of modern bars and restaurants. Expect to find food stalls lined up, restaurants offering some of the freshest catches of the day, temples to make merit in, and even hidden bars. 

As someone born and raised here in Bangkok, Chinatown is a landmark and a must-visit place to savor all that this area has to offer. I often find myself lost, in a trance, and awe at just how vibrant Chinatown, or as the locals like to call it Yaowarat is. 

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 05-11-2024

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Where is Chinatown of Bangkok?

Located in the old heart of Bangkok, a historic area known for bustling markets and marvelous architecture. The main area is centered around Yaowarat Road, making the area quite accessible as it's around 5-6 kilometers away from main areas like Sukhumvit Road. Commuting to Chinatown will take you around 18-30 minutes depending on transport mode and traffic.

Day vs Night: The Yin and Yang of Chinatown, Thailand

Chinatown is one such area where you discover a vibrant tapestry of culture. During the day, gleaming gold shops entice with exquisite jewelry, while fragrant fruit vendors and spice stalls tantalize your senses. Don’t miss Shangri La restaurant, which has a kitchen that allows you to see the chefs at work. It’s renowned to be one of Chinatown’s oldest restaurants offering delicious Chinese delicacies along with Thai favorites. 

As night falls, Chinatown transforms. Neon signs ignite, beckoning you to explore. Street vendors tempt with Mango Sticky Rice and Hoy Jor, while T&K Seafood offers fresh catches under the stars. Bars and pubs come alive with music and laughter.

Chinatown embodies the city's spirit – a captivating blend of daytime tradition and vibrant nightlife. The day and night of Chinatown is interdependent because it offers the best balance between culture and a chance to feast and enjoy the night. Bars and pubs light up, inviting locals and tourists to enjoy live music, drinks and the chance to just get lost in the moment. 

Chinatown Yaowarat -  A Feast for the Senses

Street Food Paradise:

Here, you’ll find vendors lined up selling the best kinds of treats that will make you crave more. Popular favorites include Hoy Jor (deep-fried pork with crab meat), Mango Sticky Rice, Satay (grilled pork skewers), Guay Jub (rolled noodles soup) and stalls selling fruit smoothies and Thai iced tea. 

• Where to find street vendors: main Yaowarat Road.
• Average cost of street food: around 100-300 THB

Restaurants and Cafes:

Shangri-La: a restaurant reminiscent of Chinese culture and tradition. Featuring an open-concept kitchen, guests can savor dishes such as Peking duck, roast pork, and more while watching the food being prepared in front of them. 

• Cost: around 200-400 THB
• Location: 306 Yaowarat Rd, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

T&K Seafood: the most popular seafood restaurant in Yaowarat, serving guests the finest catches of the day such as grilled prawns, sea bass in a lemon and chili soup (pla neung manao), and an array of shellfish. 

• Cost: around 150-500 THB depending on the dishes ordered
• Location: 49, 51 Phadung Dao Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
• Opening Hours: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Lao Teng: a slightly more upscale dining option.. Savor dishes like their wide selection of dim-sum, oyster omelet, and cold crab.

• Cost: around 300-500 ++ THB
• Location: 2, Floor, 438 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

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Explore Chinatown's Temples in Bangkok and Tradition of Merit-Making

One of the key things that stands out about Chinatown, and is something that is immersed in the area's history and culture are the many temples you can visit to make merit in. 

Wat Traimit - Temple of the Golden Buddha

Perhaps the most famous and renowned temple is the home of the Golden Buddha. It is a place where one can revel in the beauty of the statue made entirely of solid gold, while learning the history of the Golden Buddha.

• Location: Near Hua Lamphong Station
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Fee: Entrance Fee of 40 THB
• How to Dress: Dress modestly: shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed.

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat - Dragon Lotus Temple

Renowned as being a symbol of Chinese culture is Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Temple of the Dragon Lotus Temple. It is the largest, and most important temple reflecting ancient Chinese cultures and values, and is the main area for celebrating important Chinese events such as Chinese New Year. The beauty of the temple is in its design, decked in complex decorations of dragons and lotus flowers. 

• Location: Right in the heart of Chinatown (Yaowarat)
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closing times are extended during major events)
• Fee: No fees
• How to Dress: Dress modestly: shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed.

Kuan Yim Shrine - Thian Fa Foundation

Standing as a beacon of hope and compassion in Chinatown, Bangkok is the Kuan Yim Shrine, built to honor the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yim. Those seeking to make merit on the basis of being compassionate, want to learn more about kindness and hope should visit this temple. It is decorated in relics honoring the goddess herself. 

• Location: in Chinatown itself 
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Fee: No Fee
• How to Dress: Dress modestly: shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed.

Note:  Photography is generally allowed, however, some areas of each temple may have signs restricting photography in certain zones.

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Hua Lamphong Station:

You will see this massive old station before you enter Chinatown. It was once used as a main transportation hub for train travel, allowing passengers to commute from Bangkok to major and even minor cities around the country. Now, it stands as a testament to the old history of Bangkok. 

Chinatown Gate - Paifang: 

Marking the entrance of Chinatown is Paifang: a symbol of this area, welcoming you to visit its temples, bustling street food and gold shops. Built in 1999, the Chinatown gate stands tall with bright red pillars lined with intricate gold workings, giving visitors a glimpse into the vibrant and flourishing Thai-Chinese community in Bangkok.

Explore other must-visit places near Chinatown Thailand

Sampeng Market

Just a short cab right away is Sampeng market. Here, you can browse various items from stationary, cooking wear, accessories, and other miscellaneous items as you traverse through the maze-like alleyways. You’ll find bargain prices and wholesale items, making this market a must-stop.

Don't miss the chance to visit Yaowarat by joining our Thailand tours and explore the hidden gems of Yaowarat with our expert guides!

Talat Kao (Old Market) and Talat Mai (New Market):

As the names imply, these markets are a unique blend of old meets new and are nestled right in Chinatown. Here, visitors can purchase spices, fresh fruits, accessories, household goods and more. It truly is where tradition meets modernity, with many vendors selling items against the backdrop of gold shops, while other vendors set shop tucked away in alleys. 

If you you're feeling overwhelmed by ton of choices and suggestions for your trip, we believe this Ultimate Guide to Thailand would help!

Old Talat Noi: Bangkok's Street Art Capital

Most visitors will probably start their journey into Talat Noi through Charoen Krung Road, the oldest bit of road in Bangkok and the busiest motorway in this sub-district. The main district is the Chinatown itself. This district, along with Talat Noi, is home to many ethnic Chinese-Thais who chose to keep their tradition, whether we are talking about food, language or culture.

Expand your Horizons: Venture to Little India of Thailand

Just a short walk or commute from Chinatown lies Little India (or Phahurat as the locals call it), a vibrant haven for all things Indian. 

This little gem of the city is also walkable as the two areas are pretty much parallel to one another. Little India offers everything one could think of when picturing Indian food, clothing, shops and even religious amenities. 

If you’re seeking to make merit beyond just Thai temples and ones located in Chinatown, you can head down to Gurdawara (the Sikh temple) and pay homage here. If you’re looking for some yummy Indian treats, take a walk down one of the many alleyways and you’ll see all the best Indian sweets. You can also buy Indian outfits and jewelry here. 

Top Ways to Reach Chinatown, Bangkok

As Chinatown is located away from the main Sukhumvit Area, you would need to plan your commute well. There are 2 different kinds of transportation modes you can take: 

MRT: 

• Taking the MRT from any MRT station to Chinatown is fairly easy. Simply look for the line that has Wat Mongkhon Station as a stop, and you’re good to go. 
• Fun fact: the station has been designed to resemble ancient Chinese temples with red and gold decor. 
• Fare: ranges between 16 THB to 42 THB.

Taxis:

• Probably the best way to get to Chinatown, especially if you’re not a fan of taking the train is by hailing a taxi. You can ask your hotel to arrange one for you, or use ride hailing applications such as Grab or Bolt. 
• Fares: 80 THB - 150+THB.

Tuk Tuk:

• From anywhere in Bangkok you can easily flag down a tuk-tuk and race through the backstreets.
• Fares: 200 THB to get around, even from one end of the city to another.

River Boat:

• Not far from the Chao Phraya River you can jump on a river boat and hop off at Ratchawong pier. These ferries are a great source of transportation everywhere in Bangkok.
• Fares: 15- 60+THB depending on your boat line.

The best time to visit this lovely town

Bangkok can get scorching during the summer months, especially during the peak heat in April so it's not recommended to visit Chinatown during the day. However, at night, it makes for quite a retreat from exploring other parts of the city, you’ll also find tourists walking along the streets all looking to grab something delicious. 

The most comfortable time to visit however would be during the months of November to February with almost no rainfall and average temperatures. 

Find Your Perfect Place to Rest: Top Accommodation Picks

• Shanghai Mansion: A boutique hotel that transports guests back to the 1930s with its opulent, Chinese-inspired decor.

Prices: from 2,500 THB/night.

• River View Guest House: Offers modest rooms with spectacular views of the Chao Phraya River, making for a serene retreat in the bustling city. 

Prices: from 800 THB/night

• Hostel Urby: A modern hostel providing a cozy and sociable atmosphere for budget travelers. Dormitory beds are available from about 350 THB/night.
• Loy La Long Hotel: Nestled inside a Chinese temple compound, this unique hotel offers a peaceful escape. Its unique location and design make it a memorable place to stay.

Prices: starting around 3,000 THB/night.

With that being said,

I hope this guide has been insightful and enticing enough to make you want to pack your bags and fly to Bangkok just for the city’s marvelous Chinatown. This area’s always been loved by locals, and continues to be so you will definitely not be disappointed. 

Lastly, embrace the chaos because the beauty of Chinatown lies in its chaos: the bustling streets, food stalls, gold shops, restaurants and just the allure of old Bangkok. 

Source: Nation Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Tourism & Sports.

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