Thailand

During your stay in Bangkok, don't miss Chinatown, a renowned Chinese district famous for its cafes, restaurants, street food, and colorful bazaar. Here's a rundown of this vibrant area.

Exotic, picturesque, and bustling, Chinatown brings a touch of China and Asia to the Thai capital. Just stroll along Yaowarat Road, one of Bangkok's major commercial arteries: the aromas of spices, dazzling neon signs above shop fronts, the frenzy of shopping, crowded streets filled with pedestrians, street vendors, and roaring tuk-tuks… It's an experience guaranteed to transport you. Once a stronghold of the Teochew ethnic group, who immigrated to Bangkok in 1782 with the king's permission to engage in trade, Chinatown grew into a flourishing Chinese community hub. Many tourists visit to enjoy its gastronomy and artisanal wonders. If you have the time, plan a day trip to explore the notable sights in the area.

Historical notes

The earliest waves of Chinese immigration to Bangkok date back to the 17th century. However, it was after 1782, when King Rama I established the Rattanakosin Dynasty, that migration significantly increased, leading to the founding of Chinatown. The need for merchants to supply the young capital was undeniable. King Rama I invited the Hokkien to settle across from the Grand Palace along the Chao Phraya River. He relocated the Teochew to a filthy, unsanitary area outside the city walls, now known as Sampeng. Perhaps this was their punishment for supporting his rival, Taksin.

Chinatown prospered rapidly from the 1850s onward, following the Bowring Treaty opening Bangkok's port to British ships. The resulting trade brought substantial wealth, allowing the Hokkien Chinese to invest in real estate. Upon arriving in the city, they lived on their junks moored along the Chao Phraya and developed Sampeng Lane with lavish residences. With wealth came excess, and Sampeng became a place of indulgence where the bourgeois, opium traffickers, and avid gamblers gathered. The sex industry thrived.

Until the early 20th century, Chinatown dominated Bangkok's economic and financial functions. However, urban growth soon gave rise to new suburbs, prompting many businesses to relocate and integrate into Bangkok society. While Chinatown lost its commercial supremacy, it retained its exotic and authentic atmosphere.

Today

A visit to Bangkok's "City of Angels" is incomplete without exploring Chinatown. Experiencing Chinese culture in Siamese territory is a unique experience. Chinese immigrants brought invaluable heritage through their history, religion, typical commerce, colorful and spicy cuisine, and artisanal products. Chinatown aims to preserve this heritage for future generations.

Must-sees and visits in Chinatown

Museums, monuments, vibrant and colorful markets, impressive Hindu-Buddhist temples… A melting pot that reflects Chinatown's eclectic ambiance. Here's our list of must-sees:

The Monumental gateway

Standing at a roundabout where Yaowarat Road emerges, Chinatown Gate is a striking monument and likely the area's most evocative landmark. It was inaugurated during the Chinese New Year in 1999, bearing the inscription "Long Live His Majesty" in homage to King Rama IX.

Wat Traimit, the Golden Buddha Sanctuary

Just steps from Chinatown Gate stands Wat Traimit, also known as the Sanctuary of the Golden Buddha. Located on Charoen Krung Road, the solid gold idol inside will awe visitors. The gold used for casting the statue weighs 5.5 tons and is valued at 240 million dollars.

Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Centre

To delve into the neighborhood's history, visit this museum. The exhibition begins with a video where a grandfather, over tea with his grandson, describes life in 1940s Chinatown. Through graphics and audio-visual animations, the Chinese immigration to Bangkok is presented chronologically. Located on the first floor of Wat Traimit, the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center is one of Chinatown's top attractions.

Wat Mangkon Kamamlawat

Dating from the latter half of the 19th century, Wat Mangkon Kamamlawat is Bangkok's largest Chinese-founded Buddhist sanctuary. While its facade may seem modest, the interior is awe-inspiring. At the Viharn entrance, greet the four guardians of paradise, protecting the world from demons. Explore deities from Hindu, Taoist, and Confucian pantheons. "Mangkon Kamamlawat" translates to "Sanctuary of the Dragon Lotus" in Thai, a name bestowed by King Rama V.

Guanyin Shrine

Located across from Thian Fa Hospital on Yaowarat Tourist Street, the Guanyin Shrine, or Kuan Yim Shrine, is an unmissable monument. A significant crowd of Chinese visitors comes here to pray to the Bodhisattva, believed to bless fertility for couples, prosperity for businessmen, and healing for the sick. Over 900 years old, the goddess statue is a perfect example of Tang art.

Taste Chinatown's street food

Chinatown offers some of Bangkok's best street food experiences at affordable prices. The cuisine leans heavily towards Chinese flavors with Thai and Indian influences.

Practical information

The best time to visit Chinatown

Bangkok is hot year-round, with heavy rains from July to October. For pleasant weather in Chinatown, plan your visit between November and March.

How to get there

Getting to Chinatown is easy via Bangkok's metro. Simply reach the nearest MRT station, board the next blue-line train, and alight at Hua Lamphong Station. Exit the station and walk north; Chinatown is a 15-minute walk away.

Nearby attractions

Around the Chinatown area, other notable sites worth exploring include:

• Nakhon Kasem, the famous Thieves' Market;
• Prahurat district, offering a slice of India in Thailand;
• Saphan Phut Night Market is just a stone's throw from the Indian quarter.