Chinatown

Busy street markets, narrow alleys, Chinese temples

Centered around Yaowarat road, Chinatown covers a large area South East of the historical district Rattanakosin.

A vibrant place of narrow streets, busy markets, Chinese temples and neon signs in Chinese script, Chinatown can be an overwhelming place. Expect to find gold shops, small restaurants and thousands of open air market stalls, while in the evening the streets are lined with countless food stalls.

If you happen to be in Bangkok around Chinese New Year, be sure to visit Chinatown and watch the lion dancers and fireworks.

Chao Phraya hop on hop off boat floating past the Grand Palace

Get to Chinatown by Chao Phraya Hop On Hop Off Tourist Boat

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History of Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the oldest areas in Bangkok. In 1782 King Rama I established Bangkok as the new capital of Siam on the East bank of the Chao Phraya river and started construction of the Grand Palace. The Chinese people that lived in the area resettled and founded Chinatown around Yaowarat road.

Street markets

Chinatown is known for its street markets in narrow alleys. Hectic and busy places filled with sounds and smells, street vendors sell practically everything like snacks and sweets, food, spices, fruits and clothing. Try your bargaining skills when you buy something.

A busy street in Bangkok Chinatown in the evening

Busy street in Chinatown after dark

In the old days the “Thieves market” (Nakhon Kasem) was the place where stolen goods were sold. Nowadays mostly second hand goods are offered here at low prices. The market located on Charoen Krung road is busiest on weekends. Another well known market is on Soi Sampeng (Soi Wanit), a narrow street packed with countless shops and stalls just South of Yaowarat road.

Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha

The 18^th century Wat Traimit is known as the temple of the Golden Buddha. The temple enshrines the largest gold Buddha image in the world measuring over three meters tall weighing about 5,500 kilos. Wat Traimit is located on Thanon Mittaphap Thai-China near Hua Lamphong MRT and Hua Lamphong train station.

Wat Traimit
The temple of the Golden Buddha

China gate

China gate, an elaborately decorated ceremonial gate marks the start of Chinatown. It sits at the start of Yaowarat road, the main street in Chinatown. The large arched gate was constructed in 1999 to celebrate the King’s 72^nd birthday. It is located in the center of a traffic island connecting Charoen Krung road, Mittaphap Thai-China road and Yaowarat road.

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Chinese temple

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is the most important Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Its name translates to dragon lotus temple. A colorful Chinese style temple adorned with dragons, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat was founded in 1871. The temple’s principal Buddha image is a large Chinese style golden Buddha image. On the grounds are statues of several deities.

Thai Chinese people come to the temple to make offerings and pray for good luck, health and fortune. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is located near the intersection of Charoen Krung road with Mangkon road.

Wat Chakkrawat Ratchawat

Wat Chakkrawat Ratchawat is a Buddhist temple near the Chao Phraya river. Among the buildings are the monks living quarters, a large white viharn (assembly hall) surrounded by large square pillars, a smaller ordination hall, a Khmer style prang enshrining a golden Buddha image in a niche on all four sides and a structure enshrining a Buddha footprint. A pond houses a few large crocodiles, once a common sight in the nearby river.

The temple is located on Chakkrawat road near Memorial bridge on the Chao Phraya river. Nearest Chao Phraya Express river boat pier is Ratchawong.

Neon signs in Chinese language in Chinatown Bangkok

Neon signs in Chinatown

Bangkok corrections museum

Bangkok corrections museum is housed in an old prison which has been partly demolished. Two of its guard towers, a few cell blocks and part of the prison wall are still standing. On display are torture devices that were used in the past, weapons and old photos. In the cells are wax figures of prisoners undergoing various tortures. Another cell block houses the execution chamber.

Bangkok corrections museum is located on Maha Chai road next to Romaneenart park on the Western edge of Chinatown. It opens daily except Mondays from 9 am until 4 pm. Entrance is free.

Hotels in Chinatown

Shanghai Mansion
The Shanghai Mansion is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Chinatown. The four-star hotel offers well equipped rooms decorated in retro Chinese style. Among the facilities are a spa, restaurant, coffee shop and bar. Guests can use a free local area shuttle. It’s a few minutes walk from the hotel to the temple of the Golden Buddha, the Chao Mae Kuan Im shrine and many Chinese restaurants.

ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown is a new three-star hotel offerings affordable rooms and facilities like a fitness centre, bar and restaurant. The hotel is located in the I’m Chinatown shopping mall, about a three-minute walk to Yaowarat Road with its markets, shops and Chinese restaurants.

How to get to Chinatown

By river boat
From the historical district and the river area, Chinatown is best reached by Chao Phraya Express river boat. Exit at Ratchawong pier.

If you want to stop at several sites on the river, take the Chao Phraya tourist boat, a hop on hop off service using double decker boats. With one one ticket you can get on and off the boat as many times as you want.

By MRT subway
From North Bangkok, Silom and Sukhumvit use the MRT subway to Hua Lamphong station.

Getting around Bangkok: BTS Sky Train, river boat, MRT Subway, Taxi, Tuk Tuk

Attractions & getting there