Chinatown in Bangkok – one attraction you should not miss

Chinatown in Bangkok, also known as Yaowarat, is a vibrant and bustling district in the heart of the city. It is such a cultural melting pot, with a rich history and a unique blend of Chinese and Thai influences that visitors cannot miss on their Thailand trip. The streets are lined with shops selling everything from traditional Chinese medicines and herbal remedies to gold jewelry and delicious street food. Many travelers visit this place to try the street food and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Basic information about Chinatown in Bangkok

Chinatown in Bangkok operates primarily in the evening and at night when the streets come alive with vendors and crowds of locals and tourists alike. The shops and stalls typically open around 4:00 pm and stay open well into the night.

• Address: Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khwaeng Chakkrawat; Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok (See map)
• Ticket fee: Free
• Open: Always open

Best time to visit Chinatown in Bangkok

The best time to visit Chinatown in Bangkok is in the evening or at night. This is when the area comes alive with colorful lights, bustling crowds, and an array of delicious street food vendors. Chinatown in Bangkok become so popular at night because of many reasons.

Firstly, visiting Chinatown in Bangkok at night gives you a great experience of the night market stretching along Yaowarat road. You can everything from traditional Chinese medicine, tea, and herb to various types of souvenirs, clothes, and cheap accessories. The night is also the time for all the street food vendors to start selling a wide range of foods such as dim sum, dessert, meet or seafood skewers.

Additionally, everything in Chinatown in Bangkok becomes so beautiful at night. The colorful lights combined with many temples create an illuminated scene and a magical atmosphere.

Another reason to make visiting Chinatown in Bangkok in the evening is to flee the heat of Bangkok during day time. As you know, Bangkok is hot all year round, you may get tired if visiting this crowded street during the day time. Visiting Chinatown in Bangkok at night offers you a cooler temperature to enjoy the visit the best.

How to get to Chinatown in Bangkok

Chinatown in Bangkok is easily reached by many means of transportation such as public transportation, motorbike, taxis, tuk-tuks, and even boats if you are coming from other parts of Bangkok. Before you start, make sure you check the city map to find the location of Chinatown and where you depart from.

Public Transportation

Bangkok has various means of public transportation that you can take to visit Chinatown. You can use buses, trains, or subways to get there. Do check the map to know where you come from and if you need to change the train line or bus.

If you take the subway train (MRT), stopping at Wat Mangkon station will give you the fastest route to go to Chinatown. The price starts from 15 THB depending on where you start.

If you want to experience a bus, bus lines 1, 4, 7, 25, 53, and 73 normally stop in Chinatown. Do check for some bus stops in Chinatown so you can get off at the right place. The price for us is 7-20 THB. When you get in, do mention where you want to stop, the bus will charge you following your stop.

Taxi

You can also take a taxi to Chinatown. This can be a convenient option if you have heavy luggage or prefer a direct ride. Taxi may be a bit expensive option, but if you go in a group, the price will become lower as you can share with your friend. Make sure that you take a meter taxi to avoid the scam or take a Grab taxi.

Tuk-tuks

This is a funny, local, and adventurous way to get to Chinatown. Depending on where you start, the price may vary. You should always check the map and the distance first to negotiate the price before you get in a tuk-tuk. You may need to check some tuk-tuk tips to be well-prepared for your tuk-tuk trips

Walk or Motorbike

Depending on where you depart for Chinatown, walking or biking can be a great way to get there. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. If you take a motorbike, always remember to wear a helmet for safety reasons as the motorbike speed is crazy in Bangkok. Remember to always ask for directions from local people. They can give you tips on how to get to Chinatown faster and easier.

Tips for visiting Chinatown in Bangkok

As Chinatown in Bangkok is popular among visitors, getting yourself some tips will help you enjoy the trip to the fullest.

Dress comfortably and be prepared for the noise and crowd

When visiting Chinatown in Bangkok, it’s essential to dress comfortably and be prepared for the crowds and noise. Dressing comfortably will help a lot as may need to walk among the crowd. There may be so much noise from the crowd, traffic, and vendors, being prepared for it not to be so surprised.

Keep an eye on your belongings

As there are a lot of people in the place, do keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash to avoid pickpocketing.

Visit the place on a weekday

Visiting Chinatown in Bangkok during the week is also a helpful tip as the weekends tend to be more crowded.

Must-do experiences in Chinatown in Bangkok

There are many things to see and do in Chinatown, but some must-do experiences include exploring the maze-like alleys and backstreets, trying the street food and local delicacies, visiting the Chinese temples and shrines, shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts, experiencing the night market, and attending the festival.

Explore the Streets

Yaowarat Road is the main street in Chinatown and is the best place to start your exploration. The street is lined with shops selling everything from herbs, and jewelry to clothes, and food.  Do make sure you come hungry, so you will have more chances to enjoy the amazing local delicacies.

Visit the Temples

There are several beautiful temples in Chinatown in Bangkok, including Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Wat Leng Noei Yi. These temples are stunning examples of traditional Chinese architecture and offer visitors a glimpse into the spiritual side of Chinatown. Hence, make sure you visit at least one and bear in mind that the place will be much more beautiful at night.

Go Shopping

With a plethora of shops, Chinatown is a great place to shop for clothes, souvenirs, and gifts. If you are finding the best place to buy cheap clothes and various types of gifts, don’t miss shopping in Chinatown.

Try the Food

Amazing street food is what visitors know about Chinatown in Bangkok. There are hundreds of vendors selling delicious and eye-catching street food. Some of the must-try dishes include desserts, meat and seafood skewers, and roasted duck. You can find these dishes at street vendors and restaurants throughout the street.

Experience the Night Markets

Chinatown really comes alive at night when the night markets open up. The markets offer a wide variety of goods and food, and the atmosphere is electric. Some of the best night markets in Chinatown include the Sampeng Night Market and the Yaowarat Night Market.

Attend Festivals

If you visit Chinatown during Chinese New Year, don’t forget to attend the festival. During the Chinese New Year, the streets are filled with dragon dancers, firecrackers, and other traditional festivities. If you are lucky enough to have a chance to join, this will become one of the unforgettable memories of your Thailand trip.