China Town (Yaowarat)

Chinatown is a bustling, crowded area where you can buy just about anything day or night.

The main thoroughfare through Chinatown is Yaowarat Road, which is approximately 1.5 kilometres in length. It was built during the reign of King Rama V. On each side of the road, there is a network of streets and alleys lined with shops selling all sorts of things. In many of these streets you?ll find shops side by side selling the same items.

There is an old fresh food market called Trok Isarnuphap where leading chefs from all over Bangkok shop for the finest and freshest ingredients for their restaurant menus.

Red and gold are the dominant colours of Chinese good fortune on Yaowarat Road, particularly at the many gold shops that line both sides. There are numerous Chinese restaurants and curbside stalls selling a variety of delicious fare ranging from snacks to full meals. Street vendors abound offering bargains in clothes, cosmetic jewellery and everything else.

There is a very impressive Chinese temple called Leng Noi Yee Imposing statues guard the entrance to the compound where serenity rules in stark contrast to the rest of Chinatown.

The main pagoda is constructed of dark wood and there are gilded Buddhas and giant red candles. The monks at this temple wear brilliant jasmine and practice elements of Taoism and Confucianism. A visit at night will take you to a food street where you sit on stools watching your meal being prepared, then enjoying the delicious cuisine washed down by tea or a cold beer.

How to get there: Subway to Hua Lamphong station
Bus routes 1, 4, 7, 25, 53, 501