No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting its incredible Chinatown. The neighborhood has it all: historic architecture, temples, canals, shops, all types of delicious eateries, and a unique atmosphere. Chinatown is the perfect place to visit during the day and at nights too.
The neighborhood is in between Talat Noi and the Old Town. Thus, it’s very easy to visit. You can take the metro, a taxi, and even a boat. You have nothing to worry about; Chinatown is super safe.
Brief History
The neighborhood’s history goes back to the 16th Century, when waves of Chinese migrants settled on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. In 1767 After the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, King Taksin moved to Bangkok and granted them land within the city walls.
King Rama I overthrew Taksin, built his palace, and moved the Chinese outside of the city walls. The community prospered in the 19th Century. When the 20th Century started, it was the city’s commercial hub.
Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan
Begin your walk on Hua Lamphong Station. If coming from Talat Noi, continue along Thanon Khao Lam Circle one block till you reach a massive Chinese gate. The 1999 iconic gate marks the entrance to Chinatown. Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan is in front of the gate.
The temple is beautiful and homes the biggest solid gold statue and the most expensive religious object in the world: the 5.5 tone Golden Buddha. The 14th Century statue will take your breath away. The temple is alive, so dress accordingly.
Kuan Yim Shrine (Thian Fa Foundation)
Kuan Yim Shrine is in front of Wat Trai Mit, on Yaowarat Road. Though small, its beautiful. The original temple was built in the late 18th Century. Go inside and look for the 900-year-old statue of Kuan Yim.
The wooden goddess of Mercy is the patron of medicine. The foundation’s building next to the temple is the first private hospital in Bangkok. Built in 1905 it’s still in operation. Locals visit the temple to pray for health.
Wat Samphanthawongsaram Worawihan (Wat Ko)
Continue along Yaowarat Road for a couple of minutes and turn left on Song Sawat Road. You will see the gorgeous Wat Samphanthawongsaram Worawihan. We love the temple’s garden full of tall trees and all types of plants.
The temple we can see today is from 1796. Look out for the Buddha sculpture inside the shrine, it’s a hollow tree. There’s a coffee house next to a fountain where you can rest and enjoy the vibe.
Song Wat Road
Historic Song Wat Road is now Bangkok’s trendiest neighborhood. Look out for the giant graffiti of elephants on the river front. Super cool bars, restaurants, and shops occupy old warehouses. Our favorites are Soul Songwat and New Old Songwat.
Check out the 100-year-old Mesjid Jami Luang Kocha Ishaq tucked in an alley. You will see a tiny pedestrian street, Rong Khom. The 1920 San Chao Lao Pun Tao Kong shrine is there. It’s part of Pei Ing School, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the city.
Yaowarat Road
The pedestrian Rong Khom takes you to the iconic Yaowarat Road. You will instantly recognize it from its thousands of colorful signs. It’s pretty photogenic and full of life during the day. However, it’s at night when it dazzles.
All types of eateries line the street. We are not big on street food, so we always have noodles in Nai Ek Roll Noodles. Roasted duck and siu mai we have at Hagow. For cocktails with awesome views over Chinatown, we go to the rooftop Hannibal.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi)
Walk along Soi Yaowarat 6 and notice the giant white stupa on your left, inside the 100-year-old Wat Kan Matuyaran temple. Continue to Rama IV Road to see the biggest Chinese temple in the city. We are talking about Wat Mangkon Kamalawat.
The 1871 temple is massive, yet delicate and ethereal. Entrance is free. Though it seems straight out of a movie set, the temple is real and alive. Thus, dress accordingly. Locals visit to pray to any of the 58 deities within it!
Poh Teck Tung Foundation
A short walk along pedestrian Trok Issaranuphap street takes you to the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. The 100-year-old institution helps people in need. Two temples surround it: San Chao Tai Hong Kong, and San Chao Hakka Phra Mae Guan Yin.
San Chao Hakka is a tiny 2 story temple full of candles dedicated to the goddess of Mercy. San Chao Tai is bigger and dedicated to a monk. If you go in the morning, you can see monks singing and performing rituals.
Sampheng Market
Chinatown is famous amongst us locals for its markets and shops. The best time to visit them is during the day. Thanon Suea Pa street is all about electronics. We buy our stuff in Sua Pa Plaza. They have everything.
For groceries and almost anything else, we go to Sampheng Market on Vanich 1 Road. Even if you don’t need anything stop by for a glimpse of the real Chinatown. You won’t get bored and you can have delish refreshments!
Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan
Walk along Vanich 1 Road to Maha Chak Road to see one of our favorite temples in the city. The 200-year-old Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woraamawihan temple is splendid. Locals call it Crocodile Temple. Yes, they are alive!
The temple is fairly big. Notice the lavish roofs and shining columns. Look for the stuffed crocodile in a glass cage, rumored to have eaten a monk! Now, check out the pond, and you will see 3 cute alive crocodiles.
Ong Ang Canal
We love walking along the Ong Ang Canal. It’s one of the quietest most authentic areas in Bangkok. You will see lots of street art, couples taking pictures, and friends and families walking about. Check out the printed 3d bridge that crosses the canal.
Our favorite brutalist building in Bangkok is here too. We usually have Indian food over the canal. Visit at night to see it illuminated in all of its glory. You can access the Old Town through the canal.
Soi Na Na
As mentioned, having dinner in Chinatown is mandatory. Walk along Yaowarat road, choose your favorite restaurant, and enjoy. Once done with the food, head to Soi Na Na. It’s a tiny alley that connects Rama IV Road and Maitri Chit Road.
The best bars in the city are here. We go to Brown Sugar to listen to live music. For coffee to Wallflowers Cafe. Check out Bangkok Kunsthalle nearby. The former print house is now a fantastic art space.
Where to Stay in the Neighborhood
To stay in the heart of Chinatown book a room at the Grand China Bangkok directly on Yaowarat Road. It has a pool and a rooftop bar with great views over Chinatown. The best rooms have hot tubs and river views.
If you are into elegant boutique hotels, book a room at The Mustang Blu. The 1917 historic hotel has superb rooms featuring antiques and art. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
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