The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Bangkok’s Chinatown

Bangkok’s colourful Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat is one of world’s best Chinatowns, dating back to the 1700s which is when the first Chinese immigrants settled in the city. The distinct Asian district consists of a labyrinth of lanes lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, gold shops, markets and shophouses – it’s the perfect place to get lost exploring. Traveasy offers cheap tickets to Bangkok, taking you to the very heart of the city and this colourful cultural enclave. See below our ultimate guide to leisure time in Yaowarat which includes the unmissable hotspots.

SightseeingBangkok’s Chinatown boasts a plethora of stunning traditional buildings and landmarks which date back to the city’s early years. Upon entrance to this Chinatown is the ornate China Town Gate; built in 1999 in honour of the country’s king. This giant ceremonial gate is symbolic to the Chinese community. There are also two glistening Buddhist temples set in Yaowarat: Wat Traimit which homes the largest solid gold Buddha in the world, and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, a large Chinese-Buddhist temple dating back to the 1870s with various Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist shrines.

Shopping

Yaowarat boasts some of Bangkok’s most vibrant shopping regions and is one of the cheapest destinations in the city where you can barter for a great bargain. Sampeng Lane is the heart of Chinatown’s shopping action; this bustling shopping street has vendors selling all sorts of goods, including clothes, souvenirs, accessories and household items. Then there’s Old Siam Plaza, an indoor shopping arcade set inside a European-style building with a host of shops, food stalls, boutiques and tailor shops. Yaowarat Road, the main area of Chinatown is lined with plenty of gold shops and unique souvenir stores.

Dining

Food is the main draw of Yaowarat; this culinary paradise is a delight for the senses with boundless restaurants to indulge at and street food vendors serving mouth-watering Asian snacks and desserts. Highlights include the Fikeaw Yaowarat stall selling mouth-watering fried seafood. The Nai-Ek Rolled Noodles restaurant is another foodie hotspot with delectable specialities including crispy pork and noodle soups. The Red Rose Chinese Restaurant and Jazz Lounge is the most glamorous dining spot in Chinatown, serving many flavoursome dishes such as Peking duck and crab spring rolls, as well as signature cocktails. There’s something tantalising to sample at every corner of this Chinatown.

Nightlife

The eclectic Yaowarat district is the perfect spot for a chilled out evening with sundowners. There are many roof-top bars in the area offering amazing views of the city and Chao Phraya River, including the Sky View 360° restaurant, set on the top floor of the Grand China Hotel with live music in the evenings and a refreshing cocktail menu. For the ultimate night on the town, visit the happening Chinatown neighbourhood of Soi Nana and explore its welcoming flashing neon signs, open-air bars, entertainment venues and other edgy night venues.

Book cheap flights to Bangkok from the UK and look forward to exploring this immense Chinatown to your heart’s content!