Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat), Bangkok
Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the most fascinating and atmospheric places in the city. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring the narrow streets, bargaining for souvenirs, and sampling the delicious food. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of what to see and do in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Location of Bangkok Chinatown
If you're looking to explore Bangkok's Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, you'll find it located in the Samphanthawong district. This area is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, making it easy to get to via water taxi or ferry. Once you're there, you can stroll through the bustling markets, try some delicious street food, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
History of Bangkok Chinatown
Situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok Chinatown is one of the city's most historic and vibrant neighborhoods. Also known as Yaowarat, Bangkok Chinatown has been a center of trade and commerce since the late 18th century when Chinese merchants first settled here.
Today, Bangkok Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood with a unique atmosphere. It's a great place to explore and sample some delicious Chinese food. Here's a brief history of Bangkok Chinatown.
Chinese settlers began arriving in Thailand in the late 18th century, mostly from the southern province of Guangdong. They came in search of opportunities to trade and do business in what was then a rapidly growing city.
The first Chinese community in Bangkok was located near present-day Wat Traimit, where they built temples and set up businesses. This area soon became known as Yaowarat, which means "community of foreigners".
As Bangkok Chinatown grew, it became an important center for trade and commerce. Chinese immigrants brought with them their own culture and traditions, which have been preserved in the neighborhood to this day.
If you're ever in Bangkok, be sure to visit Yaowarat and explore this fascinating neighborhood for yourself!
What to See in Bangkok Chinatown
Bangkok Chinatown, or Yaowarat, is one of the must-see places in Bangkok. It is a great place to find cheap and delicious food, as well as interesting shops and temples. Here are some of the highlights of what to see in Bangkok Chinatown.
The first thing to do when you arrive in Yaowarat is to try the food. There are so many great options, from street food to sit-down restaurants. Make sure to try some of the famous dishes like pad thai and khao soi. You can also find great Chinese food here, as well as Thai-Chinese fusion dishes.
After you've had your fill of food, walk around and explore the shops. You'll find everything from traditional Chinese medicine shops to modern clothes stores. There are also plenty of places to buy souvenirs.
Make sure to visit at least one of the temples in Yaowarat. The most popular ones are Wat Traimit, which houses a huge golden Buddha statue, and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, which is known for its beautiful architecture.
Whether you're looking for great food, interesting shops, or beautiful temples, Bangkok Chinatown is a must-visit destination
What to Eat in Bangkok Chinatown
Bangkok Chinatown is a foodie paradise, with endless stalls and restaurants serving up delicious Thai and Chinese dishes. Here are some of the best things to eat in Bangkok Chinatown:
1. Pad Thai: This popular Thai dish is made with rice noodles, vegetables, and protein (usually chicken, shrimp, or tofu), and it’s typically served with a lime wedge and peanuts.
2. Tom Yum Soup: This fragrant soup is made with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and chili peppers, and it’s usually served with shrimp or chicken.
3. Fried Rice: This classic dish is made with rice that’s been stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and protein (usually chicken or shrimp). It’s often served with a side of soy sauce.
4. Spring Rolls: These fried or fresh rolls are filled with vegetables and protein (usually pork or shrimp), and they’re served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
5. Dim Sum: These bite-sized steamed or fried dumplings are typically filled with meat or seafood, and they’re often served as part of a larger Dim Sum feast.
6. Satay: These skewered and grilled meats (usually chicken, pork, or beef) are served with a peanut dipping sauce and cucumber relish.
7. Khao Soi: This Northern Thai dish is made with egg noodles in a coconut curry broth, and it’s usually topped with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and crispy fried noodles. It’s often served with chicken or beef.
How to Get to Bangkok Chinatown
Bangkok Chinatown is located in the Yaowarat district of Bangkok. To get there, take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station and then walk for about 10 minutes. You can also take the MRT to Hua Lamphong station and walk for about 5 minutes. Once you're in the area, you'll see plenty of signs pointing you in the right direction.