Bangkok for Vacation > Chinatown

Nestled between the Old City and the tall high rise buildings in the commercial districts of Silom lies the bustling and lively neighborhood of Chinatown. It is the epicenter of a large Chinese community that has set roots since the early history of Thailand. Today it is an integral part of Bangkok as you can see Chinese characters in store fronts and business throughout Thailand.

Thai and Chinese culture have many common interests. They share the love of their Buddhist religion, dim sum, bizarre foods with supposed miracle cures, huge selection of snacks and gold jewelery. All which is readily available in one long stretch of road named Yaowart, with it's tiny cramped lanes filled with more places to explore, shop and eat.

If you only have a few days in Bangkok, Chinatown should certainly be on your must see list.

Getting to Bangkok Chinatown:

1. The best way (and most scenic) is to take the River Express Boat and get off at the Ratchawong Pier. From there walk up Ratchawong road and you'll reach the tail end of Yaowarat road.
2. Take the MRT to Hua Lumphong station. Take escalator exit #1 walk straight ahead pass the canal and you'll see Mittraphap Thai-China road ahead. Just a few minutes away you'll see Wat Traimit (see below), a temple compound recently renovated. Past Wat Traimit you'll come across the Chinatown gate and the beginning of Chinatown starts at Yaowarat road to the right.
   

It's not recommend to take a taxi to Chinatown especially during the weekend. Depending on where you are some drivers may even refuse to go fearing traffic jams.

Points of interest:

1. Wat Traimit | Admission: B30 - Perhaps one of the most visited sights in Chinatown. This newly renovated temple compound has an extensive history. It's main attraction,a massive solid gold Buddha weighing over 5 tons and 10 feet tall. It's the world's largest and can be seen in a small chapel at the side of the compound. You'll also bits of plaster that once hid the Buddha for two centuries.
   
2. Odeon Circle Gate - An unmistakable landmark that shows you've arrived at Yaowarat road.
   
3. Thian Fah Foundation - Part temple dedicated to the Chinese goddess of mercy Guan Yin and part hospital clinic for the local community. Donations here are used to upkeep the temple and help the poor with medical cost.
   
4. Wat Mangkorn - An interesting different take and design on a temple in Bangkok.
   
5. Sampaeng Lane - Located on Wanit l road. Hard to believe this once tiny lane is the original sight of Chinatown. Now it has expanded nearly 20 times the size to what it is today, a bustling, lively and colorful not to mention flavorful neighborhood. Head northwest and you'll reach Phahurat Indian Market and the colorful and fragrant flower market.

Hotels in Bangkok's Chinatown:

Staying in a hotel in Bangkok's Chinatown will put you a bit further from the commercial and shopping districts in Bangkok. But you'll be in the old city and not too far from many of the city's historical, cultural sights and charm. Traffic in and around Chinatown is bad during rush hour. you're best options for getting around are the express river boat at Ratchawong pier and the MRT trains at Hua Lumphong station.

Bangkok's hotel rates are dependent on season; High Season is October/November to February/March | Low Season is March/April through September/October. All our rates include taxes. For more information, pictures, current rates and guest reviews just click on the hotel name.

Room rate: $
Address: 27 Yaowarat Road
Near Odeon Circle Gate and a 10 minute walk to Hua Luamphong MRT station. The New Empire Hotel is an older property in the city's Chinatown.

Room rate: $
Address:204-8 Soi Charoenkrung 14
This is a new hotel so taxis may have a hard time finding the address. Rooms are small but comfortable. Ratchawong pier is 15 minutes walk and so is the MRT station at Hua Lumphong.

Room rate: $$
Address: 777 Mahachai Road
A new hotel near the tail end of Chinatown on Mahachai road. The rate is low mainly because it's a new hotel. Nearby is Saphan Phut pier, it's your best option for mass transit.

Room rate: $$ (includes breakfast)
Address: 526 Yaowarat Road
An old hotel in Chinatown with decent rates. Hua Lumphong MRT station is just a 10 minute walk away. For a real treat check out the dim sum restaurants nearby.

Room rate: $$ (includes breakfast)
Address: 903 Mahachai Road
One of the taller hotels in Chinatown. Ask for a room on a high floor and you may catch a nice view of the river. There are a few dim sum restaurants worth checking out in the area too.

Room rate: $$$ (includes breakfast)
Address: 215 Yaowarat Road
Certainly one of the most well known hotel in Chinatown with the price to boot. Just a 10 minute walk to Ratchawong Pier and 15 minute walk to Hua Lumphong MRT station.

Room rate: $$$ (includes breakfast)
Address: 479-481 Yaowarat Road
A quaint little boutique hotel that is gaining popularity for it's unique Shanghainese decorations and style. Staying here will make you feel like you're not in Thailand at all.

There are quite a few more hotels in Bangkok's Chinatown but they are a bit further away from Yaowarat Road which is the center of Chinatown.