he sights, sounds and smells of Bangkok's Chinatown are an assault to the senses, so you should come prepared. For anyone with a sense of adventure, a day lost among the many market alleys and street food vendors can be the most memorable of any spent in Bangkok.
Thanks to the mix of Chinese and Thai cultures, this part of town is unique and fascinating, especially for photographers who'll find stunning temples, exotic street food and everyday street scenes just begging to be captured. It can be daunting to enter this bustling area without a plan, so check out our pick of the best things to do in Chinatown so you can make the most of your day. Just be sure to wear your comfiest shoes and be prepared for the heat!
What are the best things to do in Chinatown Bangkok? 1-Tourists flock into Wat Traimit to see the largest gold Buddha in the world. The revered statue, seated on an altar and surrounded by traditional Thai golden arches, is breathtaking and is a regular pilgrimage for Buddhists and inquisitive tourists; 2-Sampeng Lane is a long, narrow street intersecting Chinatown, where you'll find a jumble of goods for sale. Sampeng Lane was the original high street of Chinatown when the Chinese community first moved to Bangkok; 3- The China Gate at the western entrance to the Chinatown Bangkok is an ornate ceremonial gate; 4- At night, Yaowarat Road – the high street of Bangkok’s Chinatown – transforms into one of the largest street food spots in the world. Locals and travellers can be seen along the main thoroughfare, sampling their way through all that there is to offer, turning dinner into an evening of exploration. It can be confusing at first but, with a sense of adventure, it can be a lot of fun; 5- Get a surprising panoramic view of Chinatown and beyond (all the way to the Chao Phraya River) with a not-too-expensive drink or meal at Sky View 360. It takes about 2 hours for this rotating restaurant to complete a full round and you barely notice any movement; 6-Wat Mangkon Kamalawat –Bangkok's most important and largest Chinese-Buddhist temple – is a hub of activities during festivals like Chinese New Year; 7-Romaneenart Park is located on the eastern edge of Chinatown, offering respite from the dizzying traffic of Yaowarat Road. You can see people jogging, working out, and practising Chinese fan dancing (lam pat in Thai); 8- A bicycle tour of Chinatown and Thonburi (on the opposite side of the river) is a half-day trip that introduces you to hectic market scenes, centuries-old temples and narrow alleyways where life carries on much as it has for generations; 9- Wat Chakawat Ratchawat (The Crocodile Temple) 10-ala Chalermkrung is a charming theatre that's immaculately maintained with...
Read moreOh, let me tell you about Chinatown in Bangkok - it's a place that'll leave you feeling like you've just stepped into a parallel universe where chaos reigns supreme and everything is up for grabs!
First things first, if you're expecting to stroll through this bustling neighborhood with a map in hand, forget it! The streets are a labyrinth that only the locals seem to be able to navigate. So, you'd better brace yourself for getting lost a few times - it's all part of the fun, right?
Now, if you're a fan of street food, Chinatown will make your stomach do somersaults of joy! There's everything from spicy noodles to exotic fruits and snacks that you've never even heard of. But be warned, if you're not used to the heat, you might want to have a bottle of water at the ready, or you'll be sweating like a pig in no time.
As you wander the streets, you'll notice the markets are overflowing with products that'll leave you scratching your head. I mean, why anyone would need a 12-foot inflatable Pikachu, I don't know, but it's there if you want it! And don't forget to haggle, it's expected - in fact, it's practically a sport here.
One thing to watch out for is the traffic, it's like a never-ending game of chicken with motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and cars all vying for space on the narrow streets. I wouldn't be surprised if they started using pogo sticks or unicycles next.
But amidst the chaos, there are some hidden gems - like the Chinese temples, which are a peaceful haven away from the madness. It's like stepping back in time to a different era, where you can catch a glimpse of the rich culture and history of the Chinese people in Thailand.
All in all, if you're looking for an adventure, Chinatown in Bangkok is the place to be. Just don't forget your sense of humor - you're...
Read moreAs a non Chinese tourist, I regret making a hotel reservation for a whole week at this location. It is good for one or 2 nights but gets boring fast. I was not impressed with street food nor most restaurants here. Most street food don't even appear to be Chinese. I find it comical to see westernes queing up for so long for some mediocre food. I could not find a single thing interesting to buy from any of the shops. Most hotels were dated. So many rats scurring around at night as expected with all the street food and the market being so close. Traffic jam, noise and exhaust fumes day and night was a big turn off. I don't understand why the streets were not closed off to traffic at night so people could walk. Block all the pedestrian path with street food carts and plastic tables and chairs, forcing them out to vehicle traffic. Really smart. I can't imagine what this place would be like when hords of Chinese tourists return. It is so crowded already. Don't even bother calling for ride using GRAB to this location. I recommend using the MRT subway and avoid any travel...
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