Staying in Chinatown (Yaowarat), Bangkok
Street food, gold shops, temples and old shophouses. What staying in Bangkok's Chinatown is like and how to get around from there.
Bangkok’s Chinatown grew up around Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane from the late 18th century. It is one of the city’s most atmospheric districts, known above all for its street food, which takes over the pavements every evening.
What the area is like
- Yaowarat Road is lined with gold shops, Chinese restaurants and neon signs. After dark, food stalls set up along the road and its side streets.
- Sampheng Lane is a narrow wholesale market street selling everything from fabric to toys.
- Wat Traimit, at the western end near Hua Lamphong, houses a solid gold Buddha image.
- Song Wat and Talat Noi, towards the river, have old warehouses, street art, cafés and small boutique hotels.
Who it suits
Chinatown suits food lovers, photographers and travellers who like atmosphere. It is close to the old town and the river but has fewer large hotels than Sukhumvit or Silom.
Getting around
The MRT Blue Line stops at Wat Mangkon, in the middle of Chinatown, and at Hua Lamphong and Sam Yot. The Chao Phraya Express Boat stops at Ratchawong pier. Walking is the best way to explore the market lanes.
Hotel tips
Choose a hotel near Wat Mangkon MRT for easy transport. Rooms above Yaowarat Road can be noisy into the night, while hotels in Talat Noi are quieter and closer to the river.