
5 things to do in Chinatown, Bangkok
Bangkok's Chinatown is an incredible juxtaposition of Thai and Chinese culture.
Located near the heavenly Chao Phraya River, Chinatown is one of the oldest areas in Bangkok. Founded in 1782, this unique, as well as enthralling area, is divided into several sections - Yaowarat Road, Odeon Circle, Sampheng Lane, Song Wat Street, and more. Chinatown is a vibrant residential complex packed with food stalls, markets, and sacred temples. Also, each corner boasts a certain old vibe that may transport you back to the mid-20th century or earlier. In the evening, with lights shone all over, the whole area comes to life and gets filled with lots of crowds. Here, you can indulge in a wide array of activities and make memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Visit the majestic Wat Traimit
Arguably the most significant attraction in Chinatown, Wat Traimit is also known as The Temple of the Golden Buddha. It houses a 5.5-ton Golden Buddha statue worth 250 million dollars - which happens to be the largest solid gold statue in the world. While there is no recorded history, the statue probably dates back to the Sukhothai period. Some other religious statues are also there in the temple complex.
Take a stroll along Yaowarat Road
Lying at the center of Chinatown, Yaowarat Road is a 1.5 km long road starting at the Chinatown Gate and ending at the Phanuphan Bridge. The entire road is filled with food stalls selling various delicious dishes at reasonable prices. Also, it hosts several live performances that will surely rejuvenate your soul. It seems lively with the neon lights, and red Chinese lanterns.
Appreciate the colorful street art
Over the last few years, Chinatown has also drawn the attention of art enthusiasts from all across the world. During the Bukruk Urban Arts Festival in 2016, some globally renowned artists came here and made the area rich in art scenarios. Here, you can spot amazing thematic paintings on the walls of houses, shops, food stalls, and more. Make sure to bring your camera and click plenty of photos of the street art.
Explore the street food
Although there are several restaurants, Chinatown is particularly famous for being a hub of street food in the city. Just the moment you reach there, be sure to get amazed seeing the magnificent aura of food at every corner. There are hundreds of colorful stalls serving various foods of different cuisines of the world. Here, you can try soups, noodles, and several seafood dishes.
Shop at the Sampeng Lane
Sampeng Lane is a long and narrow street that offers a wide range of goods at affordable prices. While the area is meant for wholesalers, it also attracts tourists with a lively atmosphere. Here, you can buy clothes, jewelry, shoes, plastic products, and more. For the best experience, visit the market during the morning.
So, next time you plan a trip to Bangkok, do include Chinatown in your bucket list.