Joy's Notes on Bangkok Chinatown
One of the most vibrant and must-go place in Bangkok is Chinatown.
Chinatown runs along Yaowarat Road from Odean Circle, where a huge Chinese-style gate unmistakably marks the entrance, and continues up to Ong Ang Canal. The main Yaowarat Road is where you go if you ever want to buy gold in Bangkok. Many gold shops flank this road, giving a range of choices. From Yaowarat Road, you can choose to explore in either directions, since both are just as interesting.
It’s best to explore Chinatown on foot, since there are many streets opened only to pedestrians. You can try checking out the walking tours.
Shopping in Chinatown
- You can buy gold from Tang To gung Gold Shop, on the corner of Sampheng Lane and Mangkon Road.
- Diagonally across is a Traditional Chinese Medicine shop, selling exotic Chinese herbs.
- Nakhon Kasem, or “Thieves Market”, is where you get brassware, imitation antiques and Chinese porcelain.
- Across Nakhon Kasem is where you get electronic goods, at Khlong Thom on Charoen Krung Road.
Old Siam Plaza
Between Chinatown and Phaurat area is the Old Siam Plaza, which is like aBangkok shopping center of the yesteryear. Come here for traditional Thai musical instruments, CDs and Chinese-style silk PJs.
Old Sam Shopping Center
Head over to the Old Siam shopping center, to find tourist-friendly western and Thai restaurants and fast food outlets.
Chinatown Sights
Besides shopping, here are a few sightseeing spots:
Wat Traimit
A small temple but houses the world's largest solid gold Buddha image … five-ton-plus.
Tien Fa Charity
Nearby Odeon Circle is this small clinic run by the Tien Fa Charitable Foundation
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
The temple is the center of festivities during important festivals such as Chinese new years and the vegetarian festival.
Li Thi Miew Temple
This Chinese temple is one of the more open and accessible temples in Bangkok's Chinatown.
Hotels Around Chinatown
