At first, I was hesitant to go to Chinatown in Yaowarat Bangkok because I was dedicated to eating purely Thai cuisine. Then I thought, how silly? Ethnic food is some of the most interesting to indulge in, and Chinese is Bangkok’s largest immigrant population. In the late 1700s, the Chinese came to the country and since then they created one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, centering around the famous Yaowarat Road. Known locally as Yaowarat district, this vibrant area has been a trading hub for over two centuries. You might even hear it referred to as “Dragon Road”.
A Little History of Yaowarat
Yaowarat’s story began in the late 18th century when King Rama I decided to move the capital across the Chao Phraya River to its current location. The Chinese community, who were then settled in the area near the Grand Palace, were asked to relocate to the Sampheng area, which eventually grew into the bustling district we know today as Yaowarat. This area became a vital trading center, with Chinese merchants playing a key role in the city’s economy. Today, Yaowarat stands as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of Bangkok’s Thai-Chinese community.
Yarowarat Bangkok is a wild high energy experience that pops with neon at night. As always in a crowded place be aware of your belongings! It was one of my favorite dining experiences while in the country, plus the whole atmosphere is awesome to bestow.
This is a veritable street food paradise, you could simply follow your nose.
Yaowarat is A Food Lover’s Paradise
Yaowarat is renowned as a street food haven, and you can find just about anything your taste buds desire. From early morning to late night, the streets come alive with vendors selling a mouthwatering array of dishes. Some must-try dishes include oyster omelettes, dim sum, and the ever-popular mango sticky rice. Seafood lovers will be in heaven with the abundance of fresh catches, especially prawns and cockles.
Or if you you’d like some recommendations – I seriously enjoyed Mung Korn Khao Noodle [395 Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand].
The stall does not wear an English name, but the gps location will take you to the corner location. Sit down and someone will come by with a menu.
One of my favorite things in the world are wontons, and these are some of the best out there. We ordered wonton with crab and noodle wonton with crab, which has less wontons, but you get noodles and you can make it a soup.
So fresh, delicious, and I could have ordered a hundred servings worth! The plates are small – but notice that it is priced accordingly. This is perfect to allow sampling around the street, or if you had a huge lunch earlier in the day. Other favorites in the area include seafood, especially cockles
and prawns.
Fruit is abundant. Pomegranate juice looked heavenly,
and I couldn’t walk by the durian stand.
Soft and ripe, just the way I like it.
If you’re looking for a sweeter dessert spy freshly made Pa tong go.
Dough is cut and fried on the spot then smothered in the sweet topping of your choice.
Absolutely indulgent. After all of the impeccable insanity of Yawarat Road, you may be overwhelmed. A great place amidst the chaos to feel complete calm is inside Double Dogs Tea Room ****. They stay open until 10PM nightly.
A tea ceremony is a fun offering, our wonderful waitress taught us exactly how to brew our tea.
It was a perfect end to a wonderful and exciting night, I couldn’t recommend experiencing Yaowarat Bangkok enough!
Beyond Food: Top Things to See and Do in Yaowarat
While the food is a major draw, Yaowarat offers much more to explore. Here are some highlights:
- Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha): Home to a magnificent 5.5-ton solid gold Buddha statue, this temple is a must-visit. You can also learn about the history of Chinatown at the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center located within the temple grounds.
- Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Dragon Lotus Temple): As the largest and most significant Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat boasts stunning traditional Chinese architecture and intricate carvings.
- Chinatown Gate (Odeon Circle): This impressive and colorful Chinese gate marks the entrance to Yaowarat and is a popular spot for photos.
- Yaowarat Road: The heart of Chinatown, this bustling street is lined with gold shops, restaurants, and market stalls. It transforms into a vibrant street food market in the evenings.
- Sampeng Market: A large wholesale market offering a wide variety of goods, from clothing and accessories to toys and household items. Be prepared for crowds and bargaining!
- Chinatown Night Market: Another fantastic spot for street food and shopping that comes alive after dark.
- Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market: Located near Chinatown, this is Bangkok’s largest wholesale flower market, offering a stunning array of colorful blooms. It’s particularly vibrant in the early morning hours.
- Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theater: A historic theater built in 1933 that occasionally hosts traditional Thai performances.
- Talad Noi: A charming historic neighborhood adjacent to Yaowarat, known for its traditional architecture, street art, and antique shops.
Getting to Yaowarat Bangkok
Yaowarat is easily accessible by various means of transportation.
- MRT (Subway): The most convenient way to reach Yaowarat is via the MRT Blue Line. Get off at either Wat Mangkon Station (BL29), which is right in the heart of Chinatown , or Hua Lamphong Station (BL28), which is a short walk or taxi/tuk-tuk ride away.
- Bus: Several public buses serve the Yaowarat area. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
- Taxi or Tuk-tuk: Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Bangkok and can take you directly to Yaowarat. Be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand if taking a tuk-tuk.
- River Boat: You can also take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Ratchawong Pier, which is a short walk to Yaowarat Road.
Practical Tips for Visiting Yaowarat Bangkok
- Best Time to Visit: Yaowarat is lively both day and night, but the atmosphere truly comes alive in the evening when the street food vendors set up shop. Weekends can be particularly crowded. For photography enthusiasts, early mornings can offer a different perspective with fewer crowds.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Bring cash, as many street food vendors and smaller shops may not accept credit cards. Be prepared for the heat and humidity, especially during the day.
- Safety: Yaowarat is generally safe, but as with any crowded area, it’s wise to be aware of your belongings.
Immersing in Thai-Chinese Culture
Yaowarat is a fascinating place where Thai and Chinese cultures blend seamlessly. You’ll see Chinese temples alongside traditional Thai architecture, and the food is a unique fusion of flavors. Keep an eye out for Chinese festivals and celebrations, such as Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, which are vibrant events in Yaowarat.
I hope this guide helps you plan your adventure to Yaowarat Bangkok! It truly is an unforgettable experience.
