Bangkok’s Chinatown: A major tourist attraction, and business and commercial center

Visitors should not miss out on experiencing the delicious food, the gold shops, the Thai and Chinese temples, and the Thai and Chinese-style massages while touring Bangkok's Chinatown.

Chinese settlers first came to Thailand during the Sukhothai period. They lived along the canal near the Wat Sam Pluem, Talat Noi intersection on Samphanthawong Road.

During the reign of King Rama V, who had a royal policy to place more emphasis on the role of Chinese commercial trade, the existing Samphanthawong Road was divided and expanded into the following roads: Songwat Road, Phatsai Road, Anuwong Road and Yaowarat Road. The construction was completed in 1891. At present, these roads have become the most important in Chinatown. But Yaowarat Road is at the center of Chinatown.

Yaowarat has come to stand for "Chinatown" in the hearts and minds of many Thais and foreign visitors. The road is crowded with gold shops that are well known throughout the world. Both sides of the road are also packed with food vendors and stands.

The Chinese community in Yaowarat is one of the oldest overseas Chinese communities in the world. The history of this Chinatown can be traced as far back as the early Rattanakosin period, since the establishment of Bangkok.

Chinatown is the place where the history of Thais of Chinese descent began, the place where the business and commercial activities of their Thai-Chinese descendants took place.

Yaowarat today

In 2003, Yaowarat Road celebrated its 111th anniversary. Through the process of time, Yaowarat and Bangkok have grown up side by side. According to the Chinese astrology of Feng Shui, Yaowarat Road is a "golden dragon area," meaning it is the ideal place for business.

The gold shops that are located around the Yaowarat area have built on the image of the golden dragon even more. In addition, the Yaowarat area is full of many gold stores and restaurants that visitors and tourists can choose from. Each location in Yaowarat has its own business niche.

For example:

Wanit 1, or Sampheng, contains wholesale shops selling textiles, garments, souvenirs, stationery, and products for children and teenagers.

Talat Kao and Talat Mai, literally meaning the old and new market, are the best places to buy fresh food and produce.

Talat Noi, or Noi Market, is the center for second-hand spare parts and steel equipment.

Khlong Thom is the area selling electronics goods and equipment as well as computer spare parts.

Nakhon Kasem Area is where shoppers come to shop for antiques or imported musical instruments.

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