Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Bangkok's Golden Mile of Street Food & Gold
Overview
Yaowarat Road is one of the world's great Chinatowns and Bangkok's original commercial district. By day, it's a maze of gold shops, traditional Chinese medicine stores, and wholesale markets. By night, it transforms into Bangkok's most spectacular street food scene — seafood, noodles, and dim sum under a canopy of neon Chinese signs. The new MRT station has made it more accessible than ever.
Best For
Food Scene
Legendary street food capital. T&K Seafood for giant prawns, Nai Ek Roll Noodles, roasted duck at Prachak, and dessert shops galore. Best experienced after 6 PM when the streets come alive with food stalls.
Nightlife
Not a traditional nightlife area, but the night food scene IS the entertainment. Some hidden cocktail bars have popped up recently, and Soi Nana (Chinatown) has become an artsy bar district.
Getting Around
MRT Wat Mangkon station is right in the heart. MRT Sam Yot also nearby. River boats stop at Ratchawong Pier. Tuk-tuks and walking are the best ways to explore the narrow sois.
Highlights
- • Yaowarat Road neon signs at night
- • Wat Traimit — Golden Buddha temple
- • Sampeng Lane wholesale market
- • Talat Noi street art district
- • Chinese New Year celebrations
Insider Tips
Visit after 6 PM for the best street food experience — many stalls only open at night
Bring cash — many gold shops and food stalls don't accept cards