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Yaowarat - China Town Bangkok

Yaowarat Road, the heart of Chinatown in Bangkok, is said to have been built during the reign of King Rama V in 1782 with the purpose of establishing the capital city on the eastern side of the Chao Phrya River.

The mostly Chinese immigrants who were originally settled in the area which is now the Grand Palace had to vacate and relocate to a strip of land two kilometres down the river. For anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, Chinatown is a must.

Since that time, the area has expanded with fresh immigrants, mostly from China, and Chinatown now includes an area which is bounded by Phadung Krung Kasem Canal to the East, the Ong Ang Canal to the west, Liang Road to the north, and the Chao Phraya River to the south.

The area is of about two square kilometres. The crowded street curves and snakes through the jostling heart of Chinatown, rather like the famous Chinese mythical dragon enshrined at the Odean Gate, the auspicious, bright and colourful entrance to Chinatown.

China town during day time.

Chestnut, a must try.

Plenty of food here.

Outside the entrance to Wat Traimit is a traffic island, where stands a huge Chinese arched gate, the Odean Gate, built in 1999 to mark the 72nd birthday of King Bhumipol, the present King of Thailand. This gate marks the start of Yaowarat Road and the walking tour of the rest of Chinatown

To cover the whole area by foot would probably be more than the average tourist would want. The two main roads of interest are Yaowarat Road, and Rachawong Road which is off Yaowarat Road. By far the most of the interesting attractions in this area are located in the two main areas of Yaowarat or Rachawong. The shop signs are all in Chinese as well as Thai, leaving the visitor in no doubt as to which district they are visiting.

For those hunting for exotic bargains, Chinatown is a veritable goldmine. The streets have plenty of gold shops, with restaurants selling shark fin and birds nest soups. Many people swear by the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine, and there are plenty of traditional Chinese herbal medicine shops. Huge lines of glass jars full of colourful dried mushrooms, salted fish, dried seahorses and all manner of leaves, bark, roots and flowers, make this a very colourful and scented area to shop. In amongst these shops are tiny kiosks selling Chinese calendars, almanacs and lottery tickets.

A visit to Chinatown is truly a cultural experience, opening the doors of China to tourists, while still in the heart of Thailand. Each year, during the Chinese New Year, Yaowarat Road is closed to traffic. This is to allow for prolific street parties, general festivities, lion dances and plenty of food fairs, showcasing the fusion cuisine of Chinese and Thai food. Often, a member of the Thai Royal family blesses the occasion to the immense joy, pleasure and pride of the residents and visitors to Chinatown alike.

Chinese movie theatre.

Busy gold shop.

China town.

After you have walked about a kilometre along Yaowarat Road turn left into Ratchawong Road. Vendors along this street sell all kinds of everything, from deep fried snacks and roasted chestnuts to stickers. Continuing along Rachawong Road, you will see an even narrower and busy soi to the right. This little road is always packed with people. Only the most determined shoppers can make it this far in Chinatown.

At the far end of Rachawong Road is the Rachawong Pier on the Chao Phraya River. If you are coming by boat, this is the pier to disembark and start your tour of Chinatown in reverse. If you arrived by road, you may wish to add the experience of departing Chinatown by boat. And after walking for such a long time, exploring the myriad delights of Chinatown, what better way to relax than to sit back and be lulled and relaxed by the gently undulating boat navigating along the Chao Prayer River.

I believe this is some kind of waxing with a thread. Not sure.	Chinese temple.	Chinese herbs medicine store.
Telephone booth in China town.

Video of Yaowarat - Bangkok Chinatown

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