Chinatown - Bangkok
Chinatown - Bangkok
4
About
As one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, this area in Bangkok is renowned for its incredible shopping options and tantalizing cuisine. This fast-paced district was founded over 200 years ago and went on to become the main hub for Bangkok’s large Chinese community. Venture down Yaowarat Road, bustling with activity and brimming with shops offering an array of souvenirs, jewelry, and trinkets. Then, stop at a family-run restaurant to grab an oyster omelet or dim sum.
You can ride the metro to reach Chinatown. It's also within walking distance from landmarks like the Wat Traimit Temple.
– Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Chinatown - Bangkok
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Riverside
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,929 within 3 miles
Attractions
589 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- WanderlustNottinghamshire, United Kingdom190 contributionsOK but wouldn't go out of my way to visit againWe visited on a Thursday afternoon, and as expected was extremely busy when we eventually found it. Signage is poor do unless you can track on Google maps the streets are a maze. Lots of stalls selling the same products, I have never seen so many stalls selling shoes in one area in my life! Most of the stalls sell low end products as expected, lots of plastic gimmicky things and cheap jewellery to turn your ears green! Good to soak up the atmosphere and see the many small food vendors too but you have to constantly dodge scooters, mopeds, vehicles coming down the crowded alleyways do probably not the safest for young children. We didn't buy anything on our visit, not sure how anyone makes a living down there given the number of stalls selling the same things.Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 9, 2020
- Pia Maria HEspoo, Finland119 contributionsThe biggest Chinatown outside of ChinaIt's worth a visit. You can still find the small alleys with stalls selling whatever you can think of. Also, gold is sold everywhere. As we're not for the shopping, it leaves us with very little to do in Chinatown. There are also good Chinese restaurants outside Chinatown, so you would not need to go there for a nice Chinese meal. But, obviously, it's nice to experience the atmosphere of this Chinatown. You can easily access it by the regular river boats (orange line) and it only costs you 15 Bath.Visited January 2020Written January 2, 2020
- Sloth825 contributionsSensationfulVery busy in the evenings when the food markets really open up. All the highly reviewed places had HUGE lines for take away and seating so don’t expect to get a look in unless you want to visit just one place in the night. Pa Tong Go Savoey, is the only line I queued in for 40 minutes. It is the Michelin Starred Pa Tong Go (doughnut) stall. I was extremely disappointed. Although the doughnuts were very tasty, they used Ammonium Bicarbonate as their raising agent. It’s generally considered safe in food uses. However, it is usually used in things like cookies as they’re porous and allow the ammonia gas to escape. In these doughnuts the pockets of gas escape into your nose and mouth when you bite into them. It irritated my nose and throat and gave me a headache. I ended up throwing over half my bag away. The ammonia smell was really strong and acrid. Other than that, I tried steamed fish dumplings and crispy pork belly from a couple of the less busier stands and they were delicious. 100baht for a large portion of dumplings. 120baht for 2 plates of pork and rice. Oh and a fried scorpion for 40baht. Lovely. Over all it was more of a walking and senses experience. There’s plenty of stalls without ratings that you can visit to eat rather than spending all night queuing for the reviewed places. We stood and ate our dumplings next to a stall down at the end of a side street and loved it more than sitting and eating our pork on the Main Street. There’s something for everyone.Visited January 2020Written January 2, 2020
- ontheroadmarygLondon, Canada150 contributionsBangkok Must do - but get off the beaten path and exploreExtraordinary, vital, chaotic. It is sensory overload, shopping and food..the food!! everywhere delicious. So many people, motorcycles and vendors give this area a vitality that is unmatched. We were lucky and had guide through Chinatown who took us off the usual shopping/food stall track and we explored the back alleys and old Chinatown sections. Extraordinary. The older mansions in disrepair, alleys housing Bangkok's reuse and recycling breaking down all sorts of mechanical things. Beautiful massive trees, old fashioned tea houses. We walked for hours and saw a side of Chinatown and Bangkok that was certainly unique and off the beaten path.Visited January 2020Written April 6, 2020
- Goh J9 contributionsYaowarat walking streetBangkok is closing the streets on Sunday nights at Yaowarat Road for the food stalls, only one lane of traffic is closed on Fridays and Saturdays for the food stalls. Many food stalls are available at Yaowarat, including some that came up on the Michelin guide. There are also some performances along the streets. It gets very crowded at about dinner time and long queues can been seen at those popular food stalls, like the kway chap, T & K seafood and the patonggo.Visited December 2019Written January 7, 2020
- Håvard323 contributionsBusy, but not stressfulChina town, and Bangkok in general, is in our opinion busy but seldom stressful. China town is probably the most packed place we’d been to on our trips to Bangkok so far. Great food and alot of interesting exotic stuff to eat. We do miss the small shops that we at least think was there earlier. Large blocks and alleys are now deserted, and only locked booths and shops are foundVisited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 11, 2020
- Carl RPortland, Oregon687 contributionsHuge and funIf you like crowds, photo ops, and great street food, this is the place for you. Steamed buns, roasted crickets, fake rolexes, real gold, yuk Turks... and a zillion people on the hustle. Put your wallet in your front pocket and wade in foe a fun, authentic, exotic, few hours of crazinessVisited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 7, 2020
- KoljaBielefeld, Germany17 contributionsChinese Cultural Heritage in Bangkoks City CenterI went on a weekday but it’s was busy anyways, maybe because it was shortly before Christmas. It’s a nice place to buy smal stuff or souvenirs also you can find good prices for gold there. Many Food Stalls around but some Food is truly Chinese and may not for everyone. The Side streets are packed and many people are trying to make their way through them sometimes even a scooter appears in all the busyness. In general it seem everything can be brought most of the stalls are no chains and therefore truly local so spending some money their supports the local economy. I would recommend a visit and walk through China town for everyone who stays longer than 3 Days in Bangkok. It’s good for souvenirs, every day items and also Chinese food and drinks as well as herbal medicine. Fresh fruit and meat is also sold in some side streets which is quite interesting to get a touch of another culture. There are also shops for gold and Jewellery around which I never brought something but seems to sell genuine and for fair prices. COVID-19 Situation: Everyone wears a mask or at least most people do nevertheless the side streets are very small so it gets crowded which increases the risk of infection means take care and do not try to touch your face without proper hand cleaning procedures before.Visited December 2021Traveled with familyWritten January 9, 2022
- JoeBudapest, Hungary3,367 contributionsMust seeA thriving energetic place full of sights, sounds and smells. You really get a throwback to Cantonese life from days gone by. Many of the street sellers and stores have been there for a long time, possibly even generational so you really get a good idea of the authenticity. You can check the markets, buy the local products and of course eat the food. Chinatown is known for its heritage buildings, graffiti murals and advertising signs. But it's at night that Chinatown transforms. The night market comes out and it is so busy. Tons of food stalls, pop-up seating, loud noises, selfie taking etc. Check it out for yourself. You won't regret itVisited September 2022Traveled with friendsWritten September 9, 2022
- danae ts.Athens, Greece1,847 contributionsBustlingSoooooo crowded. We barely could walk in the streets. There are many stalls to eat which are so cheap. Search for the Jek Pui Curry, in order to taste the most delicious panang curry for only 2€. Easy accessible by MRTVisited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 14, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
8,108 reviews
Excellent
2,830
Very good
3,054
Average
1,608
Poor
413
Terrible
202
ontheroadmaryg
London, Canada150 contributions
Jan 2020
Extraordinary, vital, chaotic. It is sensory overload, shopping and food..the food!! everywhere delicious. So many people, motorcycles and vendors give this area a vitality that is unmatched. We were lucky and had guide through Chinatown who took us off the usual shopping/food stall track and we explored the back alleys and old Chinatown sections. Extraordinary. The older mansions in disrepair, alleys housing Bangkok's reuse and recycling breaking down all sorts of mechanical things. Beautiful massive trees, old fashioned tea houses. We walked for hours and saw a side of Chinatown and Bangkok that was certainly unique and off the beaten path.
Written April 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Goh J
9 contributions
Dec 2019
Bangkok is closing the streets on Sunday nights at Yaowarat Road for the food stalls, only one lane of traffic is closed on Fridays and Saturdays for the food stalls. Many food stalls are available at Yaowarat, including some that came up on the Michelin guide. There are also some performances along the streets. It gets very crowded at about dinner time and long queues can been seen at those popular food stalls, like the kway chap, T & K seafood and the patonggo.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Håvard
Oslo, Norway323 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
China town, and Bangkok in general, is in our opinion busy but seldom stressful. China town is probably the most packed place we’d been to on our trips to Bangkok so far. Great food and alot of interesting exotic stuff to eat. We do miss the small shops that we at least think was there earlier. Large blocks and alleys are now deserted, and only locked booths and shops are found
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl R
Portland, OR687 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
If you like crowds, photo ops, and great street food, this is the place for you. Steamed buns, roasted crickets, fake rolexes, real gold, yuk Turks... and a zillion people on the hustle. Put your wallet in your front pocket and wade in foe a fun, authentic, exotic, few hours of craziness
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kolja
Bielefeld, Germany17 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
I went on a weekday but it’s was busy anyways, maybe because it was shortly before Christmas. It’s a nice place to buy smal stuff or souvenirs also you can find good prices for gold there. Many Food Stalls around but some Food is truly Chinese and may not for everyone.
The Side streets are packed and many people are trying to make their way through them sometimes even a scooter appears in all the busyness.
In general it seem everything can be brought most of the stalls are no chains and therefore truly local so spending some money their supports the local economy.
I would recommend a visit and walk through China town for everyone who stays longer than 3 Days in Bangkok.
It’s good for souvenirs, every day items and also Chinese food and drinks as well as herbal medicine.
Fresh fruit and meat is also sold in some side streets which is quite interesting to get a touch of another culture.
There are also shops for gold and Jewellery around which I never brought something but seems to sell genuine and for fair prices.
COVID-19 Situation:
Everyone wears a mask or at least most people do nevertheless the side streets are very small so it gets crowded which increases the risk of infection means take care and do not try to touch your face without proper hand cleaning procedures before.
The Side streets are packed and many people are trying to make their way through them sometimes even a scooter appears in all the busyness.
In general it seem everything can be brought most of the stalls are no chains and therefore truly local so spending some money their supports the local economy.
I would recommend a visit and walk through China town for everyone who stays longer than 3 Days in Bangkok.
It’s good for souvenirs, every day items and also Chinese food and drinks as well as herbal medicine.
Fresh fruit and meat is also sold in some side streets which is quite interesting to get a touch of another culture.
There are also shops for gold and Jewellery around which I never brought something but seems to sell genuine and for fair prices.
COVID-19 Situation:
Everyone wears a mask or at least most people do nevertheless the side streets are very small so it gets crowded which increases the risk of infection means take care and do not try to touch your face without proper hand cleaning procedures before.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe
Budapest, Hungary3,367 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
A thriving energetic place full of sights, sounds and smells. You really get a throwback to Cantonese life from days gone by.
Many of the street sellers and stores have been there for a long time, possibly even generational so you really get a good idea of the authenticity.
You can check the markets, buy the local products and of course eat the food. Chinatown is known for its heritage buildings, graffiti murals and advertising signs.
But it's at night that Chinatown transforms. The night market comes out and it is so busy. Tons of food stalls, pop-up seating, loud noises, selfie taking etc.
Check it out for yourself. You won't regret it
Many of the street sellers and stores have been there for a long time, possibly even generational so you really get a good idea of the authenticity.
You can check the markets, buy the local products and of course eat the food. Chinatown is known for its heritage buildings, graffiti murals and advertising signs.
But it's at night that Chinatown transforms. The night market comes out and it is so busy. Tons of food stalls, pop-up seating, loud noises, selfie taking etc.
Check it out for yourself. You won't regret it
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danae ts.
Athens, Greece1,847 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Soooooo crowded. We barely could walk in the streets. There are many stalls to eat which are so cheap. Search for the Jek Pui Curry, in order to taste the most delicious panang curry for only 2€. Easy accessible by MRT
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whendi88
Singapore, Singapore151 contributions
Jun 2022
Go there for food and atmosphere. U can simply famous street food there. Many will go to the local goodies shop to buy pork floss for family and friends in their hometown. Be there around 6pm if you want to beat the crowds. Usually went there slightly earlier for Sampheng Market. You can get cheap dried spices and seafood for cooking.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick Yau
Hong Kong, China206 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
I visited so many times here. Food stalls were very little this time cause of COVID-19. Aimed at shark fins and swallow nest again which were delicious. Grilled prawns were great too with bottles of Chang beer😋. You might visit Mega plaza right away or hired a grab taxi to Icon Siam which took around 15-20 mins only after that.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,005 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
Anywhere in the world Chinatown can be good or not so good. This was nice. It has character and atmosphere. The markets were full of life but not the cleanest of places. Venture further away from the main streets and you will find some beautiful shrines and temples, ancient buildings, quirky coffee shops, art and more. Like another world. We had a guide and did a tour of the area. Trust me there is so much history and we would not have seen half of it, had she not been with us!
Written January 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michael
Warstein, Germany3 contributions
Laundromat
tjlovetotravel
Singapore, Singapore95 contributions
I walk around for over an hour and did not see any laundromat in Chinatown
Inspire68615773021
Mayville, WI
Hi, I was wondering if there is any where in China town to take classes ie. soap making, tai chi and the like. Also, I know they sell things from all over and there was something I used in Turkey many years ago, but, don't remember the name. When you went to someone's house they would hand you a tall bottle of a lemon scented liquid and it was used to freshen arms and hands. Does anyone know what it is called or where I can get it?
BenBelYen
Singapore183 contributions
Hi, I'm not sure soap-making and Tai-chi are unique to Thailand. But there are many classes available such as muay thai, & Thai cooking. You can google Thai experiences or speak to your hotel concierge to find out details. I'm sorry, I've been to Thailand several times in the last 20-30 years, but I have no experience with the lemon scented liquid. Are they by any chance hand sanitizers?
Janeen R
Brisbane, Australia8 contributions
Just wondering if chinatown is worth a visit if I am looking for western style cloths.
BangkokCarnivore
Bangkok, Thailand157 contributions
Definitely when you are looking for polo and T-shirts, shoes, etc.
I want to buy black hair maskara ANNASIA.From which shop can I buy ?
Im not a robot.

Nusayb B N
Dhaka City, Bangladesh7,484 contributions
No idea coz I did not looked for black hair Maskara Annasia. Sorry dear
Kamini S
Mumbai, India2 contributions
How to go to china town from sukmaviti soi 22 bangkok?
aprilnyeo
Singapore, Singapore438 contributions
Forgotten to add that the cost should not exceed 100B by BTS or MTR then by Bike.
If you take the cab during off peak hours its less than 100B. Chinatown market and most food stalls opens from 6.30am onwards and tech shops starts to set up by 7.30am. Its a huge place to walk: Wet Market, children and household stuff such as soft toys, toiletries, bedding items etc. Another area has whole sale sunglasses and electronic items for phones, headphone, speaker, cables etc etc then there are industrial stuff and home appliances and lastly, anything you are looking for to decorate or add on to cars/bikes/trucks etc. It will be a good 6 hours walk, view, see, eat and rest! enjoy!
Is China Town's close time is 17:00? I thought this is a night place :((
John S
Colchester, UK219 contributions
It is only just getting started at 17.00 hours; an area of bustling night life.
Chris L
1 contribution
Hi, i am bring my parents to Bangkok for the first time and they are very keen to buy salted fish there.. Can i find it at Bangkok Chinatown? If so, is there any shops that you will recommend?
manhattan64
Hong Kong, China602 contributions
Sorry, you needed to be more specific of what kind of salted fish you are referring to.
BrunaMarcon
Taubate, SP61 contributions
What time does it open?
Carl van Oorschot
Heerlen, The Netherlands1,315 contributions
It’s open 24/7 !!
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Claim your listingChinatown - Bangkok - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinatown - Bangkok
- We recommend booking Chinatown - Bangkok tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 219 Chinatown - Bangkok tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Chinatown - Bangkok:
- Authentic Street Food Tour in China Town Bangkok (From $40.03)
- Chef Designed Bangkok Food Tour for 8 Exclusive Guests (From $60.52)
- In and around Bangkok Private Tour Guide with Custom Experience (From $57.40)
- Private Guide In and Around Bangkok: Custom Tour (From $58.00)
- Experience Real Bangkok by Bike (From $37.62)
- Hotels near Chinatown - Bangkok:
- (0.10 mi) Luk Hostel
- (0.13 mi) Hostel Urby
- (0.14 mi) Sampheng Apartment
- (0.14 mi) Kaisri Guesthouse
- (0.35 mi) ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
- Restaurants near Chinatown - Bangkok:
- (0.10 mi) Jumbo Lobster Riverside Bangkok
- (0.17 mi) Fikeaw Yao Wa-Rat
- (0.05 mi) Urai Restaurant - Song wat
- (0.05 mi) Sing Tia Sua Restaurant
- (0.09 mi) Rise Cafe
- Attractions near Chinatown - Bangkok:
- (0.14 mi) Chao Phraya Express Boat
- (0.17 mi) SiamRise Travel
- (0.13 mi) Gong Wu (Guan Yu) Shrine
- (0.15 mi) Wan Fah Dinner Cruises
- (0.34 mi) Spa Burasari Bangkok
Chinatown - Bangkok Information
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| Very Good Reviews | 3,055 |
| Chinatown - Bangkok Photos | 7,700 |










































































































