Things to see and do around Chinatown, Bangkok
Bangkok’s Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, is its own destination. The lively area is full of incredible restaurants, bustling markets, and Chinese temples. It’s a fantastic place for people who want to explore the city’s street food and soak in Thai-Chinese culture. However, with so many things to see and do, it can get pretty confusing for visitors. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in Chinatown that makes it one of Bangkok’s most beloved neighbourhoods. From where to eat, enjoy a drink, shop around, or just unwind, we’re covering everything.
What to see and do around Bangkok’s Chinatown
- Visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
- Enjoy dinner at UGO Ristorante Italiano
- Have various street food along Yaowarat Road
- Go to Sampheng Market
- Tour Wat Traimit
- Go to Chalermkrung Royal Theatre to go back in time
- Enjoy some drinks at Chinatown’s Soi Nana
- Take photos at the Chinatown Gate
- Buy flowers at Pak Khlong Talat
- See street art at Talat Noi
1. Pray for good luck at Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
Opening hours: Daily, 8.00am to 4.30pm
Location: Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, 423 Charoen Krung Road, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Want to get a taste of the local culture? A great way to begin is by checking out the temples. There are a lot of shrines in Chinatown, and one of the most famous is Wat Mangkon Kamalawat. This temple is considered one of the sacred places in the area and is home to 58 different Gods. Locals often visit to pray to a Chinese god who brings good fortune, hoping for a lucky year ahead. You can join in by praying for your own good fortune and even participate in some religious events.
The temple itself is beautiful, featuring intricate designs and vibrant red lanterns. Inside, you’ll find many shrines dedicated to various deities. Although it’s built in a Teochew style, its layout takes inspiration from royal Thai temples.
Even if you’re not Buddhist, you’re welcome to observe the rituals and admire the art and decorations while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Just remember to be respectful.
2. Dine at UGO Ristorante Italiano
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5.00pm to 1.00am
Location: UGO Ristorante Italiano, 603, 605 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Italian cuisine in Chinatown? Absolutely! UGO Ristorante Italiano is a special place with a chic and cosy atmosphere. Its exposed brick walls are decorated with vibrant artwork, and the whole space is bathed in warm lighting. It’s the perfect spot for hanging out with friends or enjoying a family dinner.
Of course, the star of UGO Ristorante Italiano is the food. Dining here feels like taking a culinary trip to Italy without ever leaving Bangkok. Everything on their menu is crafted by talented and passionate chefs using only the finest ingredients. Whether you choose their classic pizza, pasta, or seafood menu, you’re going to fall in love with every bite.
If you’re ready to treat yourself, be sure to try one of the mains, such as Filetto di Manzo. It’s a juicy Argentine beef fillet that melts in your mouth and is served with a rich red wine sauce. Oh, and be sure to pair your meal with one of their carefully chosen wines or creative cocktails.
For more information about UGO Ristorante Italiano, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
3. Do a street food tour along Yaowarat Road
Location: Yaowarat Road
If you’ve been searching online for the best street food in Bangkok, you’ve likely seen Chinatown pop up frequently. And rightly so! The heart of the neighbourhood, Yaowarat Road, is where all the action happens. When the sun goes down, this road turns into an incredible street food heaven filled with all sorts of tasty treats, from seafood and noodle soup to sweet desserts and refreshing drinks. The flavours are a bit different from those of the rest of Bangkok since most of the offerings here are Thai-Chinese cuisine.
We suggest you explore any dish that piques your interest because everything is bound to be tasty. However, if you’re overwhelmed by the options (which is likely), consider starting with T & K Seafood. In addition to their seafood offerings, don’t miss out on their renowned Bird’s Nest Soup for dessert. However, if you’re not in the mood for seafood, check out Naik Ek Roll Noodle. Their famous kway chap (rice roll noodle) has earned its reputation for good reason.
For a sweet treat, try Yaowarat Toasted Buns. There’s usually a line of people waiting to get theirs, but it’s worth it. Some of the most popular flavours include egg custard, milk, sugar butter, and chocolate. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter snack, Pla Tong Go Savoey is an excellent option. As the name suggests, they serve pla tong go, which is a crispy Chinese dough that’s deep-fried to perfection. You can dip these tasty treats in condensed milk or pandan sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
4. Check out Sampheng Market
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 8.00am to 5.00pm and 11.00pm to 5.30am / Thursday to Saturday, 9.00am to 5.00pm and 11.00pm to 5.30am / Sunday, 8.00am to 2.00pm
Location: Sampheng Market, Chakkrawat, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, Bangkok, then Sampheng Market is the place to be. The alleys of this wholesale market are lined with countless stalls, each overflowing with an eclectic mix of goods. The sheer variety of products on offer makes Sampeng Lane a one-stop destination for shoppers of all kinds. You can find shoes, fabrics, bags, beauty products, jewellery, souvenirs, gadgets, and even K-pop and anime trinkets.
Foodies will love this market, too, since it’s dotted with street food vendors offering a range of cuisine. The narrow alleyways, packed from floor to ceiling with goods, create a lively, almost chaotic shopping experience that can feel a touch claustrophobic. But that’s precisely where the charm lies.
Sampeng Market operates in two shifts, with a break in the evening before it reopens late at night. Therefore, it’s a great place to explore whether you’re looking for something fun in the day or at midnight.
5. Tour Wat Traimit
Opening hours: Daily, 8.00am to 5.00pm
Location: Wat Traimit, 661 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Wat Traimit, also known as The Temple of the Golden Buddha, is an excellent destination for anyone eager to explore local culture. This remarkable temple houses a striking 3-meter-tall solid-gold Buddha statue that truly dazzles with its golden radiance. Fun fact: this dazzling Buddha is over 700 years old but was only discovered by accident in the 1950s. The temple itself is beautiful, with white marble and gold accents that give it an air of grandeur and elegance.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Centre. Located within the premises, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Bangkok’s Chinatown. There are six exhibitions to explore, including “Growing Up under the Royal Umbrella,” “The Birth of the Chinese Community of Rattanakosin (1782 – 1851),” “The Path to the Golden Age (1851 – 1957),” “Hall of Fame,” “Phra Barami Pok Klao,” and “Yaowarat Today.”
6. Travel back in time at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre
Opening hours: Daily, 9.00am to 6.00pm
Location: Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, 66 Charoen Krung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Visiting Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre might be one of the most exciting things you can do in Chinatown, Bangkok. Established in 1933, it was initially built as a cinema by King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) and has since evolved into a cultural landmark. Nowadays, it hosts classical Thai dance performances, particularly the Khon. It’s Thailand’s esteemed classical dance form that blends elements from three ancient performance styles: the Churning of Naga, Shadow Play, and Karbi-Krabong. Don’t worry about missing anything since English and Chinese subtitles are available.
Aside from the performances, the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre itself is a marvel to behold. The theatre’s architecture reflects a blend of Thai and Western styles, making it feel both timeless and contemporary.
7. Get a drink at Chinatown’s Soi Nana
Opening hours: Most bars open daily from 6.00pm
Location: Soi Nana, Chinatown, Bangkok
There are plenty of places to grab a drink in Bangkok’s Chinatown. While the iconic Yaowarat Road brims with cocktail bars, Soi Nana is where you want to be if you’re serious about bar hopping. Not to be mistaken for its more notorious downtown counterpart, this once-overlooked cluster of shophouses has transformed into a chic haven of stylish bars in the past few years.
One of the most popular here is Bao Hao, a bar that pays homage to the nostalgia of 1970s Chinatown. This Orient-inspired bar mixes classic snacks and popular Chinese street food into unique, savoury and sweet dishes. They also serve tea, craft beer, and signature Chinese cocktails.
Other well-loved spots in the area include Teens of Thailand, Tep Bar, and Asia Today Bar, all worth checking out.
8. Take photos at the Chinatown Gate
Location: The Chinatown Gate, 322 Tri Mit Rd, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Located in the centre of the Odeon Circle, a circular intersection of Yaowarat, Charoen Krung, and Tri Mit or Mittaphap Thai-China roads, the Chinatown Gate serves as the official entrance to Bangkok’s Chinatown. It was built as part of King Bhumibol’s 72nd anniversary celebrations in 1999. Today, It’s a popular spot for photos because of its eye-catching design, which features intricate carvings and vivid colours that reflect the artistry and symbolism of Chinese culture.
9. Go flower shopping at Pak Khlong Talat
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market), Wat Kanlayanamit, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok’s famous 24-hour flower market, is a sensory delight with its vibrant colours and fragrant blooms. A must-visit for night owls and flower enthusiasts, the market is packed with fresh flowers, including orchids, roses, and lotus blooms, delivered daily from all over Thailand. Although a 2016 government cleanup moved the vendors from the sidewalks to a covered area, it remains a lively spot for late-night adventures.
The market is full of life, especially at night. Daytime visits are generally quieter since some sellers shift their focus to selling fruits and vegetables at wholesale prices.
10. See Talat Noi Street Art
Location: Talat Noi Street Art, 1172 Soi Chareonkrung 22, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Just an 8-minute stroll from Yaowarat Road lies Talat Noi, one of Bangkok’s oldest and most charming neighbourhoods. Here, you can wander through a maze of historic Thai-Chinese buildings and discover vibrant street art at every turn. The street art scene starts at Trok San Chao Rong Kueak and winds through narrow alleys. So ready your camera as you’ll get plenty of Insta-worthy pics.
How to get to Chinatown Bangkok
If you use public transportation, take the MRT and get off at Wat Mangkorn Station. This is the most convenient stop for accessing Chinatown. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk, but be aware that traffic can be heavy. To avoid congestion, consider taking the Chao Phraya River Express boat. Get off at Ratchawong Pier, then walk along Ratchawong Road to Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road.
Our tip is once you arrive at the area, go explore on foot or bicycle! You’ll find many hidden lanes and alleyways that are fun to discover. Whether you love good food or are into culture, one thing is for sure: a day exploring Bangkok’s Chinatown is well-spent in our books.
