Bangkok’s Chinatown stands as one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. Established in 1782, when the city became the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, it became home to a primarily Teochew immigrant Chinese population, which quickly emerged as the city’s dominant ethnic group. Originally focused around Sampheng, the heart of Chinatown now extends along Yaowarat Road, its main thoroughfare, which is sometimes used to refer to the entire area, commonly called Yaowarat (Thai: เยาวราช). The entirety of Chinatown roughly aligns with the Samphanthawong District and encompasses neighborhoods such as Song Wat and Talat Noi along the Chao Phraya River, as well as Charoen Chai, Khlong Thom, and Nakhon Khasem along Charoen Krung Road.
Initially a wilderness area beyond the city walls, Chinatown evolved into Bangkok’s commercial center from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. However, its prominence has waned as commerce shifted elsewhere in response to the city’s expansion. Today, it thrives as a center of Chinese culture, featuring numerous shops that sell traditional goods and is particularly renowned as a gastronomic destination.
- Yaowarat: Yaowarat Road is Chinatown’s main artery. It runs from Odeon Circle, where it splits of Charoen Krung Road, to the old city moat of Khlong Ong Ang.
- Odeon Circle: A former traffic circle at the beginning of Yaowarat Road, it is the site of the Chinatown Gate, built in 1999.
- Sampheng: Now known as Soi Wanit 1, Sampheng Lane was the original street serving Chinatown. Today it is a busy market consisting of numerous shophouses lining a narrow pedestrian alley.
- Charoen Chai: A historic community located in Soi Charoen Krung 23, it is Thailand’s largest and oldest marketplace for Chinese joss paper, god-honoring items, Moon Festival offering items, and the last source of traditional Chinese wedding items. The community name comes from its location between Charoen Krung and Phlapphla Chai Roads.
- Talat Noi: A fringe neighbourhood southeast of Yaowarat, it is home to several historic buildings.
- Song Wat: The street runs alongside the Chao Phraya River, and used to be the site of numerous cargo piers.
Photo credit: Alexi Van Damme CEO and Founder of AX Media Thailand
