Chinatown in Bangkok

Chinatown is one of the many sites you can visit in Bangkok. It is a popular choice with Chinese, Thais and foreigners from around the world as they all weave in and out of the thin but overly crowded streets that make up one part of the neighbourhood. Markets line the streets selling pretty much everything. Old worn beach-type umbrellas protect the seller’s wares from the sun (however it’s usually overcast).




Towering above the markets on both sides of the street are older buildings, mainly apartment blocks where electricity cables droop between them like vines in the jungle. We passed all kinds of different foods capturing different smells as we go. We stopped for a noodle soup in a basic restaurant off one of the bigger streets. Egg noodles, pork, wontons and something unknown but otherwise delicious served in a tasty broth for a $1. Awesome.




The bigger streets are not as compact as the markets but are equally congested. Cars, taxis, tuk tuks and buses fill the streets with small sellers lining the pavements. Neon signs cover the streets buildings giving the place a real Chinatown flare.

Chinatown is not far from the river and you can incorporate that into a good days walk. We decided to save that for next time. Also around the area are countless temples and other sites to visit. It is a cool place to explore but can be a bit full on so a good lunch and somewhere to stop for a beer are essential. Luckily we can go back a few times so we don't miss anything.




There are many way to get there but the best for us was to grab the Metro to Hua Lamphong; the last stop on the line. You can change to the Metro line from quite a few of the Sky Train stations. From there you need to walk to the Chinatown gates; a few hundred metres from the station.