Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat)
Gold shops and medicine stalls by day, a street-food crush under neon by night.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
- Haggle at Markets, Not Malls
- Prices at market stalls are negotiable — start at 50–60% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Fixed-price shops and malls don't haggle. Smile and keep it friendly; aggressive bargaining is considered rude.
Tours that include Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat)
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat).
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FoodStreet-food tours in Bangkok
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See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Come after dark. That's when Yaowarat Road turns from a working commercial strip into one long line of carts and open-fronted kitchens, with noodles, seafood, dumplings and Chinese desserts going out at prices that stay sensible even with the tourist crowds. The neon and the Chinese-character signage do the rest. Reviewers keep reaching for the word cyberpunk, and I understand why.
Daytime is a different neighbourhood and worth its own trip. Whole blocks of gold jewellery shops, traditional medicine vendors next to produce stalls, temples wedged between shophouses. Quieter, easier to browse, better if crowds wear you down. If you want the food and not the crush, go early evening on a weekday rather than a Saturday night. Chinese New Year is spectacular and completely packed, so decide which of those matters more to you.
Be sensible about what you eat. Busy stalls with high turnover are the safe bet, and a few reviewers flag stomach trouble from the less obvious ones.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026 · How we check places
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat), round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
A must see place! I was lucky to catch the Chinese New Year and the celebrations were nice. The crowd took over the entire street. It's a lovely place full of euro tourists and local Thai and Chi eating spots and little diners, markets and gold shops. And it's full of lights like a scene from a cyberpunk movie!
Chinatown in Bangkok is an incredible place to explore, full of energy, colors, and amazing food! The streets are lively day and night, with countless food stalls, markets, and shops selling everything from souvenirs to fresh ingredients. Street food here is a must-try: noodles, seafood, dumplings, and desserts are all incredible and very affordable. The area is also great for walking and photography, with vibrant neon signs and traditional Chinese architecture. Be ready for crowds, especially in the evenings, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a feast for the senses and perfect for anyone who loves food, culture, and a bustling atmosphere. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, keep an eye on your belongings, and try to explore both the main streets and the smaller alleys for hidden gems. Don’t miss the local temples sprinkled throughout the area!
It’s extremely crowded, but it also has a really great atmosphere. The food is authentic, but you should still be careful about what you eat. The things we tried were really delicious. If you take a taxi, it’s better to get dropped off one street away and walk the last part.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 34,368 reviews on Google.
PGR5+4XP, Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore markets & shopping nearby
All within 11 min walk of Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat).
Chinatown Night Market
Come hungry, come early, and don't expect the clothing stalls to be worth your baht.
Walking Street @ Yaowarat Old Market
Come hungry after dark, walk the side alleys, and don't bring a big group.
Sampheng Market
A wholesale maze in Chinatown where socks go for 10 baht and scooters push through the crowd.
Ong Ang Walking Street
A weekend canal-side night market in Bangkok's Old City, open Friday to Sunday from 4–10 PM.
Tips for Visiting Markets & Shopping
Arrive Early or Late
Vendors believe the first sale of the day is lucky — you'll often get a better deal if you arrive right when the market opens. Late in the evening, sellers may also discount to avoid packing unsold goods.
Be Cautious with Tailors
Bangkok has excellent tailors, but also many tourist traps. Avoid anyone offering suspiciously cheap suits or who approaches you on the street. Ask your hotel for recommendations, read reviews, and always get two fittings.
Claim Your VAT Refund
Spend 2,000+ THB at a single store displaying 'VAT Refund for Tourists' signs, get a yellow form at the register, and claim 7% VAT back at the airport. It adds up fast on bigger purchases.
Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat) worth visiting?
Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat) holds a 4.5★ rating from 34,368 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated markets & shopping in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat)?
Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat) is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat)?
The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).
Where is Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat) located?
Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat) is at PGR5+4XP, Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
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