Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat)
Bangkok's Chinatown street by street, gold shops, Sampeng's lanes and the Golden Buddha by day, the Yaowarat food street after dark, two minutes from MRT Wat Mangkon.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
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Finding your way around Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat)
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Chinatown, street by street
- Yaowarat Road
- The main road, about 1.5 km from Odeon Circle west toward Wang Burapha. Gold shops by day, the food street at night.
- Odeon Circle and Wat Traimit
- The Chinatown gate at the east end, with the Golden Buddha temple a short walk away (open 08:00 to 17:00).
- Charoen Krung and Wat Mangkon
- The MRT runs under this road, and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is beside the station.
- Sampeng Lane
- The original Chinatown street, a narrow wholesale lane running parallel to Yaowarat, busiest and best from morning to late afternoon.
- Song Wat and Talat Noi
- The riverside old quarter of warehouses, cafes and street art, quieter than Yaowarat.
Getting there and around
- MRT Wat Mangkon exit 1 comes up on Plaeng Nam Road, about two minutes from Yaowarat.
- The Chao Phraya Express stops at Ratchawong Pier, a short walk from Sampeng Lane.
- Taxis crawl on Yaowarat in the evening, so get dropped a street away and walk in.
Details
Full opening hours
Book ahead in Bangkok
Bookable experiences in Bangkok that pair with a visit here.
Why go, and how to do it well
Bangkok's Chinatown is a district, not one street, and it rewards two visits. By day it's a working trading quarter, gold shops lining Yaowarat Road, the wholesale lanes of Sampeng, herbal medicine counters and Chinese shrines wedged between shophouses. After dark the same road becomes the city's best-known food street. I'd split it that way, lanes and temples in the morning, food in the evening.
Start at the Odeon Circle gate at the east end, a few minutes from Wat Traimit's solid-gold Buddha, and walk west along Yaowarat. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, the big Chinese Buddhist temple on Charoen Krung, is a short detour north, and the Leng Buai Ia shrine is one of the oldest Chinese shrines in the country. Sampeng Lane runs parallel to the south and is calmest before lunch, and toward the river, Song Wat Road and Talat Noi are the quieter old quarter of cafes, warehouses and murals.
For food, come after about six, when the stalls along Yaowarat and its side streets are fully set up, and skip Monday, when many of them take the night off. The Chinatown night market page has what to order and where. Chinese New Year is the district's big week, with the road closed to traffic, lanterns everywhere and the biggest crowds of the year.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat)
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Book ahead in Bangkok
Bookable experiences in Bangkok that pair with a visit here.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat), nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minNai Ek Roll NoodleRestaurants & Food · 20 m · 4.4★
- 1 minT & K SeafoodRestaurants & Food · 80 m · 4.1★
- 2 minHerethep SeafoodRestaurants & Food · 140 m · 4.7★
- 2 minShanghai Mansion BangkokHotels & Resorts · 150 m · 4.5★
- 2 minChinatown Night MarketMarkets & Shopping · 180 m · 4.5★
- 2 minWat Mangkon MRT StationTransportation · 190 m · 4.6★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat), round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
If you’re visiting Bangkok, Yaowarat Road is a must-see experience. It’s always lively and full of energy. The area is crowded, especially with tourists, but that’s part of its charm. You can visit during the day or in the evening all the way until around midnight. In the daytime, it feels like a traditional shopping street with gold shops, local stores, and markets. At night, it transforms into a vibrant street food paradise with countless restaurants and food stalls. There are so many different dishes to try — from seafood and noodles to desserts and local snacks. Come hungry and be ready to explore! 🍜✨ One thing to know for tourists: traffic here is extremely heavy, especially in the evening. Tuk-tuks and taxis may overcharge tourists during peak hours. The best way to get there is by MRT (subway) and walk — it’s convenient and you can easily explore the whole area on foot. 🚇✨
Chinatown Bangkok is a must-visit for tourists looking to experience authentic local culture and amazing street food. The area is lively and colorful, especially in the evenings, with busy streets filled with food stalls, markets, and small shops. The street food here is a highlight—delicious noodles, fresh seafood, dumplings, and traditional desserts at very reasonable prices. It’s also a great spot for walking around and taking photos, thanks to the bright neon signs, traditional Chinese architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Expect large crowds at night, but that’s part of the experience. Wear comfortable shoes, keep your belongings secure, and explore the smaller alleys for hidden food gems and local temples. Perfect for food lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to see a different side of Bangkok.
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
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Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chinatown in Bangkok worth visiting?
Yes, twice if you can. By day for the gold shops, Sampeng Lane and the temples, including Wat Traimit's Golden Buddha, and after dark for the Yaowarat food street, one of the best places to eat in the city.
Is Bangkok's Chinatown open all day?
The streets are, but they change character. Shops and Sampeng Lane trade from morning until about 5 or 6, the temples close around 17:00, and the street food runs from about 6 pm until midnight.
What is the best time to visit Chinatown in Bangkok?
Morning for the lanes and temples, and after about 6 pm for the food. Avoid Monday evening if you're coming to eat, because many stalls take that night off, and expect the biggest crowds on weekends and at Chinese New Year.
What is the famous street in Bangkok's Chinatown?
Yaowarat Road, the main street through the district, with gold shops by day and the food stalls at night. The name is often used for the whole of Chinatown.
What does Yaowarat mean?
Young king. The road was built at the end of the 19th century and named in honor of Crown Prince Vajirunhis.
How do I get to Chinatown in Bangkok by MRT?
Take the Blue Line to Wat Mangkon and use exit 1, which comes up on Plaeng Nam Road about two minutes from Yaowarat.
When is Chinese New Year 2027 in Bangkok?
Saturday 6 February 2027. Yaowarat is the center of the celebrations, with the road closed to traffic, lanterns, lion dances and the biggest crowds of the year, so book a hotel early if you want to stay nearby.
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