BANGKOK CHINATOWNTOURIST ATTRACTION

Chinatown-Yaowarat

In 1782, Rama I, the first Chakri Dynasty king indicated he wanted Bangkok, his new capital relocated to Rattanakosin Island. Bangkok’s Chinese population, at that time a small trading colony moved east to what the guidebooks now call Chinatown. The Chinatown/Pahurat area and its back streets are bounded on the north and south by Luang Road and the Chao Praya River, on the East and West by Krung Kasem Rd and Klong Ong Ang.

BANGKOK CHINATOWNTOURIST ATTRACTION

Chinatown
Chinatown is in the old trading area around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road (New Road). There are still many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods. The area is always lively and market stalls abound.

Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
At the end of Yaowarat Road, near Bangkok’s Hualamphong Railway Station is a temple situated on Traimit Road. This temple is known for its five ton golden Buddha.

Wat Chakarawat
This is an odd amalgam of buildings dating from the Ayutthaya period and thus predating Chinatown. The statue of a fat monk said to have pursued obesity to elude women is in a niche in the courtyard.

Wat Pathuma Kongkha
Also called Wat Sampheng this is one of the city’s oldest temples. It predates Ayutthaya. At one time it was the execution of criminals of royal blood.

Nakhon Kasem
The thieves market, a few years ago this was the area where one searched to find ones belongings after one’s house was robbed. Now it 's where you go to buy just about anything to fix your house or car. Also great for knock-off electronics.

Wat Monkhonkamalawat
Shortened to Wat Monkon. This is a Mahayana temple where local Chinese go to ask for rebirth in the here and now in the form of business coups and new cars and success in exams.

Wat Kanikaphon
Wat Kanikaphon is at the end of a lane that begins with a busy Mahayana Buddhist temple called Wat Hong Kong. Kanikaphon was built by a former brothel owner to atone for her past. It's best known as Wat Mae Lao Feng after its benefactor.