Chinatown, Bangkok

The Chinese community in Bangkok began with traders coming over from China as early as the 1700’s, eventually settling here and continuing with their own traditions and religious practices.  Chinatown was started in 1782 when King Rama I decided to establish the capital on the eastern bank of the Chao Phrya River.  The Chinese immigrants who originally settled in what is now the Grand Palace moved out to a strip of land down the river.

The Chinese community, now descendants of early traders and having lived here for generations, now consider themselves as Thais, most no longer able to speak Chinese.  The area has a historical reputation for opium dens, brothels, pawn shops and a fondness for gambling that used to prevail.

Chinatown, or Yaowarat as it is known to the Thais, runs along Yaowarat Road where a huge ceremonial Chinese gate marks the entrance to the outer boundaries of the royal district and is a colourful, exotic and busy area packed with market stalls and a good concentration of gold shops.  It has hardly been touched by modern technology and, although being always crowded and hot, it is an experience not to be missed.

What can be found in Chinatown are beautiful temples, places of learning, and traditional Chinese medicine shops selling all sorts of fascinating remedies.  The small alleys and streets are a labyrinth of stalls and shops selling just about everything imaginable from hair accessories, tea sets, hardware and food, to fabric, strange vegetables imported from mainland China and Chinese funeral paraphernalia.  There are goods such as flip flops, toys, household items and an array of herbs which can be found drying on the pavements.  Chinatown is like one large flea market.  Definitely worth visiting.

Jane Llewellyn