Chinatown is a fascinating neighborhood in Bangkok, located right next to Rattanakosin island (the old town of Bangkok). This area is known for its Thai-Chinese communities, chaotic atmosphere, beautiful cultural attractions, and delicious street food scene.
Some of the famous attractions in Chinatown are the wholesale Sampeng Market, Yaowarat Road with its lively night market, gold shops, and herb shops, along with several temples like Wat Tramit and Wat Mangkon.
Chinatown is easy to reach by public transportation because it is well-served by MRT subway trains and ferries along Chao Phraya River. You can get around Chinatown on foot, tuk tuk, or Grab Bike (Motobike taxi).
Lots of visitors to Bangkok choose to stay in Chinatown while others visit this area as part of a day trip or street food tour. Whenever you choose, Chinatown is always in the list of things to do in Bangkok.
In this article, I will share my opinion on why you should choose to stay in Chinatown, what are the downsides of staying here, as well as the best places and hotels in Chinatown Bangkok.
See more: Where to stay in Bangkok – All Areas Guide
Where is Chinatown Bangkok?
Chinatown is the historic area of Bangkok, located on the eastern side of Chao Phraya River, right next to Bangkok Old Town. The 1,5km long Yaowarat Road is the main road of Chinatown running from Ong Ang Canal to the roundabout where Chinatown Gate is located.
The main area of Bangkok’s Chinatown is quite small, stretching for around 2km from Ong Ang Canal in the west to Phadung Krung Kasem Canal in the east.
The tiny Sampeng Lane was originally the main road of Chinatown when this neighborhood was founded in the 1700s. Yaowarat Road was built in the 1990s and became the key road of this area.
Chinatown is one of the many good areas to stay in Bangkok. To get to know more about other areas of Bangkok, I recommend reading Where to stay in Pratunam, in Sukhumvit, in Old Town, in Khao San Road, in Siam, in Silom, in the riverside area.
Why Should You Stay in Chinatown Bangkok?
Chinatown, in my opinion, is a good area to stay in Bangkok for foodies, budget-travelers, photographers, and for those who want to experience Thai-Chinese culture. I also love this neighborhood for its historic charm, chaotic but authentic atmosphere, and lots of temples and cultural attractions to explore.
Here are some of reasons why you should consider staying in Chinatown, from my perspective:
1. Street Food Paradise
Chinatown is best known for its vibrant street food scene. Many street food tours in Bangkok will take you to Chinatown. You can try authentic Thai and Chinese cuisines at many street food stalls at the night market, on the side of the road, and at many restaurants in the Yaowarat area.
From family-run noodle stalls to Michelin-rated street vendors, Bangkok’s Chinatown has it all. I recommend trying Dim sum, Bird’s nest soup, roast duck, seafood, and Chinese herbal drinks.
Some popular places to eat in Chinatown are the T&K Seafood for fresh seafood, Khao Gaeng Jek Pui for Thai Curry, Nai Ek Roll Noodle for roll noodle soup with crispy pork belly, or Yaowarat Toasted Bread for grilled bread….
2. Historic Temples and cultural attractions
Chinatown is home to lots of ancient temples and historic buildings. Some highlights in this area include the Wat Traimit and its Golden Buddha, Chinatown Gate, Talat Noi art district, and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat which is a major Chinese Buddhist temple.
3. Authentic Local Culture
Chinatown is one of oldest neighborhoods in Bangkok, offering a deep cultural experience, blending Thai and Chinese heritage. The architecture, temples, and daily life here feel far removed from the modern shopping malls and high-rises of downtown Bangkok.
4. Unique Shopping Experience
Chinatown is a good spot to do shopping in Bangkok, in addition to massive modern shopping malls in the city. You’ll find everything in this area at very competitive prices. From gold jewelry to Chinese medicine, textiles, antiques, Bangkok’s Chinatown has it all.
You can explore the narrow alleys, old-school charm of Sampeng Lane, while doing some wholesale goods such as souvenirs, jewelry-making supplies, or traditional Chinese goods like herbal remedies and incense.
5. Easy Access to the Rest of Bangkok
Chinatown is well-connected to the public transport system which includes MRT underground trains and ferries. You can use MRT trains or ferries to explore other parts of Bangkok easily.
There are two MRT stations in Chinatown including Wat Mangkon and Hua Lamphong stations. Wat Mangkon is located just a block from Yawarat Road, and Hua Lamphong is closer to Talat Noi district and Wat Tramit.
You can use the MRT train line (then swap to BTS skytrain if necessary) to get to downtown areas of Bangkok such as Silom, Siam, Sukhumvit, and Pratunam.
To reach Bangkok Old Town with its iconic sites such as Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Khao San Road, you can take a short tuk tuk ride or take ferries from Ratchawong Pier. If you are an active traveler who likes walking, you can walk from Chinatown to the old town.
There are two piers along the Chao Phraya River that serve Chinatown: Ratchawong Pier and the Marine Department Pier. From these piers, you can take ferries to attractions along Bangkok riverside such as Wat Arun, IconSiam, and Asiatique.
6. Affordable accommodations
Chinatown has more affordable accommodation options than the areas in downtown Bangkok such as Siam, Silom, and Sukhumvit. If you are budget travelers, you can consider staying in Chinatown. It is a good location for both first-timers and repeat travelers.
Downsides of Staying in Chinatown
Everyone loves Chinatown for its delicious street food and picturesque streets. But like many others in Bangkok, it has drawbacks to consider.
The main street of Chinatown and its side streets can be very busy and crowded in the evening because many people come here to explore its street food scene and night market.
Chinatown leans more toward traditional markets than modern malls. You won’t find large malls in this area. The nightlife is about street food and several bars on the main road. It doesn’t have an abundance of bars and night clubs like other areas such as Sukhumvit or Silom.
There is no BTS running through Chinatown, which can make traveling to other parts of Bangkok less convenient. But with MRT trains, you can easily exchange to BTS lines along the way.
Chinatown is located further away from Suvarnabhumi Airport than other areas such as Pratunam, Sukhumvit, and Siam, so getting from the airport to your hotel in Chinatown will take longer.
The Best Areas to Stay in Chinatown Bangkok
The main area of Bangkok’s Chinatown is quite small, approximately 2 km long from west to east (Ong Ang Canal to Phadung Krung Kasem Canal) and 700 meters wide from south to north (Chao Phraya River to MRT line).
You can easily stay anywhere within Chinatown while still being able to walk or take a short motorbike taxi/ tuk tuk ride around to explore the area.
Some key areas to consider to book hotels in Bangkok’s Chinatown include Yaowarat Road, near Wat Mangkon Station, near Ratchawong Pier, in Talat Noi, or near Hua Lamphong Station.
The Best Places to Stay in Chinatown Bangkok
1. Yaowarat Road
Yaowarat Road is the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown. It is a 1.5 km long street, spanning from the Chinatown Gate to Ong Ang Canal. The street is packed with restaurants, and shops with big billboard signs.
Yaowarat Road is home to all kinds of shops, but the highlight is gold shops and herbal medicine vendors. It is also home to several attractions such as Wat Tramit, Chinatown Gate, and Odeon Circle.
Other points of interest such as Sampeng Market, Wat Mongkon Station, and Talat Noi are just a block away from Yaowarat Road.
Yaowarat is a haven for food enthusiasts. This street transforms into a bustling street food paradise from late evening. You can find street stalls at the night markets, and small alleys around from the main street.
I recommend visiting popular streets with lots of street vendors and restaurants such as Yaowarat Road 11, Phadung Dao, Plaeng Nam, and Song Wawat Roads.
Where to stay in Chinatown on Yaowarat Road:
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok
Shanghai Mansion is one of the best places to stay in Chinatown Bangkok. It has a central location on Yaowarat Road in the heart of the neighborhood. You can easily walk to MRT Wat Mangkorn Station, to explore other parts of Bangkok like Sukhumvit, Siam, and Pratunam.
Due to its central location, you can walk everywhere within Chinatown. Major sights such as Chinatown Night Market, Wat Tramit, and Talat Noi are all within walking distance from Shanghai Mansion.
In terms of amenities, this beautiful boutique hotel is home to a Red Rose Restaurant which offers Chinese fusion cuisine with live jazz music. It captures the atmosphere of 1930s Shanghai glamour.
Hotel Royal Bangkok
Hotel Royal is a popular hotel located in the central area of Chinatown, right on the neighborhood’s main road, Yaowarat Road. It is surrounded with restaurants, shops, and street food vendors. The surrounding areas are bustling both day and night.
This hotel is just a block away from Wat Mongkon Station, which is convenient to do sightseeing and visit other parts of Bangkok.
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool on the rooftop, as well as an onsite restaurant and bar. You can choose Superior Rooms, Family Suites, and apartments with kitchenettes. Most rooms are compact and some may lack windows, while others offer city views.
Grand China Bangkok
Grand China is a 4-star hotel located in a prime location in Chinatown, right at the busy intersection of Yaowarat and Ratchawong Roads. It is a short walk from the train station and the Sampeng Market. It is a perfect base to explore Chinatown on foot, and use public trains to explore other areas of the city.
The hotel features 150 rooms that have a fusion of Thai and Chinese aesthetics. You can choose rooms that have city views and river views. Other amenities are the pool, bar, restaurant, spa, and fitness center, and The Sky Bar on the 23rd floor for sweeping views of Bangkok skyline.
2. Near Wat Mangkon Station
Wat Mangkon Station is a major station, located in the heart of Bangkok Chinatown. It is on Charoen Krung Road, right next to Wat Mangkon Temple and is only 150m away from the area’s main road, Yaowarat Road.
From Wat Mangkon Station, you can take the blue MRT subway line to all around Bangkok. You can visit Terminal 21, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy in Sukhumvit; Siam Square and CentralWorld in Siam; Pratunam Market and Platinum Fashion Mall in Pratunam; and Patpong Night Market in Silom.
You can use this train to access the old town and Bangkok Riverside to visit the iconic Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khao San Road. It is just one to two stops away to reach Sam Yot and Sanam Chai Stations in Bangkok Old Town.
Where to stay in Chinatown Near Wat Mangkon Station:
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
ASAI is located on Charoen Krung Road, just 100m from Wat Mangkon. It is a convenient base to explore Chinatown and get to other parts of Bangkok for more sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife. You don’t have to walk very far from/to the train station.
The hotel has an onsite restaurant and bar offering a selection of local and international dishes. There is also a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage services.
Lhong Yaowarat hostel
This is a budget-friendly accommodation with cozy rooms in the heart of Bangkok Chinatown, on Phadung Dao Rd. THis street is packed with street food vendors, shops, and restaurants including the famous T & K Seafood.
It is an easy walking distance from the MRT blue line train, which offers convenient access to explore other parts of the city. You can easily explore all attractions in Chinatown on foot.
3. Near Ratchawong Pier (Riverside)
Ratchawong Pier is a popular pier in Chinatown where you can take ferries to explore major sights along the Chao Phraya River. The area around Ratchawong Pier and Song Wat Road are home to several budget hostels and guest houses.
From Chinatown’s Riverside area, you can easily walk to the main road and major attractions in the neighborhood. Sampeng Market is 250 m away from the pier, while Yaowarat Road is 500 m away. You can easily get around on foot and short tuk tuk ride.
From Ratchawong Pier, you can escape the road traffic, by using ferries to explore famous temples and malls on the river. These are Icon Siam, Asiatique, Wat Arun, and dozens of attractions in Bangkok Old Town.
Where to stay in Chinatown Near Ratchawong Pier:
Mangkon Hostel
This hostel is located on Song Wat Road, which runs parallel with Chao Phraya River. It is a few minutes walk from Ratchawong Pier for ferries and easy access to other parts of Chinatown such as the night market for street food.
N5 Ratchawong Hostel
This is a budget hostel, ideal for solar travelers and backpackers who travel on a budget. It has both female rooms and mixed rooms. The location is also good close to the ferries, so you can use it to explore attractions along the river.
They have a nice rooftop terrace with a river view. It’s a quiet area, but still within a short distance from the action of Chinatown.
PIER 808 Hostel
As its name suggests, this hostel is located near Ratchawong Pier. It is a good choice for budget travel. If you are young or young at heart, this is a good place to meet other fellow travelers. You’ll be close to the pier and all highlights of Chinatown without breaking the bank.
4. Talat Noi
Talat Noi is an art and historic neighborhood located to the east of Yaowarat Road. You can find historic houses and lots of street arts in this area. It is a cool area to experience local life while still being within walking distance from major sights like the night market and Wat Tramit.
In addition to the street art scene, some boutique cafes, you can explore some local attractions in this area such as Horseshoe Shrine and So Heng Tai Mansion.
Talat Noi is home to several small hostels and guesthouses. Marine Dept Pier is located within Talat Noi, making it easy to explore the riverside area on ferries.
Where to stay in Chinatown in Talat Noi:
Photohostel
This is a good value for money accommodation in the authentic Talat Noi district. It is a good base to explore Chinatown and real Thai life. You can easily explore the heart of Chinatown and the riverside on foot.
Caiyong Hometel & Cafe’s Studio
This is a beautiful traditional homestay in Chinatown, and is a good base to explore the authentic side of Bangkok. Rooms are clean and comfortable. You can explore all the attractions in Chinatown by walking.
5. Near Hua Lamphong Station
Staying around Hua Lamphong MRT Station also offers easy access to Chinatown and other parts of Bangkok. From Hua Lamphong MRT Station, you can walk to Wat Tramit and Talat Noi. You can use a motorbike taxi or tuk tuk to get to Chinatown Night Market if you don’t feel like walking.
From Hua Lamphong MRT Station, you can get to Huala Lamphong Station by long distance train, or the ferries on Phadung Krung Kasem Canal to get to the old town.
Where to stay in Chinatown Near Hua Lamphong Station:
I hope you enjoy reading my guide on where to stay in Chinatown Bangkok. If you are visiting Bangkok, you should put Chinatown in your Bangkok itineraries. It is a cool and historic area with lots of things to do and see. Whether you are into street food, shopping, or visiting cultural attractions, Bangkok’s Chinatown has it all!
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