Chinatown | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Chinatown Bangkok shopping

December 25, 2015 by David Herd

Welcome to Chinatown Bangkok

Chinatown Bangkok shopping sightseeing is a hive of activity as you would expect, narrow lanes with thousands of people hunting for bargains.

Thien Fah Foundation

The Tien Fa foundation was formed in 1902, making it the oldest charitable society in Bangkok. The foundation provides free medical care to the indigent. The buildings surrounding the shrine actually house the hospital facilities.

Lighting candles at The Tien Fa foundation

The foundation is on Yaowarat Road just a short distance from the Chinatown gate in the circle.

Very busy street Chinatown Bangkok

The Chinese community in Bangkok pre-dates the founding of the Thai capital in the city. Indeed, the land where the grand palace is today was originally a community of Chinese traders. When King Rama I decided to establish the capital on the site of the village of Bangkok, he asked the traders to move. They settled to the east of the new city, along the river. It may be hard to believe today, but the narrow Sampaeng Lane, which isn’t even big enough for a car, was once the Chinatown Bangkok main street.

Typical side-walk shop

The best way to see the area is to pick a starting point and wander around.

Roast Duck

Chinese food is my 2nd favourite cuisine after Japanese.

Shanghai Mansion

A very nice boutique four star hotel in the heart of Chinatown. Use this link for an excellent room rate.

Overload

What could possibly go wrong?

Nice looking Tuk Tuk in Chinatown Bangkok

Very handy transport, however usually the drivers try to badger you into visiting a gem store etc so they can receive a kickback. Taxis are a far better option, cheaper and air conditioned.

Lots of toy shops in Chinatown

Prices are notably cheaper here than other parts of the city, of course haggling is expected. 🙂

Chinatown Bangkok shopping

For example check out these prices.

Ratchawong

The easy way to reach Chinatown is a B40 ferry ride, get off at pier number 5 at Ratchawong and walk 10 minutes up this road.

The big attraction

Food, food & more food. 🙂

Ferry to Chinatown Bangkok

You can buy a ticket for B150 and travel up and down the river all day, very good value indeed.

Thanks for visiting my Chinatown Bangkok shopping photo blog.

iCheck Inn Soi 11

When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINK you will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.

Here are some more posts to check out