In many of the largest cities in the world there is a district that has earned the name of Chinatown over the years. This is an area where immigrants from China concentrated and became a center for Chinese food, shops with a unique character, markets and a look that can be recognized from afar, with signs in Chinese and traditional decorations. Even in Bangkok there is such a district where descendants of Chinese immigrants who arrived during the time of King Rama I live to this day and like in other cities, in Bangkok you should not miss this colorful and rich neighborhood, as well as the commercial and culinary scene that developed there.
The many stalls scattered on the streets in the district offer you to buy clothes, more or less fake jewelry, watches, various fabrics, cell phone accessories, toys, shoes and of course Chinese food. As usual, each street or area is dedicated to a different type of merchandise.
At Sampang Line you will find a variety of fashion accessories, jewelry, wallets, belts and more. If you are interested in purchasing watches, electronics or toys, you can go to the crowded Klong Tom market. In Sava, you will find everything you need for a cell phone. Covers, chargers, screen protectors and various accessories. The selection there is very large.
Remember that since these are ultimately markets with a wholesale nature, if you are planning a large purchase, you will get a better price by purchasing 10 or more items.
The main street of Bangkok's Chinatown is Yawart, which is about one and a half kilometers long.
The shops in the area close in the early evening and the main street becomes a focus of food and tourists. Even if you have already finished shopping, you should stay and enjoy the special atmosphere in the evening, with the glowing neon signs.
The food stalls in the place are different from those in the rest of Bangkok. First of all, Chinese dishes such as sharks and ducks await you there as well as Chinese spices, but also all the dishes served there are a fascinating combination of Chinese flavors and Thai influences. These are dishes you will have a hard time finding elsewhere in Thailand.
The district is not only a place of shopping and eating. When you're there, it's worth dropping by Wat Traimit, a temple known for its gold-plated Buddha statue that reaches a height of 3 meters. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is also recommended. The place is actually a temple that is divided into three different temples: Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian. Different religious ceremonies of each of the currents are held there. Inside Chinatown there is also a small Indian quarter, the main attraction of which is a market selling Indian textiles and fabrics.
If you come to the area in February, you can enjoy the impressive ceremonies and celebrations of the Chinese New Year. The month of October, on the other hand, is dedicated to vegetarian food and it is a great time to try traditional dishes in a vegetarian and vegan version.
Note that the area is very busy. It's worth coming by public transport, in a taxi or in a Tuk Tuk.
