Bangkok's China Town

Bangkok's China Town is an old business centre covering a large area around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road (New Road). There are many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods. The area is always lively, and market stalls abound. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago to make way for the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha complex.

A much overlooked fact is that Bangkok’s Chinatown is the largest in the world outside of China. One-third of the city’s population is of Chinese heritage and the traditional Chinese way life is still practiced and cherished.

The range of goods and services available in Yaowarat Rd are mind-boggling. Everything from glittering gems to high-end electrical appliances are in this bargain hunter's paradise.

Starting from the Nakhon Kasem district ( Thieves' Market ), once the best source of Thai and Chinese antiques in a flea market environment, now offers a wide variety of brassware, imitation antiques, Chinese porcelain, musical instruments, car parts all crammed into one square block. Another vast wholesale and retail area adjacent to Yaowarat Road is Sampeng Lane. Sampeng stretches nearly the length of Chinatown and celebrates commerce as a way of life. The flashy, plaza-style shops that now line much of Sampeng lane offer almost everything imaginable: high-quality toys, Chinese products, textiles, temple figurines to sapphires and fishing gear.

Nearby is Pahurat Road, an amazing Indian territory located on the western end of Chinatown. It is a very colorful treasure trove of imports from the subcontinent. Available are "Kohl" eyeliner, textiles, Indian silk, Pakistani silk outfits, Ganesh posters and statues, food products to custom made clothes, jewelry, and tapes and CDs by famous Indian and Pakistani musicians. There are also many restaurant and beverage shops to provide weary shoppers with the much needed refreshment.

Map of Bangkok's China Town