Chinatown in Bangkok (video)
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It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok Chinatown, the historic Chinese quarter. This lively neighborhood runs along Yaowarat Road to Odeon Circle, where a large Chinese gate marks the entrance to the Ong Ang Canal.
Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the oldest and largest Chinese neighborhoods in the world. It is colorful, exotic and busy. Besides the market stalls, you will find the largest concentration of gold shops in the city.
The Chinese community, moved around 1782 from Rattanakosin (the old city), to the current location. The Chinese Quarter was once the financial center of Bangkok. The area is characterized by a maze of hundreds of narrow alleys, small shops and many market stalls.
Sightseeing in Little China
There is an incredible amount of activity in this part of Bangkok, so there is a lot to see. Visit the fabric market of Sampeng Lane or the market on Soi Isara Nuphap. Other markets in Chinatown are:
- Grab Khlong
- Nakorn Kasem
- Phahurat
Near Hua Lamphong Station is Wat Traimit with its beautiful interior and a huge golden Buddha. The neighborhood is dotted with Chinese shrines, incorporating elements of Confucianism, Taoism, Mahayana Buddhism, and Animism. You can relax in one of the many Chinese eateries where old men in shirtsleeves play mahjong.
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Traditions in Chinatown
The Chinese consider themselves Thai, but they still have their own traditions. This makes the Chinese district very different from the rest of Bangkok. The Chinese community in Bangkok are descendants of Chinese traders from days gone by. The area also has a somewhat seedy historical reputation due to large numbers of opium dens, brothels, pawnshops and the Chinese's penchant for gambling.
Today, the gold shops and pawn shops in Chinatown are still very popular, you almost trip over them. Drug trafficking, prostitution and gambling (illegal in Thailand) also exists, but the average tourist will not notice that. The Chinese do not allow Western snoopers. You will certainly not find GoGo bars there.