 Bangkok's
Chinatown is located on Yaowarat Road in Samphanthawong
district.
The Chinatown is an old business centre covering
a large area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung
Road. There are many small streets and alleys
full of shops and vendors selling all types of
goods. It has been the main centre for trading
by the Chinese community since they moved from
their old site some 200 years ago. Nearby Phahurat
or Indian market. Yaowarat Road is also famous
for many varieties of delicious foods, and become
foods street in the night.
Chinatown is located in one of the oldest areas
of Bangkok. It was set up by Chinese traders who
came in junks to trade with Thailand (Siam) during
the Rattanakosin period, about 1700s. By the end
of 1891, King Rama V had demanded many roads be
built, and Yaowarat Road is one of them. Chinatown
does not consist of only Yaowarat Road, but also
includes others such as: Charoen Krung Road, Mungkorn
Road, Songwat Road, Songsawat Road, Chakkrawat
Road, etc. Yaowarat is the center of the area.
The path of the road is said to be like the dragon's
curvy body, making it an auspicious location for
business. Visitors can find leading gold shops,
garments, textiles, stationery, souvenirs, second-hand
parts and equipment, electric goods, computer
parts, antiques, imported musical instruments,
and local delicacies at a bargain, often at wholesale
prices. Year 2003 marked the 111th anniversary
of this legendary road.
Land prices around Yaowarat Road have traditionally
been the highest in all Thailand, but have become
the second most expensive in Bangkok to Siam Square
(Siam).
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