Joanna James
Yaowarat or Chinatown may seem a bit strong at the start; the sights and smells do overwhelm but get past this and you are treated to food, culture and traditions as old as time. Get set to explore.
Let's start with you night owls and of course foodies out for some adventure. Chinatown's main street Yaowarat Road is transformed into one big banquet once the sun sets. All types of food stalls are set up for tourists and locals to sample. Dinner here is an amazing adventure of tastes; tuck into oyster omelettes, dim sum and delicious flat noodles in exotic broths. If you want to stick to healthier food the place has a wide selection of local fruits as well as some indulgence in the form of homemade ice creams. There is the delicious coconut flavour but do be adventurous and try the durian flavoured ice cream. Guests at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel can take the MRT to Hua Lamphong Station and enjoy the 15 minute walk to Chinatown or take a tuk tuk. Either way choosing the MRT underground is the best for avoiding the traffic.
This is a rooftop bar that does a full 360 degree turn while you enjoy your meal. For an extremely economical meal and ice cold beer, you get to enjoy a stunning view of Chinatown all the way across to the Chao Phraya River. This restaurant easily accessed from Sukhumvit hotels Bangkok; serves a variety of international cuisine that includes Chinese, Thai, European and Japanese. The waiters emulate a vintage era while the live piano music will help you relax while enjoying your meal. Best of all the view from this restaurant is yet to become popular; hence it is a great place to escape to from the afternoon heat and hustle and bustle of the city. The restaurant is located next to the Old Siam Plaza on Charoen Krung Road.
This temple is located in the heart of Chinatown and come to the Chinese New Year its premises are abuzz with all manner of rituals and festivities. Do explore this vintage shrine home to not only Buddhist but Taoist and Confucian places of worship. The temple dates back to 1872 when it was named Wat Leng Nui Lee before being changed to its current name by King Rama V.
This relaxing park is located on the borders of Chinatown and is loved for its serene surroundings. The place is popular amongst joggers, people exercising and those practising lam pat which is a traditional Chinese fan dance. Built around an old prison this beautiful park is also a chronological architectural site since it retains parts of the prison wall and guards watch towers.
Bangkok being a large city to scour has adopted a trend of cycling tourists; this extends to Chinatown and Thonburi. Both locations can be explored via a half days cycle tour; enjoy exploring the narrow alleys and markets as well as the local flavour and sights that one comes across on a bicycle tour.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
