: : Chinatown : :
Running along Yaowarat Road is Bangkok's Chinatown, one of the most colorful, noisy and liveliest districts in Bangkok and known for its closeness to Bangkok's most famous temples and tourist attractions also offers great shopping and an exotic variety of the finest Chinese cuisine.

Ethnic Chinese first settled in the area where the Grand Palace is now situated long before Bangkok became the capital of Thailand. However when King Rama I decided to establish Bangkok in its present day location he moved the Chinese to the far side of the small Klong (canal) Ong Ang where Chinatown is to this day.

It is easy to imagine that at one time Chinatown was a major area and perhaps a small city unto itself however now it is s just one of many neighborhoods in greater Bangkok. That said Chinatown is quite small making it easy to explore on foot. Unfortunately most hotels in the area don't reach out to foreign tourists, preferring to cater to local traders and businessmen. Still with its proximity to the Grand Palace and other major tourist attractions, intrepid travelers who are tired of the Khaosan Rd. experience and want to explore Bangkok away from the more 'touristy' areas may find Chinatown an interesting change of pace and the hotels are a step up from hostel accommodation on Khaosan Rd. but still very affordable. FYI, in order to remain objective, hotels are listed in alphabetical order. We don't favor any hotel for any reason. (click for more info on touring Chinatown).