Browse Tag

thailand

Chinatown Bangkok at night Thailand

Thailand: Yaowarat Road – Bangkok’s Chinatown During Chinese New Year

Date: January 20, 2023

After checking out Ong Ang Canal and Mega Plaza, I walked up Yaowarat Road to the section that is widely showcased as Bangkok’s Chinatown. This being mid-January, Yaowarat Road was decorated to usher in the Chinese New Year vibes.

Yaowarat road historic buildings
Bangkok’s Chinatown area is in the Samphanthawong district

Chinese have been migrating to Thailand for over 200 years. Initially for trade/business, then later waves of refugees fleeing the civil war era of the 1900s, and then the Mao era post 1950s. Mostly from southern China, first by way of border nations like Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia — and then making their way to more prosperous Bangkok.

Chinese store Yaowarat Bangkok
Many businesses traditional Chinese goods

Even to this day, Chinese are trying to migrate to Thailand using various means. Mainland Chinese are the largest group of foreign buyers of real estate in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Many come to study in the international schools, and use education visa as a foot through the door to stay long-term.

Chinatown Bangkok at night Thailand
I was getting near
Chinatown Panasonic Mazda Bangkok
The crowds were already thronging road-side stalls
Cheongsam Yaowarat road Bangkok
Cheongsams were available for purchase if you wanted to get the ‘Chinese’ look
Chinatown Bangkok red lanterns Thailand
I checked out some bylanes
Continue reading “Thailand: Yaowarat Road – Bangkok’s Chinatown During Chinese New Year” »
Mega Plaza toy mall Bangkok

Thailand: Toy malls of Bangkok – Mega Plaza and Always One Plaza; Ong Ang Canal at sunset

Date: January 20, 2023

After walking through Khaosan Road for the first time, I booked a Grab bike taxi and decided to head towards Yaowarat Road, the main street in what is dubbed Bangkok’s Chinatown.

Road to democracy monument Bangkok
The bike passed around Democracy Monument
Sao Chingcha Giant Swing Bangkok
We then passed by Wat Suthat Thepwararam compound and Sao Chingcha a.k.a Giant Swing
Sao Chingcha Giant Swing Thailand
Giant Swing is one of Bangkok’s icons
Towards Yaowarat road Bangkok
As I reached Yaowarat road, I got down near a canal
Sharp Mitsubishi Electric Bangkok
I honestly wasn’t sure where exactly I was dropped off

I walked over to Ong Ang Canal (Khlong Ong Ang in Thai), which it turns out, got a makeover during COVID19 and has now become a tourist attraction.

Continue reading “Thailand: Toy malls of Bangkok – Mega Plaza and Always One Plaza; Ong Ang Canal at sunset” »
Wat Arun Bangkok panorama

Thailand: Capturing Wat Arun at Sunset

Date: January 19, 2023

I began my afternoon of sightseeing by visiting Wat Saket and climbed up to the Golden Mount. Once I left that place, I decided to head towards Chao Phraya river

Boriphat road Bangkok Thailand
I was walking up Boriphat Road
Wood workshops Boriphat road Bangkok
The shops here are mostly in the wood trade, some run by Chinese migrants who came to Bangkok over many waves, decades ago
Wooden arts shop Bangkok Thailand
A lot of wood craftsmen in this community
Maha Chai road Bangkok Thailand
This is Maha Chai road, famous for its eateries

Maha Chai road is where you will find the restaurant Raan Jay Fai — famous for its goggles-wearing lady owner and her Michelin-starred crab omelette. Another bucket-list item for next time.

Rommani Nart park Bangkok
I walked through Rommani Nart park
Continue reading “Thailand: Capturing Wat Arun at Sunset” »
Related Posts with Thumbnails