After years of searching, we finally found a brand new hotel worth recommending in the midst of Yaowarat – ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, which is right opposite Wat Mangkon MRT Station and connected to I’m Chinatown Mall. With it as your base, we highly recommend spending a day exploring Yaowarat on foot.
Yaowarat is widely known as a night spot famous for its street food, and rightfully so, but it is just as happening in the day. You will be amazed by what you can find. The recommendations below are all within comfortable walking distance from the hotel (and each other), so have fun strolling in Yaowarat uncovering its deep heritage bit by bit.
Our new series, BKK District Guide, shows you the hidden beauty in different neighbourhoods in Bangkok. Here are the featured places in this video:
#1 As.is
A cool, modern and cosy industrial-themed cafe in Yaowarat with good coffee and homemade cakes. Their Black Stout Cake has its cult following in Bangkok, so of course you should not leave without it.
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 6pm (Closed on Monday & Thursday)
#2 Ho Sek Min
Ho Sek Min, which means “delicious noodle” in Cantonese, is a hidden Wanton Mee stall right behind a residential building with limited seating but are popular with locals for takeaway/delivery. The owners are friendly and put their heart into the bowls of yumminess.
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 8pm
#3 Wat Samphhanthawongsaram
This temple was established during the 1700s and owned a pier, buildings, and land around it. Many immigrants entered Bangkok from this pier and the temple offered accommodation and business spaces to them. These newcomers would go on to establish successful family enterprises around Chinatown. If you are lucky, you might be able to see this beautiful shrine from the window of your room in ASAI Bangkok Chinatown.
Opening Hours: Daily: 6am – 1pm; 3pm – 9pm
#4 PLAY ART HOUSE
This art gallery was converted from an old shop house and regularly rotates its exhibits to feature different artists. It is a nice unexpected pit stop offering something completely different while exploring Yaowarat.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 11am – 4pm; Friday – Sunday: 11am – 6pm
#5 Sampeng Market
Sampeng Market is a popular wholesale market in Bangkok. From handbags, toys, masks to seasonal decoration, you can get almost anything here in bulk at reasonable prices.
Opening Hours: Daily: 8am – 5pm
#6 Tang Toh Kang Gold Shop Museum (ห้างทองตั้งโต๊ะกัง 陳焯剛)
This is the first Gold shop in Bangkok. It also features a museum where you can learn about its history.
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:30am – 3pm
#7 Trok Issaranuphap
This is THE place where locals and local restaurants purchase Chinese groceries and dried goods.
Opening Hours: Daily: 8am – 8pm
#8 Tai Hong Kong Shrine
The Tai Hong Kong shrine is a prominent house-of-worship for the Thai-Chinese. Followers believe that paying homage to Luang Pu Tai Hong will help reverse poor fortunes bolster their chances against imminent calamity.
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:30am – 5pm
#9 Jek Pui
Jek Pui is one of the most famous street food stalls among locals and tourists because of its rustic sitting arrangement and of course, the cheap and delicious curry rice. Take note of its new location (which is only steps away from its original spot)!
Opening Hours: Daily: 2pm – 7pm
#10 Lod Chong Singapore
This is the first Lod Chong shop in Thailand, but has absolutely nothing to do with Singapore. Watch our district guide to know the full story.
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:30am – 9:30pm (Closed on Thursday)
#11 I’m Chinatown
I’m Chinatown is a new air-conditioned mall located diagonally across Wat Mangkon MRT station, with sheltered access to ASAI Bangkok Chinatown. The 4-story mall features familiar brands such as 7-Eleven, Let’s Relax, Cha Tra Mue, Swensen’s, KFC and Jetts Fitness (24-hr gym). If it’s raining or blistering hot, you know where to hide.
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 9pm
#12 Let’s Relax Spa I’m Chinatown
Let’s Relax is one of the most established massage and spa chains in Thailand, and they have a branch in I’m Chinatown, the mall connected to ASAI Bangkok Chinatown.
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 11pm
#13 TEP Bar
Situated in Soi Nana, TEP Bar is Bangkok’s quintessential Thai cocktail bar with nightly live band performances, and is often quoted as “the must-visit cocktail bar in Bangkok” by many locals and tourists.
Opening Hours: Daily: 6pm – 12am (till 1am on Friday & Saturday); Saturday & Sunday: Open from 5pm
#14 Pijiu Bar
Pijiu bar is a specialty beer bar steps away from TEP Bar featuring a huge range of local and international craft beers. Watch out for the daily specials on tap.
Opening Hours: Daily: 6pm – 12am
#15 Khao Tom Jay Suay
Khao Tom Jay Suay is a mainstay in the area blessing patrons with boiled rice to go with made-to-order home-style Thai-Chinese dishes for more than 100 years. They open till 3am everyday, so keep them in mind if you intend to spend a night out at Soi Nana.
Opening Hours: Daily: 4pm – 3am
#16 Yaowarat Road
As many would have already known, you can find lots of good eats along Yaowarat road, and here’s our recommendation!
This BKK District Guide is brought to you in collaboration with ASAI Bangkok Chinatown – the perfect hotel to stay in during your next trip to Bangkok, especially if you have a soft spot for Yaowarat! Check out the full review of our experience here if you haven’t.
We have plotted the above-mentioned places into the map below for your easy reference. Happy exploring! For mobile users, you can refer to this list of saved places: Yaowarat Guide by AroiMakMak.com
