This article about Bangkok’s Chinatown comes to Dot Property from Lazudi.
Glistening red and gold neon signs, pulsating markets, colorful temples and shrines, swaying lanterns, bustling crowds, mouthwatering street food, flying tuk-tuks, gleaming gold shops, a cacophony of sounds and excitement fills the lively roads and lanes of Bangkok’s Chinatown.
For centuries, the Chinese migrated to Thailand, with traders from China arriving in Ayutthaya as early as the 13th century. Bangkok’s Chinatown is among the largest Chinatowns in the world, founded in 1782 when merchants living on the land were relocated to establish Bangkok as Thailand’s (Siam) capital on Rattanakosin Island.
Being savvy business people, the area flourished throughout the late 19th to early 20th centuries, becoming a strong commercial district. In recent years some business activity has moved elsewhere within the city’s growing business regions. However, Chinatown remains one of Bangkok’s most vibrant and visited districts. Many Chinese and Thai married over the centuries, and whilst Chinatown has a much stronger Chinese feel, the Thai culture is inextricably interwoven. It is estimated that half of Bangkok’s population has a Chinese blood heritage.
Chinatown is located within Samphanthawong District, the smallest district with the highest population density of Bangkok’s districts. Yaowarat Road is the heart of Chinatown. This road and small lanes leading off are lined with shops and markets selling anything and everything from fresh produce, Chinese medicinal herbs and remedies, traditional goods, clothes, and fabrics through to gold. And of course, it is famous for its fantastic food, with food stalls and Chinese restaurants offering all sorts of noodle and rice dishes, dim sum, bird’s nest soup, and more.
Other attractions included several well-known Thai Buddhist temples, such as Wat Traimit, along with many Chinese temples and shrines with Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, the largest and most important Chinese temple in Bangkok. The Holy Rosary Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in Bangkok and Thailand’s first commercial bank building, constructed in 1904 and now the Siam Commercial Bank are also found in Chinatown.
This district is on the move, modernizing, especially in the historic Talat Noi area. The River City Shopping Complex, a shopping center specializing in arts and antiques in the far south of the district, also provides access to river ferries and the modern shopping mecca, Iconsiam. Many funky cafes, guesthouses, and art-centric businesses have renovated historic buildings blending contemporary design and presenting highly appealing attractions.
In the northwestern corner, the Khlong Ong Ang (canal) urban renewal demonstrates what is possible when City and government authorities work together. Bangkok now has a fantastic weekend Walking Street featuring street food, arts, and live entertainment, drawing thousands to wander and soak up the vibe. The development also sets an example for other gentrification and renewal projects.
Another great addition is the extension of the MRT Metro Blue Line from Hua Lamphong and across to the western side of the river. The new Wat Mangkon station puts you in the middle of Chinatown.
With a great choice of eating, local shops and markets, and a vibrant, upbeat ambience, it’s easy to see why so many are attracted to living in the district or close by. Here are a couple of new residential projects nearby.
One and Two Bedroom Condos Offer Great Value
Chapter Chula-Samyan condominium comprises a single tower with 31 floors, panoramic views, and excellent facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, garden and BBQ area, co-working facilities, and car parking.
Located just outside Chinatown in the Sam Yan-Siam-Silom area, it is just a 10-minute walk to Sam Yan Metro, with easy connections to the BTS, less than a kilometer to the nearest tollway entrance and a ten-minute drive to Sukhumvit Road.
Condos and common facilities are designed for cosmopolitan, contemporary living, with residents relishing the practical space utilization, stylish decoration, and soothing shades and finishes. These condos are freehold, allowing foreigners to buy and invest in property in Thailand. Starting from ฿ 5,090,000.
Super Condos in Bangkok’s Chinatown
The Nest Chula-Samyan delivers well-designed condos, ranging from 22 to 44 sqm, in eight different configurations. The interior design provides a comfortable living space with privacy and is beautifully decorated in neutral, calming tones. The condominium consists of two eight-story buildings, with condos available on the ground floor, and Sam Yan MRT is about 600 meters walk.
A 20-meter swimming pool, kids pool, co-working space, meeting room, fitness room, and courtyard are easily accessible on the ground floor. The eighth floor has the White Cloud Plunge Pool, spa, yoga space, and the Sky Terrace Lounge if you prefer loftier heights.
Sam Yan neighborhood is transforming into a hip area, yet complimenting this old district of Bangkok. Within two kilometers is Chulalongkorn University, one of the most prestigious universities in the city, Samyan Mitrtown Shopping Complex featuring an indie film cinema, a rooftop garden, oodles of restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and shops, a traditional Thai market and Lumphini Park. It’s little wonder people moving to Bangkok are paying close attention to this area.