Chinatown in Bangkok, known as Yaowarat, is a vibrant area filled with rich history, tantalizing street food, and colorful markets. If you’re planning a visit, a stay at one of the charming accommodations in the area can enhance your experience. Two great options are The Unforgettable B&B and PhotoHostel, both of which provide unique atmospheres and are centrally located for easy exploration.
We had a short stay in Bangkok—3 nights and 2 days—and stayed in two separate hotels. We opted for The Unforgettable B&B because it is just a 5-minute walk to Hua Lamphong Train Station and the MRT, and PhotoHostel because of its prime location in Talad Noi; in fact, it’s right in the middle.
Both hotels exceeded our expectations, and we highly recommend either if you’re seeking a stay in Chinatown.
The Unforgettable B&B is a delightful option for those seeking a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. With its comfortable rooms and personalized service, it’s an ideal base for exploring Chinatown. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast before embarking on their daily adventures. The B&B’s location offers easy access to local attractions, making it a perfect spot for travelers who appreciate a blend of comfort and convenience.
The rooms are quaint, and the whole feel to the hotel is like walking back in time. Awesomely cool place to stay.
Highly Recommend: Cheng Thai Beef & Pork Noodle Soup restaurant, directly across from The Unforgettable B&B.
The beef is so tender, and the green chili sauce in the condiment pots is sooo tasty (add this to your soup). We ordered the small Beef Hotpot for 250 THB.
For the more adventurous traveler, PhotoHostel presents a cool and creative environment. This hostel emphasizes photography and art, making it a unique choice for those interested in capturing their travels visually. The communal spaces facilitate interaction among guests, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences. Located just a short distance from the MRT stations, PhotoHostel allows visitors to explore the beauty of Chinatown with ease. It has a prime location in the heart of Talad Noi, a cool and up-and-coming area of Bangkok.
Chinatown, as a whole, is an amazing place for a walking adventure; each area has its own strange, old, and quirky art.
I find that deep in Chinatown, it is more about the food, and beyond this area, you open up to amazing back streets, cool cafés, and so much more. Areas like Song Wat Road and Talad Noi.
Around this area of Chinatown, you can find the best Noodle Soups, Khao Man Gai, Khao Moo, and desserts. Once you’ve filled your belly, set off exploring!
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, it’s time to explore the nearby attractions. Talad Noi is a charming neighborhood filled with vibrant street art, hidden temples, and bustling markets. As you wander through the narrow streets, don’t miss the chance to visit some local street food stalls and sample delights like dim sum, braised duck, and fresh seafood.
At every corner is a photographic opportunity, whether it’s old buildings, vintage rusty cars, Chinese temples, or along the riverfront.
Visit the beautiful Hong Sieng Kong River Café & Restaurant. I can’t rate this café highly enough. For photography lovers, you’re in heaven—endless photography opportunities.
In addition, as if it couldn’t get better! The coffee is divine, and the cakes, OMG, simply scrumptious.
The price is higher, but you must expect this from such an awesome place.
Take time to enjoy the view and watch the cruises along the river and local riverboats zooming past.
Where to find it: Hong Sieng Kong River Café
A short stroll from your accommodations will lead you to Son Wat Road, where you can experience the pulse of Chinatown. This street is home to a variety of shops, food vendors, and markets. The lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in local culture. Here, you can find everything from traditional Chinese medicine shops to gold dealers, showcasing the rich heritage of the area.
Son Wat Road is the new hip area to visit and stay around Bangkok. Although super cool with so many photo opportunities to be had, the pricing is much higher than in other areas of Bangkok.
After we explored, we found this family run business (shop, and restaurant with tables on the path ways to sit and enjoy the drinks from the fridge.) The perfect place to sit have a few Leo beers for only 80 THB for a large bottle, and watch the world go by.
I had what the owner called the best Pad Thai in Thailand! It was a Pad Thai mix of assorts, chicken, sausage and vegetables. 120 THB and it was the strangest but delicious Pad Thai that I had had.
Where to find it, although it won’t be hard, as it’s the busiest place – here!!
Places to visit around Chinatown, all within walking distance or easily accessible by taking the MRT — Wat Mangkon, Hua Lamphong, or Silom
Lumphini Park Bangkok @ the Silom MRT stop
This is an awesome park to visit — a beautifully maintained park with running and cycling lanes. Relax on a bench around the lake, enjoy the sounds of nature, or spot a monitor lizard!
Grab a free swan paddleboat and float around the lake, or go kayaking.
Directly across the road is Central Park Mall. Go through the underpass to the Lumphini Park entrance.
Central Park Mall @ the Silom MRT stop — go to the top floor and capture an amazing view over Bangkok, walk around a Sky garden canopy. Entry is free. Go directly to the top floor, opposite the water fountains, exit the building via two large glass doors.
NB: Take the Silom stop rather than the Lumphini Stop if you want to visit the Central Park Garden sky walk.
Where to find it: Central Park Bangkok
Hua Lamphong Train Station — the original train station in Bangkok. It was built in 1910 during the reign of King Rama V.
The architect was Mario Tamagno (Italian). The style is a mix of Italian Neo Renaissance.
Wat Traimit Wittayaram – Is a beautiful temple with various buildings to visit among the grounds. There is an entrance fee 40 THB to visit the main temple however visiting the others are free.
It is literally a two-minute walk to Hua Lamphong train station and MRT.
Where to find it: Wat Traimit Wittayaram
Rent an electric bicycle and cycle down the canal or take an electric water taxi down the canal.
Both locations are opposite Hua Lamphong Train station, Taxi / BUS entrance. Across the road, and across the ornate bridge – You find the Electric Taxi Boats here – Taxi Boat Timetable
Convenient MRT access Both the Unforgettable B&B and PhotoHostel are located near MRT stations — specifically Wat Mangkon, Lumphini, and Hua Lamphong. This makes commuting incredibly straightforward; you can easily navigate to various attractions across Bangkok. The MRT offers a quick and efficient way to reach different neighborhoods, and walking is also pleasant given the short distances between key sights in the area.
Conclusion Chinatown in Bangkok, with its rich tapestry of culture, food, and history, offers an unforgettable experience. Staying at The Unforgettable B&B or PhotoHostel puts you in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, allowing easy access to its many attractions. From exploring the narrow lanes of Talad Noi to enjoying the excitement of the Floating Train, your visit to Chinatown will be filled with memories to cherish. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure as colorful as Bangkok itself!
