A Unique Bangkok Chinatown - A Review

There are many Chinatown almost in very countries. There is one in San Francisco, South Africa, Australia, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and ever in Dubai. Almost every major country outside of China has a Chinatown. Thailand has one of the oldest Chinatown in the world along with Nagasaki in Japan.

This review also dedicated to one of my best friend called Queen Mama, who lives in a unique Indonesia Chinatown named Glodok, later we'll review this Chinatown of Jakarta named Glodok.

HISTORY

Chinatown Bangkok was started in 1782 when King Rama I decided to build the capital on eastern bank of Chao Phraya Rier. Chinese immigrants were originally settled in what is now the Grand Palace and had to find another place to live. Then the immigrants settled to the east of the new city, along the river. The narrow Sampaeng Lane which not even big enough for a car, was the heart of old Chinatown.

In the early part of 20th century the foreign community who settled on the river further east of Chinatown, petitioned the king for a larger road. Yaowarat Road was built as a result. Yaowarat is now the heart and the name of Thai Chinatown. The curvy path of the road is said to be like a dragon's body.

In the beginning, the Bangkok Chinaown suffered from the stereotypes classically associated with Chinatown around the world. Locals dismissed the area as ethnic ghettos and saw it as a den of vice. Also as a place where foreigners who wouldn't assimilate to the local culture congregaed.

The aa was filled wth gambling dens, opium houses and the still popular thieves market. A hundred years ago if something went missing from your home, you could count on finding it at one of the many pawn shops or in the thieves market in Chinatown.

Over time, Chinatown or now YAOWARAT underwent a transformation and became a significantcenter of commercialism and also tourism. Now it is a centre of trade with an abundance of gold shops, garments, secondhand parts and equipments, electric goods, computer parts, antiques and imported musical instrument shops.

Chinatown does not consist of only Yaowarat Road, but also includes others such as: Charoen Krun Road, Mungkorn Road, Songwat Road, Songsawat Road, Chakkrawat Road and many more.

HOW TO GET THERE

The easiest way to visit Chinatown is via the Chao Phraya riverboat. The nearest pier is teh Ratchawong Pier at the end of Ratchawong Road. This route will take you to the heart of old Chinatown, Soi Sampheng, the bithplace of Chinese community. You can also visit Yaowarat via MRT (subway), the nearest station is Hua Lam Phong station.

WHAT TO DO

The casual tourist on a daytrip in Chinatown would probably only have the time and energy to cover the main street, Yaowarat Road itself. Where most of the activities take place. The the road of interest is Ratchawong Road located off Yaorawat Road. Here one can stroll along and view locals eating, trading, and going about the lives.

Near to theHua Lam Phong MRT station one will find Traimit Road. Here you'll find the famous Wat Traimit or Temple of the Golden Buddha. This Wat houses has placed of Golden Buddha around 3 metres hight made by over 5 tons of gold. According to history, this statue was covered in brown plasters to keep the Burmanese from looting it in their various raids of Thailand. Some date the statue as old as 12th or 13th century or the Sukhothai era. As the time passed the people forgot the true make up of the statue. The in the 50's the statue was being moved by crane and was accidently dropped. The plaster came off, revealing the solid gold Buddha hiding underneath.

Within the same compound as Wat Traimit, is the Samphanthawong Museum a community museum dedicated to the earlier Chinese immigrants in Bangkok.

The tiny Sampheng Lane (also known as Soi Wanit) the originally heart of Chinatown, is an interesting place to walk through due to its colourful history of murders, drug gank wars and prostitution. These days it is less dangerous and serves as a primaliry wholesale market. On sales are fabrics, textiles, preserved food, household and kitchen accessories, spices and cheap toys. Most items are being sold not popular for casual tourists, but it is worth visit just for an experience.

The previous area named the Thieves Market or Nakhon Kasem is now a second hand market for Thai and Chinese antiques and pawnshop goods. Most are fakes, but look great, almost similar with the original. Once upon a time this place was where stolen goods would turn up, but you are now unlikely to find anything illigitimate today. Only the best bargainers should shop here, this place is good for a visit too.

If you would like to find gold, all along Yaowarat Road you will find over 130 gold shops. It is why this street also called "the Golden Road". Originally, there were a tycoon gold shop, Seng Heng Li, Hua Seng Heng, Tung Jin Aeng and Tung Toh Gung. Most shops along the road are members of the Gold Merchants Association. Gold products here are recognised for their high standard and quality with the purity of 96.5% or approximately 23 karat gold.

The Chalermkrung Royal Theatre (Sala Chaloem Krung)stages classic dramas and perfomances for those looking for a bit of cultural entertainment. King Rama VII using his own money, due his love of cinema, staed the theatre over 70 years ago. At the time it was built the theatre was the largest and most modern entertainment centre in Asia. It underwent major renovation in 1992, helping it to become a modern theatre of international standards. It is now equipped with the latest special effects and technologies such as laser and multi-vision systems which help to enchance the traditional elements of the stage shows and films.

For the first time visitor should visit the Giant Swing. It was originally constructed in 1784. The swing has been rebuilt numerous times throughout the years. REcently the swing was rededicated in royal ceremony prisided over by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Semtember 2005, the Giant Swing together with Wat Suthat, was suggested as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Not far from Yaowarat is the Pahurat cloth market, in "Bangk Little India" situated next to Chinatown. It is basically a wholesale market fot textiles.

While you walk around, you may see many food stall. Almost all are Chinese food... ut you must try it because this is unique Chinese food only can be found in Thailand. Mixed with Thai flavour. And also there are many unique dishes you may taste.

All in Chinatown there are many fascinating view worth to be visited and seen into Thailand of old and present Chinese community. The narrow lanes and interesting architectures stand in contrast to modern highrises buildings. Come and visit Yaorawat with the whole your heart and you;ll see its uniqueness..