| In Bangkok you can also go to China!….town that is! The place is known as “Yaowarat” (Yao-Wa-Rard), little China with a dash of Thai spice! and it’s where Chinese immigrants first settled when they came to Thailand (then Siam) in the late 18th century. The ethnic groups that came over were mainly Teochew, Hakka, Hainanese, Khek, and Cantonese. These folks are known for their hard work, frugality, and they loved to trade, and trade they did! Yaowarat have produced many of today’s leading Thai business tycoons (after enduring many hardships and discriminations) who are now dominating the Thai business landscape, and in fact most successful Thai-Chinese have their roots in Yaowarat in one way or another. They’ve now pretty much integrated into the very fabric of the Thai society, adopting the Thai last name, religion, customs, and of course language. Most third or forth generation people can’t even speak Chinese at all and proudly consider themselves simply as Thai.
Alright, enough about the people and let’s talk about the place! Yaowarat is still hustling and bustling as ever, the main road of Yaowarat is now lined with modern building, restaurants and shops. Though it has a modern look, Yaowarat is still offering some of the good old stuffs that it’s famous for. Namely the gold and jewelries, endless array of Chinese foods, unconventional medicines made of tiger penis or deer’s horns, and Chinese arts and crafts just to name a few. Behind the modern exteriors, there are still warehouses and shops in small alleys that date back to the old days, offering a glimpse into what life was like in the forgone years. In these nostalgic alleys, you’ll find people living out their everyday lives as well as “mom and pop” shops and outdoor restaurants, where the tables are set right on the side of the tiny alley. There’ll be people and even motorcycles brushing by you as you’re dining on traditional Chinese dishes such as stewed pork legs, rice porridge, or fish stomach soup…..sounds yummy huh?
To me, the first thing that comes to mind when Yaowarat is mentioned is definitely the foods….it’s everywhere, in every corners and alleys you’ll find something to munch on. Whether it’s fresh exotic fruits, grilled calamari and meatballs, shark fin soup, or roasted chestnuts, they’ll all quite affordable and very tasty. Yaowarat to me is the embodiment of what a true Chinatown should be: exotic, edgy, crowded, dirty, and definitely chaotic! Any orderly and sterile place fronting as “Chinatown” just doesn’t do it for me. I love going there in the evening and dine at one of the outdoors restaurant along Yaowarat road. The atmosphere is very lively, with the smell of spices permeating the air, bright neon lights, and sounds of cheerful chitchats all around you. It’s the perfect spot to go with a friend and slurp down a couple bowls of noodles and then washing it down with some nice cold Singha beer. Ahhhhh….the simplicity of the Bangkok lifestyle…I love it, come on over and experience what I’m talking about…..
Yaowarat’s nearby attractions:
• Sumpheng: The wild and crazy wholesales district.
• Wat Traimitr: Home of the solid gold Buddha!
• Klongtom: Where you can get some fake Rolex. How to get there:
• Take the MRT (underground train) to the last stop, Hua lumphong station.
• Grab a cab and tell them “Yao-Wa-Rard”.
Thai Spelling:
เยาวราช
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