Yaowarat Road

About Yaowarat Road

Yaowarat Road is the main artery of Bangkok's Chinatown in Samphanthawong, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. By day it is a busy strip of gold shops and old shophouses; after dark the neon signs light up and food stalls spill onto the pavement. MRT Wat Mangkon (exit 1) drops you a block away.

The draw is eating. Guides point to peppery rolled noodle soup (guay jub), oyster omelettes, grilled seafood, charcoal-toasted buns and Thai-Chinese desserts. Most dishes cost about 30 to 150 THB, seafood platters more, and a full grazing night runs roughly 300 to 600 THB per person. Carry cash, since many stalls do not take cards.

It is a fun, casual date: you share small plates, wander between stalls and soak up the noise and lights. Arrive around 5 to 6:30 pm, when stalls open and queues are short, and expect long waits by 8 pm on weekends. Many vendors take Monday off, so Tuesday to Sunday is best.

Why it works for a date

• Huge variety of street food in one strip
• Neon-lit night atmosphere
• Famous noodle and seafood spots
• Easy MRT access

Good to be aware of

• Crowded, with 30 to 60 minute queues on weekend nights
• Confirm seafood prices before ordering
• Fewer vendors on Mondays

Don't miss

Nai Ek Roll Noodle ฿70 to ฿150 per bowlA long-running shop on Yaowarat Soi 9 known for peppery rolled noodle soup and crispy pork belly, formerly Michelin-listed. Open 8 am to midnight.

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat FreeBangkok's largest Chinese Buddhist temple, founded in 1871 on Charoen Krung near the MRT, full of incense and dozens of deities. Visit before dinner as it closes at 4 pm.