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The small alleys and streets
between Yaowarat Road and the river, are crammed with market stalls and
small shops jostling to sell just about everything imaginable. Thousands of
hair ornaments, tea sets, hardware, food, fabric shops, strange vegetables
imported from mainland China and Chinese funeral items. You don't buy one or
two items - buy a dozen or two! Although there are some souvenirs on sale,
there isn't much for the average visitor to buy, but it is, an interesting
experience. Sampeng Lane (also known as Soi Wanit), running parallel south
of Yaowarat and the narrow lanes directly off it, are a riot of color and
noise. It's often crowded, hot and exhausting, but certainly offers a
different perspective on the city. For a comprehensive guide to the
Chinatown markets, take a look at Nancy Chandler's Bangkok Markets map,
available at most local bookshops. Chinatown is still relatively untouched
by the modern development which has overtaken much of Bangkok. Few people
speak English and accommodation is limited apart from some of the older more
established local hotels. Following the river heading north, Chinatown gives
way to the wafting aromas of curries and the exotic spices of Pahurat. A
small but significant Indian community is located around the famous Pahurat
cloth market on the edge of Chinatown, close to Sampeng market. Wholesale
silk, cotton and all kinds of fabrics are traded with tough bargaining
skills. Its also a good place to head for if you're desperate for some
authentic Indian food. The markets are generally open throughout the day
until around 6pm.
Recommended Hotels Chinatown Getting there Catch the subway to Hua Lamphong Station and walk to Odien Circle, where the huge red gate beckons you to the heart of Chinatown. Alternatively, catch a Chaophraya Express Boat and get off at Pier 5 on Rachawongse. From the river, you approach Chinatown from southern Yaowarat Road. Bangkok Temples Tour including reclining Buddha at Wat Pho Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country with around 95% of Thai's practicing the Theravada discipline of Buddhism. On this half-day guided tour you will visit three of the most famous wat's (the local name for temple) in Bangkok - Wat Traimit, Wat Pho and Wat Benchamabophit. A Wat is a Buddhist building where both men and women can be ... Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok Opposite subway and Skytrain stations, this hotel is one stop by subway from Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and by Skytrain from Emporium Shopping Centre and Siam Paragon Shopping Centre. Conveniently located, this luxury accommodation is found in the central Sukhumvit district of Bangkok. The comfortable rooms and suites feature ... Grand China Princess Hotel Situated in the heart of Chinatown, and near to the Chao Phraya River, this first class hotel offers comfortable facilities, and has Bangkok?s only revolving restaurant and club lounge. Grand China Princess Hotel Bangkok offers rooms of light, neutral colours and contemporary design, with carpet floors, a sitting area and large windows hosting ... Asia Hotel Bangkok 3 Night Package including City Tour Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital, is one of the world's most exotic and colorful cities - a unique blend of the traditional and ultra-modern. Explore Bangkok and discover its major tourist attractions including the fabulous Wat Phra Keo (Emerald Buddha Chapel) and Grand Palace complex (see location map), and the fabulous royal barges. Discover ... The Year of the Rat is ante portas February 7, 2008 marks the first day of the lunar month in the Chinese calendar and is the first day of the fifteen-day celebration of the Chinese New Year, the most important of all Chinese festivals. This is the year of the rat, considered the protector and bringer of material prosperity, and so 2008 is a time for activity, renewal and hard ... |
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