Bangkok's legendary Chinatown centered on Yaowarat Road is one of the largest and oldest Chinatowns in the world, dating back to 1782 when Chinese merchants were relocated here during the founding of Bangkok as Thailand's capital.

By day, the area is a fascinating maze of gold shops, traditional Chinese medicine stores, fabric markets, temples, and hole-in-the-wall eateries. Highlights include Wat Traimit (home to the world's largest solid gold Buddha statue, weighing 5.5 tons), Sampeng Lane market, and the old Talat Noi neighborhood.

By night, Yaowarat Road transforms into one of Bangkok's most spectacular street food destinations. Stalls and restaurants spill onto the sidewalks serving legendary dishes: grilled seafood, shark fin soup (increasingly controversial), bird's nest desserts, crispy pork belly, dim sum, and fresh oyster omelets. The neon signs reflecting off wet streets create an atmosphere that's pure Bangkok.

Nearest MRT: Wat Mangkon station puts you right in the heart of the action. Best visited in the evening (after 6 PM) for the full street food experience.