How to Get to Bangkok Chinatown: MRT Wat Mangkon, Boats, and the Best Routes

Bangkok Chinatown: A bustling night scene
Bangkok Chinatown: A bustling night scene

When planning an independent trip to Bangkok, it’s hard to imagine leaving Chinatown off the itinerary.

For food lovers, Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) is widely regarded as the city’s most famous street food district. Beyond the food itself, the neon-lit chaos of Yaowarat Road also offers some of Bangkok’s most iconic street scenes, which is why travelers often ask about the most efficient and practical ways to get there.

This is an updated guide on how to get to Bangkok Chinatown, covering current transport options, route comparisons, and practical tips to help you plan with confidence.

Note: This guide was updated following the MRT Blue Line extension, which added Wat Mangkon Station as the most direct access point to Bangkok Chinatown.

How to Get to Bangkok Chinatown (Updated Options)

Thanks to recent upgrades to Bangkok’s public transport network, getting to Chinatown is now easier than ever. There are three main ways to reach the area:

  1. The Direct Route (Recommended): Take the MRT Blue Line directly to Wat Mangkon Station.
  2. The Scenic Route: Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin, then continue by Chao Phraya Express Boat.
  3. The Sightseeing Walk: Take the MRT to Hua Lamphong Station and walk through historic areas on the way.

Before the MRT extension, visitors relied mainly on boats or a long walk from Hua Lamphong. Today, Wat Mangkon Station has become the most convenient option for most travelers.

1. The Best Way: MRT Blue Line to Wat Mangkon Station

If speed, convenience, and air-conditioned comfort matter to you, this is the route to take.

Since the opening of the MRT Blue Line extension, Wat Mangkon Station now sits directly beneath Yaowarat Road. Exiting the station places you immediately within the core of Chinatown, eliminating the need for long walks or complicated navigation.

  • Direct access: Step out of the station and you’re already in the main street food area.
  • Efficient: No need to factor in extra walking time before or after dinner.
  • Convenient: Easy transfers from major MRT and BTS interchange stations.

Simply take the MRT Blue Line and get off at Wat Mangkon Station. Multiple exits lead directly onto Yaowarat Road and nearby side streets.

2. The Scenic Way: BTS Skytrain + Chao Phraya Express Boat

Chao Phraya Express Boat
Chao Phraya Express Boat

This route is less about efficiency and more about experience. It takes longer than the MRT, but it offers a relaxed introduction to Bangkok via the Chao Phraya River.

  • Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station.
  • Walk directly to Sathorn Pier (Central Pier).
  • Board a northbound Chao Phraya Express Boat (the Orange Flag boats are the most frequent and economical option) to N5 Ratchawong Pier.
  • From the pier, walk approximately 10–12 minutes (around 700 m) to reach Yaowarat Road.

This option works best as a daytime or late-afternoon activity. Boat schedules vary by route and flag color, and services typically wind down in the late afternoon or early evening. Plan to return by MRT or taxi if staying late in Chinatown.

If time allows, this route pairs well with a visit to IconSiam. Details can be found in our IconSiam Guide.

3. The Sightseeing Walk: MRT Hua Lamphong to Chinatown

Before Wat Mangkon Station opened, this was the standard way to reach Chinatown by train. While no longer the most direct option, it remains a good choice if you plan to explore nearby landmarks.

This route allows you to visit Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) and Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) before arriving at Yaowarat Road.

Step-by-Step Walking Guide

Walking route from Hua Lamphong to Chinatown
Walking route from Hua Lamphong to Chinatown
  • Take the MRT Blue Line to Hua Lamphong Station and exit via Exit 1.
  • Walk straight for about 100 m and cross the canal bridge.
  • Continue toward Wat Traimit, home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha.
  • Pass the iconic Chinatown Gate (Odeon Circle).
  • Bear left onto Yaowarat Road, not Charoen Krung Road.
  • Walk another 10–12 minutes (around 700 m) until the street food stalls and neon signs become dense.

For offline navigation, you can download our high-resolution walking map here:
Bangkok Chinatown Walking Route Map

Practical Tips for Visiting Bangkok Chinatown

MRT Blue Line: What to Know

The MRT Blue Line operates as a loop line connecting many of Bangkok’s major districts. Convenient transfer points from the BTS Skytrain include Asok / Sukhumvit and Sala Daeng / Si Lom.

MRT Blue Line Map
MRT Blue Line Map
  • Operating hours: Trains generally run from around 6:00 AM until midnight. If transferring lines late at night, aim to leave Chinatown by around 11:30 PM.
  • Evening crowds: The MRT can be busy between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, but it’s still far more predictable than road traffic.

Best Time to Visit Chinatown

Bangkok Chinatown feels completely different depending on the time of day.

Daytime: Ideal for temples, markets, and gold shops.
Evening (after 6:00 PM): Street food stalls open, neon signs light up, and the area comes alive.

For the full street food atmosphere, arriving around sunset usually strikes the best balance.

Check out our vlog below for a visual walkthrough of Bangkok Chinatown’s street food scene. English subtitles are included.