If you’ve ever wondered how to go Chinatown Bangkok by BTS, you’re not alone. Yaowarat — Bangkok’s legendary Chinatown — is one of the most mesmerizing neighborhoods in Thailand: a blend of old-world Chinese charm, sizzling street food stalls, and golden temple spires glowing in the night.
Getting there might seem confusing to first-time visitors, especially with Bangkok’s sprawling train lines and maze-like streets. But here’s the good news: thanks to the BTS Skytrain and MRT connection, reaching Chinatown is surprisingly easy — and part of the adventure itself.
In this guide, you’ll learn five convenient routes to reach Chinatown by BTS, discover hidden shortcuts locals use, and get insider advice on what to eat, see, and do once you arrive.
🚆 Route 1: From Siam BTS to Chinatown (Fastest for Shoppers)
If you’re staying near Siam, Chit Lom, or National Stadium, this is your quickest route.
Start at Siam Station (BTS Silom Line).
- Board a train toward Bang Wa.
- Ride four stops to Bang Wa Direction → interchange at MRT Blue Line.
Transfer at Silom → MRT Blue Line.
- Walk through the connecting corridor from BTS Sala Daeng to MRT Silom.
- Buy a single-journey token to Wat Mangkon Station — your Chinatown stop.
Exit at Wat Mangkon Station (Exit 1 or 2).
- The station walls are adorned with Chinese-style red tiles and dragon motifs — a perfect photo op before you even step outside.
- From here, Yaowarat Road is just a 3-minute walk.
💡 Insider Tip: If you’re traveling in the evening, time your visit to arrive just as the neon signs flicker on (around 6:00 p.m.) — Chinatown transforms into a glowing sea of red, gold, and steam rising from sizzling woks.
🏙️ Route 2: From Sukhumvit BTS (Tourist-Friendly and Scenic)
If you’re staying in Asok, Phrom Phong, or Thonglor, you can easily access Chinatown without changing trains too many times.
- Board the BTS Sukhumvit Line at Asok Station.
- Transfer at Siam Station to the Silom Line (toward Bang Wa).
- Ride to Sala Daeng Station, then follow signs to MRT Silom.
- Take MRT Blue Line to Wat Mangkon.
💬 Why this route?
It’s the most comfortable for tourists staying in Bangkok’s modern districts, with plenty of coffee shops and malls to grab a bite before heading to old-town vibes.
🚉 Approx. Travel Time: 25–30 minutes
💴 Estimated Fare: 46–60 THB total
🕌 Route 3: From Saphan Taksin BTS (Best for River Views)
Want to make your journey part of the experience? Combine BTS with a Chao Phraya River boat ride — the most atmospheric way to approach Chinatown.
- Start at Saphan Taksin BTS Station (Silom Line).
- Exit 2 leads directly to the Sathorn Pier (Central Pier).
- Board a Chao Phraya Express Boat heading north (orange flag line).
- Disembark at Ratchawong Pier — just a short walk to Yaowarat Road.
✨ Pro Tip: The river route offers stunning skyline views, from the ICONSIAM mall to Wat Arun’s glittering spires. It’s slower but unforgettable.
🕓 Travel Time: 40–45 minutes
💸 Cost: 16–30 THB for the boat + 16–20 THB BTS fare
🍜 Route 4: From Mo Chit or Chatuchak (For Market Lovers)
If you’re visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market, continue your Bangkok adventure straight into Chinatown’s night markets.
- Board BTS Sukhumvit Line at Mo Chit.
- Transfer at Siam to Silom Line → ride to Sala Daeng.
- Connect to MRT Silom → ride to Wat Mangkon.
🧭 Shortcut Option:
From MRT Chatuchak Park, go directly on the Blue Line to Wat Mangkon, skipping the BTS entirely.
🥢 Traveler’s Tip: Try heading to Chinatown by late afternoon — this gives you time to wander Sampheng Lane (a maze of wholesale shops) before diving into Yaowarat’s food stalls after dark.
🏮 Route 5: From BTS National Stadium or MBK Center (For Culture Seekers)
If your day starts at MBK, Jim Thompson House, or Bangkok Art and Culture Center, you can reach Chinatown in under 20 minutes.
- Take BTS from National Stadium to Siam, then switch to the Silom Line.
- Go to Sala Daeng → MRT Silom → Wat Mangkon.
🎭 Cultural Add-On:
Before heading to Chinatown, visit Wat Hua Lamphong, one of the city’s lesser-known but deeply spiritual temples located right at the MRT Sam Yan station — only one stop before Chinatown.
🥠 What to Do When You Arrive in Chinatown
Chinatown is sensory overload in the best possible way — an intoxicating mix of sights, smells, and sounds. Here’s how to make the most of it:
🍤 Eat Like a Local
- T&K Seafood (Yaowarat Road): Fresh crab, shrimp, and oysters grilled curbside.
- Nai Mong Hoi Thod: Famous for crispy oyster omelets (Michelin-recommended).
- Sweet Time Dessert Shop: Mango sticky rice, black sesame dumplings, and shaved ice.
🕍 Explore Culture & Temples
- Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Dragon Lotus Temple): Bangkok’s largest Chinese Buddhist temple.
- Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple): Houses a 5.5-ton solid gold Buddha statue.
- Talad Noi District: Street art, antique shops, and riverside cafés tucked away from crowds.
🛍️ Shop Hidden Markets
- Sampeng Lane Market: Narrow alleys lined with fabric, jewelry, and toy shops — wholesale heaven.
- Odeon Circle: The iconic red Chinatown Gate — perfect photo stop.
🚶♀️ Insider Tips
- Best visiting hours: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Wear light clothing — it gets hot even after dark.
- Bring cash; many vendors don’t accept cards.
- Watch out for motorbikes weaving through side lanes!
🕒 Quick BTS–MRT Route Summary
| Starting Point | Line | Transfers | Destination | Approx. Time | Cost (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siam | BTS → MRT | 1 | Wat Mangkon | 20–25 mins | 40–50 |
| Sukhumvit | BTS → MRT | 1 | Wat Mangkon | 25–30 mins | 45–60 |
| Saphan Taksin | BTS + Boat | 0 | Ratchawong Pier | 40–45 mins | 30–50 |
| Chatuchak | MRT Only | 0 | Wat Mangkon | 30–35 mins | 42–55 |
| National Stadium | BTS → MRT | 1 | Wat Mangkon | 20 mins | 40–45 |
🧭 Nearby Attractions You Can Walk To
- Hua Lamphong Railway Station (10 mins) – glimpse Bangkok’s old rail architecture.
- ICONSIAM (via boat from Ratchawong Pier) – luxury shopping meets Thai heritage.
- Pak Khlong Talad (Flower Market) – open 24 hours, vibrant with color and scent.
📅 When Is the Best Time to Visit Chinatown Bangkok?
- Evening (5–10 p.m.): Ideal for food lovers and night photographers.
- Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb): Expect dragon dances, fireworks, and parades — but go early as crowds surge.
- Vegetarian Festival (Sept–Oct): Chinatown transforms into a sea of yellow flags and plant-based street eats.
🔖 Essential Traveler Tips (2025 Update)
- The MRT Blue Line now connects directly from Tao Poon to Wat Mangkon, making it easier than ever to reach Chinatown.
- Use a Rabbit Card or Bangkok MRT card for cash-free travel.
- Most MRT stations open from 6:00 a.m. to midnight.
- As of 2025, fares are between 16–44 THB depending on distance.
- Download the official BTS Skytrain app for route updates and live schedules.
🧘 Conclusion: Discover the Soul of Bangkok by Train
Chinatown isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience that unfolds the heart of Bangkok itself.
Riding the BTS and MRT to Yaowarat lets you see the city evolve — from sleek malls and glass towers to heritage shophouses and timeworn lanterns glowing in the night.
Whether you arrive by riverboat under the stars or through the red-and-gold gates of Wat Mangkon Station, the journey to Chinatown by BTS is as magical as the food that awaits you there.
So next time you wonder how to go Chinatown Bangkok by BTS, remember — it’s not just about getting there. It’s about the ride, the rhythm, and the revelations along the way.
🙋♀️ FAQ – How To Go Chinatown Bangkok By BTS
1. Which BTS station is closest to Chinatown Bangkok?
There’s no direct BTS stop in Chinatown, but Wat Mangkon MRT Station connects easily from BTS Sala Daeng (via MRT Silom).
2. How long does it take from Siam to Chinatown by BTS and MRT?
Roughly 25 minutes including the transfer walk between Sala Daeng and Silom.
3. How much is the total fare?
Expect around 45–60 THB depending on starting point and transfer.
4. Can I walk from Hua Lamphong to Chinatown?
Yes! It’s about a 10–12 minute walk from Hua Lamphong MRT station to Yaowarat Road.
5. What time does Chinatown Bangkok open?
Shops open by 10 a.m., but food stalls truly come alive after 5 p.m.
6. Is it safe to travel at night?
Absolutely. The BTS and MRT are safe, clean, and well-lit. Just keep personal belongings close in crowded areas.
📚 Citations
⚡Summary (TL;DR)
You can reach Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat) easily by taking the BTS to Sala Daeng, transferring to the MRT Blue Line, and exiting at Wat Mangkon Station — just minutes from the neon-lit heart of Chinatown.
Alternative routes include traveling via Saphan Taksin and the Chao Phraya River, or directly from Chatuchak on the MRT.
Plan your evening trip to enjoy street food, temples, and hidden markets — the journey itself is part of Bangkok’s magic.