Lisa’s latest music video, for her first solo release “Rockstar”, attracted millions of views just a few minutes of being premiered online.
It has sparked a “Yaowarat fever”, after the famous road in Bangkok’s Chinatown was featured in the video, generating curiosity worldwide about what makes this Chinatown so special.
Yaowarat’s origins
Yaowarat is the name of a road in Bangkok, built during the reign of King Rama 5 and opened in 1900. It was one of eighteen important roads in Bangkok at that time.
Yaowarat Road is only 1,500 metres long, starting at the outer moat (Khlong Rop Krung), opposite Mahachai Fort, and continuing to Charoen Krung Road.
During its construction, the King’s intention was to minimize disruption to commoners’ land, resulting in its meandering route, resembling a dragon, hence its nickname “Dragon Road.”
How did Yaowarat become the heart of the Chinese community?
During the early part of the Rattanakosin period (1782-1932), Chinese immigrants settled in Thailand, initially near the former Grand Palace on the Krung Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River.
Later, with the construction of the new Grand Palace, they relocated to Sampeng, forming a Chinese community along Yaowarat Road.
Over time, Yaowarat developed into a commercial hub for the Chinese community, facilitated by seaborne trade from China.
Each ship that docked brought more Chinese immigrants, contributing to the area’s reputation as “Bangkok’s Chinatown.”
Yaowarat, an important commercial centre
Since the early days of Chinese shipping, Yaowarat has evolved into a bustling commercial hub. It is home to a variety of businesses, including gold and jewellery shops, restaurants, dry food suppliers, general stores, clothing shops, hostels and hotels.
There are many both small and large businesses. With billions of baht circulating through its local economy, Yaowarat is particularly vibrant during the Chinese New Year Festival, when transactions exceed ten billion baht in value.
Yaowarat, the Golden Road
Yaowarat is synonymous with gold, due to its long-standing association with the trade in the precious metal. Chinese immigrants brought their expertise in gold jewellery craftsmanship, establishing numerous gold shops.
Today, there are over 150 shops in Yaowarat, making it Thailand’s premier destination for gems and gold jewellery.
Renowned for culinary delights and world-class street food
Yaowarat offers a diverse culinary experience, with delicacies ranging from a few baht to over a thousand.
Popular dishes include fish ball noodles, Yong tau foo, stewed pork leg on rice, fried oysters, Pad Thai, rolled noodles in five spice broth, soy milk, geese and braised ducks, shark fin, fish maw and bird nest soups.
A vibrant and multicultural site
Since its opening 124 years ago, Yaowarat has become a magnet for Thais and foreigners alike, drawn by its cultural diversity and unique charm.
It remains one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations, embodying enduring cultural identities.
