Lonely Planet Experience Private Bangkok Tour: Chinatown Sights and Bites

Join this private Bangkok walking tour to explore and snack your way through one of the old city's most authentic and vibrant spots: Chinatown. Be blown away by the blend of Thai-Chinese food, history, and culture in what is known to be the largest Chinatown in the world. We'll walk down hidden lanes, step into the most important temples, and make our way through bustling markets while tasting food the way the locals do – from street carts, old-time cafes and market stalls.

This tour is priced for a minimum group size of four travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for four travellers.

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This private walking tour will take you through Bangkok's historic Chinatown, a neighbourhood so rich in sights, sounds, and smells that it could only really be described as an assault on the senses (in a good way!). Taking a stroll through this neighbourhood is one of the best things to do in Bangkok, and with a local to guide you along, you'll never miss a beat.

You'll begin this private Bangkok Chinatown tour at Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station, it doesn't get any more old-school than this – the station is more than a hundred years old and one of Bangkok's architectural gems. There's plenty of action inside with locals coming and going, but catch it while you can. There are plans to close the station and replace it with a modern terminal in the next few years.

Our first stop is Wat Traimit, the Golden Buddha Temple - an incredible sight to behold and one of the can't miss things to do in Bangkok. This stunning temple enshrines the world's largest solid gold seated Buddha from the Sukhothai Era, measuring nearly five metres high and weighing five and a half tonnes. Here your guide will let you in on the local secrets and history behind the Buddha, and the legendary tales that surround the original Buddha that sat there. This temple also houses the Yaowarat Chinese Heritage Centre where you'll learn all about the history of the Chinese people in Thailand and the fascinating relationship between these two countries.  

Next, you'll get into everything you've been waiting for – bring on the food! With your local guide, you'll head to a 100-year old coffee shop on Phat Sai Road, where you'll be treated to a traditional Thai coffee, snack, and the opportunity to sit back and soak up the atmosphere.

Fully rejuvenated, we'll continue on foot to Wat Mangkon Kamalawat – The Dragon Lotus Temple. The biggest and most important Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok, it's a completely different vibe inside with local residents coming to practice merit-making, receive blessings from the resident monks, or have their fortune told.

We'll then head to a market specialising in Chinese religious products and fresh food. At night, this particular area is filled with street stalls and becomes one giant and extremely tasty food bazaar. This will be your opportunity to go wild and try dishes you've never even heard of. But trust us, after this experience you'll never forget them!

With a belly full of Bangkok treats, we'll head to our final stop, a hidden gem of a sky bar with 360-degree panoramic views to rival all others in the city. You'll have a chance to relax and refresh with a cold Thai draft beer or cocktail (soft drinks also available) while taking in the breathtaking scene.

Your guide will point out Bangkok's significant sights, from the modern malls and skyscrapers, to the historic highlights such as The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Golden Mount.

Your private tour will finish here where you're free to stay for more drinks and food or continue exploring. Your local guide will also be happy to assist you in finding your way back to your accommodation.

This Bangkok Chinatown Sights and Bites tour is not only an opportunity to sample all the delicious delights that Chinatown has to offer, although we must admit that is a serious pro! It's all that food, plus history, culture, and local life. We couldn't pack any more into this tour if we tried!

This tour is priced for a minimum group size of four travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for four travellers.