The Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center is located on the second floor of Wat Traimit. The exhibition comprises of six zones describing the history and the making of Chinatown in chronological order. Opened in 2009, the center is the one of Bangkok’s newest attractions. It offers a lot of interesting information from the past to present in an interactive environment.

Zone 1 features a small theater area. A video presentation tells the story of life in Yaowarat in the 1940s. The Thai monarchs allowed the Chinese immigrants to live in peace and do commerce.

Zone 2 recounts the origin of the Chinese community in Sampheng, and the influx of Chinese immigrants during the reign of King Rama I to Rama III (1782-1851). Over the time, Yaowarat became Bangkok’s biggest trading hub. In the exhibition, you will find yourself surrounded in a model version of Sampheng market during King Rama III’s reign.

Zone 3 illustrates the growth of the Chinese community from Sampheng to Yaowarat by presenting a huge scaled 3D model of Yaowarat road in its most prosperous years around 1957. The model is surrounded by 11 Dioramas presenting social life and cultures of Yaowarat residents at the time. The curvature of the road resembles a dragon’s body thus making this area an auspicious place to do business.

Zone 4 is the Hall of Fame. It features famous Yaowarat residents who have been successful, and are now role-models and an inspiration for the next generation.

Zone 5 presents a gallery of photographs and video of H.M. King Rama 9 and the royal family’s benevolence to Yaowarat community, as well as the royal projects and activities carried out by Thailand for China.

Zone 6 shows the present-day Yaowarat and various attractions around the area.

The Heritage Center is an excellent way to learn more about the history and way-of-life of Yaowarat, home to the biggest Chinese community in Bangkok. Allow the models and media presentations to show you how life has changed in this commercial district.

Address : 2nd Floor of Wat Traimit, 661, Charoen Krung Rd., Samphanthawong District, Bangkok

GPS : N13 44 15.72, E100 30 50.16

Contact no. : 02 623 3329-30 Fax : 02 623 1372-3

Website : www.wattraimitr-withayaram.com

Opening Hours : Tuesday – Sunday from 08.00 – 17.00

Entrance Fee : Foreigners 100 Baht

Best Time : Any time of the year

Highlight : The exhibition uses a mix of Medias to educate and entertain visitors about the history of Chinatown.

Activities : Sight-seeing/ Edutainment.

CAR:

From Charoen Krung Rd., head towards Odeon Roundabout. You will see Traimit temple on your left.



BUS:

1, 4, 5, 14, 25, 35, 40, 49, 53, 73, 75

MRT Underground:

Get off at Hualumpong Station and walk towards Chinatown (Yaowarat), or take bus numbers 4 or 53 to get there.