Shore Excursion: Full-Day Bangkok Chinatown from Laem Chabang

Bangkok, Thailand

Delve deep into the local culture of Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown on this in-depth day tour. Arrive in the flurry of sights, smells and sounds as you taste local concoctions, visit its major temples, explore the winding alleys, savor scrumptious dim sum and learn about the artisan customs of this established community.

You will be met by your guide at Laem Chabang Port upon your morning arrival. From here, you will travel approximately 2-hours to Bangkok.

Set off toward Bangkok’s bustling and thriving Chinatown District - a flurry of sights, smells and sounds. Your tour starts with a short drive to the gateway of Chinatown, marked by an enormous Chinese gate. Swap your car for two feet and start your walking journey at the glistening Wat Traimit, home to a massive seated golden Buddha.

Before heading further on by foot, gather your energy with a local herbal drink sold near the Chinatown entrance. This medicinal concoction is believed by locals here to support good health, and is the perfect way to start your journey! From here, follow the lead of your guide on a winding path through the district’s lesser-explored back alleys and streets. Though in the heart of Bangkok, this fascinating ethnic enclave is full of signs written in Chinese, and it’s not unusual to hear a cacophony of both Thai and Chinese language. Along the way, stop by a traditional Chinese dim sum restaurant for lunch, and continue on to explore a collection of Chinese-owned businesses, shops and temples.

In the afternoon, wander through a local market that sells everything from fresh produce to poultry! Just beyond the bustle of the market, stop by a small shop known for selling joss paper, a special kind of paper burned by devout locals for their ancestors. This paper is used to make fake money, miniatures of houses and cars and even paper iPads - all believed to make their way to the heavens in the smoke. Walk a bit further on to arrive in an area best known for its wholesale shops, and with the help of your guide, try out your bargaining skills to pick up a few souvenirs here.

Wrap up your time in this bustling shopping district with a visit to a local gold shop that has operated for over a century. Get a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the owner of the shop creates intricate gold treasures, and learn how his methods have been passed down through centuries at the museum nearby. Wrap up your day at a local tea shop - a perfect location to kick up your feet and wind down over a cup of traditional Chinese tea.