Bangkok’s Flower Market stroll to the China Town

The Experience

The stroll was refreshing, trying something new, absorbing the atmosphere, and offering a fresh perspective of the place. For someone accustomed to commutes by transport, walking between locations truly enhances the experience. It’s truly more to the destination; the journey matters.

It’s like a presentation slide with animations that ease you into a new key message, revealing what it has to say. The slides, to me, represent locations, allowing you to craft your own story as you transition between each one.

You’re traveling to Bangkok

When traveling to Bangkok, your journey can begin at Pak Klong Talard, the flower market located near the Rama I (Phra Phutthayotfa) bridge.

Moving from there to the bridge, you’ll witness public transportation routes and pedestrians with bikes and carts crossing. The bridge, a picturesque spot for portrait photography, boasts a scenic temple backdrop by the river, making it a unique construction.

Walking beneath the Rama I bridge, you’ll pass by a water pier, an old post office, and local neighborhood parkings. The sense of history lingers, sparking curiosity about the abandoned car.

Continuing south into the Songwat Area, you’ll encounter a myriad of unique-looking town shops and houses, giving off a preserved, non-commercial vibe. The tight-knit community atmosphere becomes evident through observations during the stroll.

The Songwat Area serves as a gateway to Chinatown, showcasing warehouses, a temple, and a trendy spot for youngsters to café-hop and enjoy great meals. Hidden gem eateries line the end of the Songwat road, adding to its allure.

As you transition from Songwat to the narrow streets leading to Yaowarat (Chinatown), the presence of people guiding or following you should signal that you’re on the right path. Aside from being one of the main attractions for culture, shopping, and street food in Bangkok, this area acts as a connecting point where walking between destinations is common, and public transportation hubs are prevalent around Yaowarat.

How it all began?

Personally, the intention to spend the evening in the vibrant Yaowarat area coincided with the festive Chinese New Year celebration, providing an opportune moment to immerse in the local culture.

My Reflection

If I could do it again, I believe it’s possible to start the day further North. Walking from the Phra Sumen Fort at Sam Sen Road to the Grand Palace area, Wat Pho Temple, and then to Pak Klong Talard — Yaowarat.

Wrap up the day by taking public transportation in the evening from Yaowarat to Phra Sumen Road, passing through Pratu Phee (Mahachai Road) and enjoying late evening street food at Khao San Road.

Looking forward to your local stroll!

Our reasons for going out may not be the same. However, I do propose if you’re running out of reasons to go out to a specific place, why not create your own reasons to stroll connected places within those neighborhoods?