Bangkok Chinatown Gate

Historic Site in Bangkok

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Photogoddle

Erected in 1999 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 72nd birthday, the Chinatown Gate—also known as “Odean Gate” after the nearby Odean cinema—serves as a striking landmark at the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown. The inscription on the gate reads “Sheng Shou Wu Jiang”, meaning “Long Live the King.” During Chinese New Year, the gate becomes the focal point of festivities, attracting crowds who gather to make offerings and celebrate.

The Chinatown Gate is the gateway to a vibrant area filled with cultural and historical attractions, including:

Wat Traimit: Home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha, weighing over five tons.
Li Thi Miew Temple: An accessible Chinese temple with a welcoming ambiance.
Wat Kanikaphon: A small temple with unique details, founded by a former brothel owner.
Tien Fa Charity: A clinic operated by a charitable foundation, featuring a chapel dedicated to the goddess Ming.
Sampaeng Lane: Chinatown’s original main street, now a bustling narrow alley with shops selling household goods and an old Chinese pharmacy worth visiting.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat: A Chinese-Buddhist temple that becomes a hub of activity during festivals like Chinese New Year and the vegetarian festival.
Phahurat Market: A hub for the South Asian community, with shops selling fabrics, wedding supplies, and more.
Wat Chakrawat: One of Bangkok’s largest monasteries, known for its unusual buildings and resident crocodiles.
The Old Siam: A shopping center offering a mix of Western and Thai restaurants and fast-food outlets.