Bangkok has been a multicultural city since its inception as the capital in 1782. The largest ethnic group was the Chinese. The district they lived in served as a commercial hub for a long time.
Night Yaowarat Road. For The World of XPILAR - Cityscape Contest, Week #075 by axeman. Camera: Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G on Nikon D750. Settings: f/3.5, 1/125, ISO: 1600
Today, Bangkok's Chinatown is rather a travel destination famous for its street food and colourful atmosphere that unfolds in full force after the sunset.
A tuk-tuk driver. For The World of XPILAR - Portrait Contest, Week #039 by axeman. Camera: Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G on Nikon D750. Settings: f/1.8, 1/250, ISO: 1250.
Not only European and Asian travellers flock into night Yaowarat Road, the core street of Chinatown. Many Bangkokians visit it for the same reasons - local culinary specialities and festive vibes.
In 2020-2021, the pandemic seriously hit Chinatown's business since international tourism has been suspended by the country's authorities. In new circumstances, Yaowarat Road tries to attract more Thais with lower prices.
Grilled fish and lobsters on the charcoal grill. For Food photo / Week #31 by mister-omortson. Camera: Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G on Nikon D750, :Settings: f/3.2, 1/80, 1600.
I spent around 1.5 years in Bangkok in 2017-2019 and visited Yaowarat Road numerous times. Slightly overpriced, quite noisy due to heavy traffic, overcrowded with tourists but still full of authenticity and definitely worth exploring.
Enjoy marvellous Thailand!
Thanks for reading this #steemexclusive original story and happy travels!
All photos were taken by me in Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand in 2019.