Page 81 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Bangkok

Chinatown ❮❮ 79

Talad Kao and Talad Mai
9 EXPLORING CHINATOWN
AND LITTLE INDIA
MAP E6 • Soi Isara Nuphap
• Talad Kao: open 4–11am daily;
Talad Mai: open 4am–6pm daily Phra Phitak Phahurat
Road
These two fresh-produce markets Road
are piled high with fish, mushrooms, Soi Isara
Nuphap Yaowarat
mangoes, curry pastes, Chinese Little Road Charoen
India
herbs, and spices. The Talad Kao, or Royal India Krung Road
Old Market, has been open for trade Rachini Sampeng
Tha
since the late 18th century, while the Pak Khlong Lane
Talad Mai, or New Market, is about Market Golden Buddha
Wat Traimit,
100 years old. Together, they have
earned themselves a good name for MORNING
high-quality meat, fish, vege tables,
and fruits. They remain particularly Traffic can be a nightmare at any
busy during the Chinese New Year. time in Chinatown, so take the
The old market is frantic at dawn, public ferry to Tha Rachini, at
but winds down before lunchtime, around 9am. Take the first right
while the new one continues to on leaving the pier, cross the
canal and go right again into Pak
operate until evening. Khlong Market (see p77), which
should be at its busiest and best
Hua Lampong Station
0 at this time. Next, head north up
Atsadang Road and then turn
MAP F6 • Rama IV Road •
02 225 6964 right into Phra Phitak Road.
Initiated by Rama V (see p40), Hua Within a couple of short blocks
Lampong Station was built just this becomes Phahurat Road,
and you are transported to Little
before World War I by Dutch archi- India (see p77). Keep walking
tects. Despite several revamps straight through until you reach
since then, the basic shell remains Chak Phet Road. Have a delicious
unchanged, making this train station north Indian lunch at the Royal
one of Bangkok’s most easily India (see p81) restaurant.
recognizable landmarks. This is the
place where many out-of-towners AFTERNOON
begin their big city experience as With your batteries recharged,
they arrive at the railroad terminal plunge into Sampeng Lane with
and are more often than not its kitsch gadgets and wind-up
preoccupied with avoiding scams toys. Make sure that your wallet
rather than admiring the station’s or purse is well hidden as this is
vaulted roof or mural paintings. a pickpocket’s paradise. When
you reach Soi Isara Nuphap, turn
left and wander past all the
Chinese herbalists and phar-
macists on your way to Yaowarat
Road (see p77). Turn right here
and notice the profusion of gold
shops, all painted bright red with
vibrant gold lettering, and most
with an armed guard on duty.
Where Yaowarat Road meets
Charoen Krung Road, cross to the
east side of the street and enter
the temple of Wat Traimit (see
p76). Sit down for a few moments
to rest and admire the superb
craftsmanship of the Golden
Buddha (see p76) and enjoy a
tranquil end to the day.
Monks at Hua Lampong Station
See map on pp76–7
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