Samphanthawong ; Chinese: 三攀他旺县) is one of the 50 districts (khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. Regarded as Bangkok's Chinatown, it is the smallest district by area in Thailand. Neighboring districts are Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bang Rak, Khlong San, and Phra Nakhon.
The Bangkok Chinatown Gate of Odeon Circle
Yaowarat Road sign
Golden Buddha image at Wat Traimit
Wat Samphanthawongsaram, formerly Wat Ko
Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. It was founded in 1782 when the city was established as the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, and served as the home of the mainly Teochew immigrant Chinese population, who soon became the city's dominant ethnic group. Originally centred around Sampheng, the core of Chinatown now lies along Yaowarat Road, which serves as its main artery and sometimes lends its name to the entire area, which is often referred to as Yaowarat. Chinatown's entire area roughly coincides with Samphanthawong District, and includes neighbourhoods such as Song Wat and Talat Noi along the Chao Phraya River, and Charoen Chai, Khlong Thom and Nakhon Khasem along Charoen Krung Road.
Yaowarat Road is the main artery of Chinatown.
Chinatown Gate, Bangkok