Bangkok Chinatown 3

There are many compelling things about Bangkok's Chinatown, and they draw me back frequently. The swirl of colors, smells and sounds on its main streets are hypnotic. On the other hand, its maze of tiny back streets beckons the observer to take one's time, see the details in the architecture, and the simpler way of life in the quiet corners.

Yaowarat Road

Recently, I returned as Chinatown was gearing up for the Chinese new year holiday. Splashes of red were everywhere, strung as paper lanterns or worn as bright traditional clothing. The mood was festive, even in the back alleys, although most people went about their work as usual.

Vendors and monk altar

Pedestrians squeeze the traffic on busy Yaowarat Road

Preparing coconuts for sale

Delicious cold fruit, side street near Royal Orchid Sheraton

This will be a sidewalk food stall once opening hour arrives!.

Beautiful colors on every street. I really wanted to know what was behind this door.

A typical scene, this one near a small Chinese altar.

Small crematorium.

A spirit house at the intersection of two small alleyways. Many people wear festive red clothing during the Chinese new year celebration.

Protective good luck banners over doorways are commonplace in Chinatown.

Crematorium door detail

An artist prepares a sign for a customer on Yaowarat Road.

A beautiful ceramic water aung in a quiet corner of Chinatown.

Dining on a side street off Yaowarat Road.

Decorative New Year lanterns