Chinatown Secret Society Walking Tour in Bangkok

Bangkok , Thailand

Chinatown Secret Society Walking Tour in Bangkok

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About this experience

Explore the surviving history of the secret society known as “Ang Yi,” which once wielded great influence in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Discover stories that helped shape the city’s Chinese heritage.

Walk with your guide as you uncover why Thailand outlawed the mysterious “Ang Yi” societies. Discover how their secret world once shaped the nation’s history.

Visit historic Chinese shrines, century-old houses, and narrow alleys across Talat Noi and Yaowarat. Explore places once linked to Bangkok’s secret societies and old Chinatown history.

Learn about Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, who once visited Thailand and met with Chinese revolutionary supporters — including members of local brotherhoods known as Ang Yi, who aided his cause.

Finally, journey deep into Bangkok’s Chinatown, a world of living history hidden in plain sight. You’ll see Thailand from a perspective few have ever known, and leave with both enjoyment and a deeper understanding of its true past.

Available options

Chinatown Secret Society Walking Tour in Bangkok

What's included

Admission fee

Guided walking tour

English-speaking professional licensed guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Located on the rooftop of the police station, this shrine was originally the home of Yi Kor Hong — a highly influential leader of a Chinese secret society in Bangkok’s Chinatown. His wealth and reputation were widely known, and even Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the Chinese Revolution, once visited him to seek financial support.

Despite his success, Yi Kor Hong was famous for his generosity. He helped those in need and earned deep respect from the local community. Although he passed away in modest circumstances, his kindness and legacy live on, and he continues to be honored by many people today.

Yaowarat is one of Bangkok’s largest and oldest Chinese communities, with a history stretching back centuries. It’s no surprise that this area is filled with stories connected to former Ang Yi leaders and their influence on local life.

As we walk through the district, you’ll pass several historic locations, including Tao Alley — once the most famous red-light district in Bangkok over a hundred years ago; the building where Dr. Sun Yat-sen delivered speeches and raised funds for the Chinese Revolution; and a well-known haunted lane where many Chinese migrants once ended their lives beneath an old tree after struggling to find success.

Stop 3

This shrine once served as a base for one of the Ang Yi groups in old Chinatown. According to local stories, it even hid a secret tunnel once used by the secret society to evade police raids, leading directly to the river. Though the tunnel no longer exists, the legend remains one of the most intriguing tales connected to the shrine.

This historic shrine has stood for generations. Its Ang Yi leader once served as a Thai government official, and his daughter, who later inherited the position as the group’s head, eventually became a consort in the Thai royal court.

In this area of Talat Noi, there is a hidden pagoda that even most Thais have never heard of. Tucked between buildings, its unusual and secluded location makes it one of the district’s best-kept landmarks, a secret spot known only to a few.

What's not included

Meals and drinks

Hotel transfers

Tips for the guide (optional)

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not suitable for Wheelchair users

Not suitable for Visually impaired people

Not suitable for Hearing-impaired people

Not suitable People over 95 years

Not suitable Children under 2 years

Meeting point

MRT Blue Line Wat Magkon (Gate Exit 1)

About Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a dynamic blend of traditional culture and modern urban life. Known for its ornate temples, bustling street markets, and world-class street food, Bangkok offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Top Attractions

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that served as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925. It is a stunning example of Thai architecture and houses the Emerald Buddha.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 500 THB

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famous for its beautiful porcelain decorations and the iconic prang (spire).

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours 50 THB

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world's largest markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market offers a vast array of goods, from clothing and accessories to food and antiques.

Shopping/Cultural Half day to full day Varies

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok. Taking a boat tour along the river offers a unique perspective of the city and its many temples and palaces.

Nature/Scenic 1-3 hours Varies

Chatuchak Park

Chatuchak Park is a large and lush urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It is home to a variety of plants, animals, and recreational facilities.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a sweet and tangy sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Dinner Contains seafood.

Som Tum

A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.

Lunch/Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice and coconut milk.

Dessert Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Erawan National Park Kayaking on the Chao Phraya River ATV tours in Hin Lek Fai Spa and massage treatments Boat tours on the Chao Phraya River Visiting temples and parks Visiting temples and historical sites Attending traditional Thai performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the most pleasant time to visit with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's peak tourist season with lively festivals and events.

22°C to 34°C 72°F to 93°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bangkok is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, scams, and traffic accidents can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.
• Be wary of jet ski rentals and gem shops.

Getting there

By air

Suvarnabhumi Airport • 30 km from city center
Don Mueang International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal

By bus

Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Ekamai Bus Terminal, Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned, the MRT is a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Khao San Road Sukhumvit Chinatown (Yaowarat) Silom Banglamphu

Day trips

Ayutthaya

80 km from Bangkok • Full day

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is known for its stunning temples and historical ruins.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

105 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Damnoen Saduak is one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand, offering a unique shopping and dining experience on the water.

Maeklong Railway Market

80 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Maeklong Railway Market is a unique market where vendors set up their stalls on the railway tracks, and a train passes through several times a day.

Festivals

Songkran • April 13-15 Loy Krathong • Full moon night in November Vegetarian Festival • September/October (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway to avoid traffic and get around the city quickly and efficiently.
Haggle and bargain when shopping at markets and street stalls, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try street food, but choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.