Published in Area Guide

Discover MRT Huai Khwang: Bangkok's New Chinatown

MRT Huai Khwang is a high-potential location in the heart of Bangkok with a true 24-hour energy. As a key transit hub on the MRT network, the area is densely residential with both Thai and international residents, making it one of Bangkok’s most important inner-city neighborhoods. Because much of the area is made up of smaller sois, condo living is especially popular and fits the local lifestyle extremely well. Plus, commuting is simple and efficient via the underground MRT at Huai Khwang  

These factors have driven land and condominium prices upward in line with rising demand and ongoing urban growth. The neighborhood is also a major center for nightlife, business activity, and highly popular Chinese dining, so much so that it’s often called “New Chinatown.”

MRT Huai Khwang (BL18) at a Glance

Feature Details
Location Ratchadaphisek Road (Huai Khwang Intersection)
Line MRT Blue Line (The Loop Line)
Travel to Sukhumvit/Asok Approximately 8–10 minutes (3 stations)
Travel to Rama 9 (CBD) Approximately 3 minutes (1 station)
Travel to Suvarnabhumi ~40–50 minutes (via MRT to Makkasan/Airport Rail Link)
Condo Rental Range 13,000 – 28,000+ THB/month (Studio/1-Bedroom)
Parking Fee 78 spaces (15 THB/2 hours for MRT passengers)

Get to know the Huai Khwang neighborhood: From wetlands to a high-potential urban location

ย่านห้วยขวาง

The name of the MRT “Huai Khwang” area comes from its past. During the rainy season, the area was largely covered with water—more like marshland, ponds, and small canals, because it sat on low-lying terrain. Local travel once relied heavily on boats, and waterways crossing the area were commonly seen, which is how the name originated 

Over time, what used to be lowland farmland and established communities transitioned into a dense residential district and a well-known nightlife zone—especially after transportation infrastructure expanded. MRT Huai Khwang began service in 2004, and as urban lifestyles changed, more people increasingly sought workplaces, homes, and shopping options near rapid transit lines 

Today, Huai Khwang is widely recognized as “New Chinatown,” as many Chinese residents have moved in and established businesses, particularly after the Chinese Embassy was set up nearby (on Ratchadaphisek Road)

Where is MRT Huai Khwang (BL18)?

MRT ห้วยขวาง (BL18)

MRT Huai Khwang station is located in the middle of Huai Khwang Intersection, covering areas within Din Daeng Subdistrict, Ratchadaphisek Subdistrict (Din Daeng District), and Huai Khwang Subdistrict (Huai Khwang District), Bangkok. According to Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM), MRT Huai Khwang is on the Blue Line as station code BL18:

  • Exit 1: Pracha Rat Bamphen Road, Huai Khwang District Office

  • Exit 2: Ratchadaphisek Soi 12, Le Concorde Building, Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn Ratchada School, ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada, Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada, Forum Tower

  • Exit 3: Pracha Songkhro Road, Huai Khwang Market, The Emerald Hotel 

  • Exit 4: Kunnateeruttharam Witthayakom School, Sermsub Building, Rangsee Witthaya School, Sahapat Ratchada Clinic, Ganesha Shrine

How many parking spaces are available at MRT Huai Khwang?

There are 78 parking spaces available

Parking rates at MRT Huai Khwang 

For MRT Huai Khwang passengers: 15 THB / 2 hours
For non-MRT users: 50 THB / 1 hour 

Service hours 

Monday–Friday: 05.00–01.00 (next day) 

Saturday–Sunday and public holidays: 05.00–01.00 (next day)

Image and information courtesy of https://metro.bemplc.co.th/Line-Maps?Line=1&Station=18 

Getting around the MRT Huai Khwang area

ขนส่งสาธารณะเมื่อเดินทางไปยังห้วยขวาง

Beyond using MRT Huai Khwang, there are multiple ways to travel around the neighborhood, including:

Public buses

There are bus services running regularly along Ratchadaphisek Road. Key routes include:

  • Bus 73: Huai Khwang Stadium – Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge (Saphan Phut) 

  • Bus 136: Khlong Toei Bus Garage – Mo Chit 2 

  • Bus 179: Rama 9 Bus Garage – Rama VII Bridge 

  • Bus 185: Rangsit – Khlong Toei 

  • Bus 206: Kasetsart University – Mega Bangna 

  • Bus 514: Min Buri – Ratchada – Silom 

  • Bus 517: Talat Therd Thai – Passenger Terminal (Chatuchak) 

  • Bus 529: Samae Dam – Passenger Terminal (Chatuchak)

Motorcycle taxi

Along Ratchadaphisek Road, motorcycle taxi stands are available at many points. Most gather as small queues near key places in the area, such as the MRT station, hotels, and Huai Khwang Market. You can also find motorcycle taxis inside various sois and residential communities as well

Vans

Huai Khwang does not have a dedicated van terminal, and there are relatively few van route options that specifically serve this neighborhood. However, vans from other routes such as Rangsit and Lat Phrao, may occasionally pass along Ratchadaphisek Road 

Songthaews (shared pickup trucks)

There are some songthaews operating in the area, with regular pick-up/drop-off points near the MRT Huai Khwang parking area. These are red songthaews with several routes, such as Huai Khwang Market, Ramkhamhaeng and Huai Khwang Market, Chan Hun, etc. 

Main Roads and Expressways nearby

The main roads that pass MRT Huai Khwang are Ratchadaphisek Road, Pracha Rat Bamphen Road, and Pracha Songkhro Road

What’s interesting around MRT Huai Khwang?

พระพิฆเนศ MRT ห้วยขวาง

Spiritual seekers: Pay respects to Ganesha at MRT Huai Khwang

For anyone interested in spiritual landmarks, Huai Khwang has a well-known sacred site: the Ganesha Shrine (Ganesha Huai Khwang) at Huai Khwang Intersection 

The Ganesha shrine at Huai Khwang Intersection is open 24 hours for worship. Ganesha is especially revered for blessings of success, prosperity, and smoother progress in endeavors. The area also features shrines for Uma Devi, Shiva, Trimurti, and Rahu for those who wish to pay respects at the intersection as well

What can people ask for at the Ganesha Shrine in Huai Khwang? Most devotees come to seek blessings in many areas such as career and work, entrance exams, studies, family, health, love, and removing obstacles along the way.

Food lovers

หมาล่าชาบู

  • Chinese cuisine

Huai Khwang is often called New Chinatown because many Chinese residents have moved in and established businesses—so the number of Chinese restaurants has grown as well. Today, for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, MRT Huai Khwang is a strong destination to explore flavors from mainland China 

  • A starting point for the mala trend

When people think of a neighborhood packed with mala hotpot, it’s hard not to think of MRT Huai Khwang. No matter which direction you go, you’ll find mala options ranging from all-you-can-eat to pay-by-weight selections. The area is also home to many well-known mala spots, such as CQK (ซีคิวเค), Hotpot Man, Chongqing Hotpot 99, and more, especially along Pracha Rat Bamphen Road

  • Huai Khwang Market 

Just 600 meters from MRT Huai Khwang, this is a lively night shopping spot located at the heart of local residential zones. Visitors can browse trending fashion for all genders, a wide range of accessories, and plenty of home décor items

Shopping lovers

A popular hangout for teens, students, working professionals, and families. This “Everyday Life” style mall offers a wide range of food and drinks across many cuisines, making it a convenient all-in-one place to eat, unwind, and enjoy leisure time. It’s not only close to MRT Huai Khwang but also near MRT Thailand Cultural Centre

Located opposite The Street Ratchada, this is a major IT shopping destination in central Bangkok, offering both retail and wholesale options in a modern setting. The building also includes office space. A key highlight is the convenient connection via skywalk to The Street Ratchada. Inside, you’ll find essential amenities, including a 24-hour supermarket and a variety of restaurants

Investment opportunities, hotels, apartments, or condominiums

MRT Huai Khwang is an attractive location for real estate investment. The area’s growth and local economy continue to draw a steady flow of people who want to live here, thanks to its convenience and concentration of work opportunities.

 Beyond Thai residents, there has also been a growing number of Chinese residents choosing this neighborhood as their home. Many of those moving in are younger, educated individuals who often start by living in the area before expanding into business. A common business direction is trading Thai products that are in demand among Chinese buyers (often in wholesale “packed” quantities) for export back to China.

 This activity has led to more Chinese buyers coming into the area to purchase goods to send back to their hometowns, contributing to active cash flow and a vibrant local economy in Huai Khwang.

Looking for a condo near MRT Huai Khwang? Find the right one for you on Nestopa! 

Getting to Huai Khwang is easy with MRT Huai Khwang (BL18), a New Chinatown neighborhood that truly has it all. Whether readers are food lovers, spiritual seekers, or shopping enthusiasts, it’s a place worth exploring. And for anyone looking for a room near MRT Huai Khwang or planning to rent a condo in Huai Khwang, Nestopa makes it simple to shortlist the right options. We’ve built a modern real estate platform with a map feature that lets people explore property locations and prices directly on the map—no need to open Google Maps separately. Property seekers can also chat for tailored recommendations from the Nestopa AI Agent for a smoother, faster search

Frequently asked questions

MRT Huai Khwang is on the MRT Blue Line and has the station code BL18. The Blue Line is one of Bangkok’s most important urban rail routes, connecting Huai Khwang to major areas such as Rama 9, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Chatuchak.

MRT Huai Khwang Station is located at Huai Khwang Intersection on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok. It covers parts of Din Daeng Subdistrict, Ratchadaphisek Subdistrict, and Huai Khwang Subdistrict, making it a key transit point for residents, workers, and visitors traveling through this busy inner-city area.

MRT Huai Khwang is known for its 24-hour energy, strong local lifestyle, nightlife, Chinese food scene, and convenient city living. The area is often referred to as “New Chinatown” because of its large Chinese community, growing number of Chinese businesses, and popular authentic dining spots. It is also well known for markets, shopping, and easy access to nearby business zones.

Yes, MRT Huai Khwang is considered a strong place to live in Bangkok, especially for people who want a central location with convenient transportation, vibrant street life, and a wide range of amenities. The area offers easy MRT access, nearby shopping and food options, and a strong rental market, making it attractive for both Thai residents and international renters.

Travel from MRT Huai Khwang to Rama 9 takes around 3 minutes, as it is only one station away. Getting to the Sukhumvit/Asok area takes approximately 8–10 minutes, making Huai Khwang a convenient location for commuters who want fast access to Bangkok’s key business and lifestyle districts.

Pyae
Pyae Paing Myo Author
SEO Specialist

Pyae Paing Myo is an SEO Specialist with expertise in SEO, social media, and real estate in Thailand. With hands-on experience in content optimization and market analysis, he provides authoritative insights on property trends and investment opportunities, helping businesses and investors navigate Thailand’s real estate market with confidence.

Lifestyle Bangkok

Vay Rama 9

By Angel Real Estate (for Dev campaign)
lacation
Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok
Starting Price
฿2.89M
Number of Units
171
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Nestopa