The narrow Sampeng Lane Market
The atmospheric Sampeng Lane Market (or just Sampeng) is located down a seemingly-endless narrow street in Chinatown, that’s also named Soi Wanit 1. It’s the place to buy reasonably-priced jewelry, but it sells all sorts of knick-knack.
You’ll see many tourists, but this remains a market for locals, so prices tend to be lower here than elsewhere in the city. It’s also primarily a wholesale market, so prices are fixed, there’s no haggling, and some vendors do require that you buy a minimum number of items. You only get discounts if you buy multiple pieces.
Credit cards are accepted for larger purchases, but most of the small vendors only take cash.
As it gets quite crowded down the arms-wide lane, do watch out for pickpockets. It can also get quite hot, so there are stalls selling fresh juices along the way.
A less crowded section of the Sampeng Lane Market
Visitor's Guide
Opening times: 8am-5pm
How to get to the Sampeng Lane Market
Take the Chao Phraya Express boat to the Ratchawong pier, then walk up Ratchawong Road until Soi Wanit or Sampeng Lane. You may also take the MRT (subway) to Hua Lamphong station, but that’s a longer walk to the market, which involves crossing busy streets.