Published By: Sayan Paul

A Guide to Sampeng Market, Bangkok

Sampeng is one of the oldest wholesale markets in Bangkok.

It offers an excellent variety of items at reasonable prices.

Also, it's no less than a paradise for food lovers.

Sampeng Market is your one-stop destination when shopping in Bangkok is concerned. It spreads over a vast area and is home to many narrow lanes packed with hundreds of stalls. It remains full of hustle-bustle all the time, which owes to the ever-moving ocean of people. It's a wholesale market, and the prices here are unbelievably reasonable in comparison to the other markets in the city.

Sampeng is mostly popular among locals. But tourists are also recommended to visit here in order to experience a whole different and exciting lifestyle. Be it the chaotic ambiance all around, the colorful stalls that boast a certain nostalgic charm, or the amazing vendors working with enthusiasm and happy faces - this market will provide you with memories to cherish for an entire lifetime.

How to reach

The market is located at Soi Wanit 1, in the district of Chinatown, Bangkok. It begins at Chakrapet and is also connected to several other major roads including Mangkorn, Trok Hua Met, Ratchawong, etc.

Hence, it's not much hassle to reach here at any time of the year. The most convenient option is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat from Sathorn Pier to the Ratchawong Pier, and then walk about 300 meters onto Soi Wanit Street.

What to buy here?

Sampeng Market offers literally everything that you can imagine. The list includes clothes, wallets, jewelry, bags, shoes, cosmetics, stationery items, furniture, toys, handicrafts, electronics, fabrics, artworks, glasses, medicines, souvenirs, and more.

It sells an incredible variety of shoes. There are around 100 shops selling sandals, sports shoes, beach shoes, sneakers, flip flops, and socks.

What to eat here?

Sampeng is an absolute delight for every foodie out there. There are many stalls selling fresh juices to refresh your soul in the scorching heat. Also, it's considered among the best markets in Bangkok for fruits and dried fruits. It's also popular for selling nuts, cookies, pastries, potato chips, and various noodle dishes.

Here, you can also try cakes, spring rolls, mango sticky rice, sandwiches, coconut ice cream, etc.

Good to Know

It remains open from 8 am to 7 pm every day. Come early in the morning to avoid the crowd.

As it's a wholesale market, most vendors require you to buy a minimum number of items.

Make sure to bring enough cash, as some vendors here don't accept online payment.