Sampheng Market
A wholesale maze in Chinatown where socks go for 10 baht and scooters push through the crowd.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 23:00–05:00, Sun 09:00–17:00
- Haggle at Markets, Not Malls
- Prices at market stalls are negotiable — start at 50–60% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Fixed-price shops and malls don't haggle. Smile and keep it friendly; aggressive bargaining is considered rude.
Tours that include Sampheng Market
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Sampheng Market.
This placeSampheng Market: tickets, guides & combos
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FoodStreet-food tours in Bangkok
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See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Come here to buy, not to browse. This is a wholesale market first, a long narrow corridor of shops that branches into side lanes and keeps going, selling fabrics, beads, sequins, ribbons, hair clips, bags, kitchen utensils, phone accessories and souvenirs. Prices are genuinely low, lower than Chatuchak or the night markets, but a lot of it comes with minimum quantities. Accessories at 10 baht each, minimum twelve. Socks in bulk for 10 to 20 baht a pair. If you only want one of something, you'll have less fun.
It gets hot and packed, and scooters shove their way through the same alleys you're walking down. Reviewers who came without a shopping list say the stalls start blending into one after a while, and it's hard going with small children. Bring cold water. There are pop-up food stalls scattered among the shops, and youtiao for 3 baht is worth stopping for. The Chinese restaurants around the market are part of the appeal too.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026 · How we check places
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Sampheng Market, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This is one of my favourite places to go to in Bangkok. It's a rustic place but full of charm in is own way. There are plenty of market stalls to buy food, fruits, veggies, snacks and try some local Thai foods. You can buy toys and souvenirs easily and of course the Chinese restaurants are great here too. It's a great spot to walk around with family and friends.
Sampheng Market is a tunnel like market place with shops on the left and right. It resembles a maze as well coz which ever turn you take, there are more and more shops to be seen😬. This is a bargain paradise for fabrics lovers. You can find all kinds of fabrics and patterns from pure cottons to chiffons and Thai silks. You can find all kinds of fashion accessories as well from beads, sequins, ribbons, hair clips to bags and clothes. There are household products like kitchen utensils, phone accessories and food plastic containers. You can see vendors pushing their carts selling Thai desserts, fresh fruits and many varieties of street food. Outside the market, there's the Memorial Bridge over the Chao Phraya River. There are more street food on the left and right side of the river. I think this place will be lively with night life drinking and eating. 😁😎
It was interesting to walk down the narrow market road. The sheer scale is impressive. We didn't really look for anything to buy and became quite overwhelmed with crowds and traffic as scooters try to push through. Sadly there aren't too many foot stalls mixed with the souvenir and knickknack shops. The wares and stores become a little repetitive as everything on offer blends into one.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 15,008 reviews on Google.
ถนน จักรวรรดิ Khwaeng Chakkrawat, เขต จักรวรรดิ์, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore markets & shopping nearby
All within 6 min walk of Sampheng Market.
Ong Ang Walking Street
A weekend canal-side night market in Bangkok's Old City, open Friday to Sunday from 4–10 PM.
Mega Plaza Saphan Lek
A whole mall given over to toys, figures and collectibles, floor after floor of them.
China World
Fabric and garment wholesale over several floors, best hit mid-morning before Phahurat gets loud.
Walking Street @ Yaowarat Old Market
Come hungry after dark, walk the side alleys, and don't bring a big group.
Tips for Visiting Markets & Shopping
Arrive Early or Late
Vendors believe the first sale of the day is lucky — you'll often get a better deal if you arrive right when the market opens. Late in the evening, sellers may also discount to avoid packing unsold goods.
Be Cautious with Tailors
Bangkok has excellent tailors, but also many tourist traps. Avoid anyone offering suspiciously cheap suits or who approaches you on the street. Ask your hotel for recommendations, read reviews, and always get two fittings.
Claim Your VAT Refund
Spend 2,000+ THB at a single store displaying 'VAT Refund for Tourists' signs, get a yellow form at the register, and claim 7% VAT back at the airport. It adds up fast on bigger purchases.
Sampheng Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sampheng Market worth visiting?
Sampheng Market holds a 4.5★ rating from 15,008 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated markets & shopping in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of Sampheng Market?
Sampheng Market is typically open 23:00-05:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Sampheng Market?
The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).
Where is Sampheng Market located?
Sampheng Market is at ถนน จักรวรรดิ Khwaeng Chakkrawat, เขต จักรวรรดิ์, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
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