Wholesale clothing shopping in Bangkok’s Sampeng Market

Retail

Mar 15

Located in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Sampeng Market is a hidden shopping gem. A narrow alleyway stretching for about 400 meters, it may not be as highly-visited from tourists as Chatuchak market or Pratunam but locals most certainly flock to Sampeng market not just for the bargains but for the food and a glimpse of old Thai life.

What’s the vibe like in Sampeng Market?

Crowded, humid, gritty. But loads of charm and great fun.

Not unlike most markets in Bangkok, Sampeng Market is a bustling scene of pedestrian traffic, push carts, worn out scooters, and the occasional truck of fresh produce. During the day, the narrow lanes are even more chaotic with rows of stalls selling a wide range of goods.

But such is the charm of a typical Bangkok market, only in Sampeng this blends with Old City charm, being in Chinatown and in close proximity to the Grand Palace (Wat Prakaew).

**One of Sampeng market’s many side streets**

What does the market sell?

The most popular items to look out for at Sampeng market include women’s clothes and shoes, silk sarongs, jewellery, home decor and souvenirs, toys, handicrafts, and Thai snacks. Fun fact! Most Thai shops all over Bangkok first buy their stock here to resell elsewhere.

The market is located on Soi Wanit 1, a narrow strip of road running 400 meters in parallel to Chinatown’s main Yaowarat Road. The retail shops aren’t only restricted to this street, as there are plenty more stalls in the surrounding alleys and side streets. It’s a sensible idea to take a couple of hours to fully cover the whole area.

A wholesale clothing paradise

Single item purchases, beware! The best deals in Sampeng market are available when you buy in bulk (about 10 pieces). Patience is key here and prepare to haggle a little bit, in fact as it’s wholesale, it’s expected. Do note that most shops prefer cash. Keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful where you are going, Sampeng market is a busy market, so you will sometimes need to make way for other busy shoppers, or messengers on motorbikes, or shop workers with pushcarts transporting large products in and out of the market. Daunting as this may sound, these all add to the charm of Sampeng market.

Food, glorious Thai food

A stone’s throw away from Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat), Sampeng Market is no stranger to good Thai and Chinese food. While there’s plenty of street food carts within the market itself, you can also head to the main road, Yaowarat Road, and you’re more spoiled for choice.

How to get there? Best times to visit?

Sampeng Market is on Soi Wanit 1, Yaowarat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

Nearest train station: MRT Wat Mangkon

Sampheng market trading hours is open 24/7. During the day it is open from 8am to 5pm. At night, most shops are open from 11pm but most customers who are resellers come between 1am and 6am.

OJ Quevedo