
7 of the Top Chinatowns Around the World
All the saucy dumplings you can handle. Plus a few dragons.
At the Sampeng Market shoppers can find clothing and fabric, jewelry, household items, electronics, food, kids’ toys, and more. The prices are low here, but of course it’s always a good idea to bargain. It’s one of Bangkok’s most popular markets so tends to be crowded, but that makes it all the more interesting. While some travelers visit the Sampeng Market independently, it’s also a popular addition to a guided market tour or a tour of Chinatown. Tours can be done with a private guide, or in a group with other travelers.
The Sampeng Market is centered around Soi Wanit 1, an alleyway in Chinatown. The easiest way to get there is to take a river boat to Ratchawong Pier, and then up Ratchawong Road until you reach the market, which is easy to recognize.
Most stalls are open from around 6am to 6pm. It’s best to get there as early in the day as you can, to avoid the heat–plus, it’s important to note this is not a night market. Most stalls are open seven days, although some are closed on Sundays. The lunar new year period tends to be a quiet time at the market, with many stalls closed.
If you’re looking for a more offbeat market experience, check out the Maeklong Railway Market, 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Bangkok. It’s one of Thailand’s most unusual markets: although it sells the usual things and looks like any other Thai market, several times a day a siren sounds and the vendors hurriedly pack up their wares to let a passenger train trundle through. This is definitely a fun photo opportunity.