Sampeng Lane is the main artery of Chinatown. It's a well kept secret that few tourists manage to find. The chances of stumbling across it are quite remote as it is a very narrow lane that runs from Songsawat Road in the East to Chakraphet Road in the West, running parallel to Charoen Krung ... Read review
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Advantages: Fantastic bargains and a tremendous experience. Disadvantages: Very busy.
Sampeng Lane is the main artery of Chinatown. It's a well kept secret that few tourists manage to find. The chances of stumbling across it are quite remote as it is a very narrow lane that runs from Songsawat Road in the East to Chakraphet Road in the West, running parallel to Charoen Krung (New Road) between there and the river. The whole lane is so narrow that you can cross it in two paces, or you could if it weren't so crowded. For the most part ... ...keeping to the right. Sampeng Lane is the second little lane on your right. There are usually lots of people crossing the road at this point, and there's often a policeman on duty. You'll know you've found the place when you see all the stalls and shops, but don't forget we are talking about a very narrow lane, not wide enough for a car to go down without dismantling the stalls. The other half is over the road, going west and when you emerge the ... more
Sampeng Lane is the main artery of Chinatown. It's a well kept secret that few tourists manage to find. The chances of stumbling across it are quite remote as it is a very narrow lane that runs from Songsawat Road in the East to Chakraphet Road in the West, running parallel to Charoen Krung (New Road) between there and the river. The whole lane is so narrow that you can cross it in two paces, or you could if it weren't so crowded. For the most part it is thronging with shoppers, mainly locals, with mopeds and motorbikes weaving between them. You must keep your wits about you for safety's sake but the bargains to be had are phenominal. Clothing, fabric, haberdashery, jewelry, to name but a few. You want cartoon ties - they're under a pound; strings of diamante that cost £12.99 a metre back home - £2.50 a metre; iron-on motives of flowers, eagles, flags, badges, etc - about a tenth of what you'll pay here. Even if you don't buy anything the experience alone makes it worth a visit.
At the West end, across Chakraphet Road you'll find Pahurat, the Indian market, where they have many of the same items but even cheaper. The place is quite incredible yet we saw very few westerners down there.
If you get Nancy Chandler's map from a newsagent you will find the place mapped out in detail, but failing that, the best way to find it is as follows:
Take the Express Boat from any boarding stage to Tha Ratchawong. Follow Ratchawong road from the river, keeping to the right. Sampeng Lane is the second little lane on your right. There are usually lots of people crossing the road at this point, and there's often a policeman on duty. You'll know you've found the place when you see all the stalls and shops, but don't forget we are talking about a very narrow lane, not wide enough for a car to go down without dismantling the stalls. The other half is over the road, going west and when you emerge the other side there is a footbridge to take you across to the Indian market. Allow a good half day for the trip.
