The street markets in Bangkok tend to be cramped affairs, with tiny stalls lining narrow streets in front of other shops. This panorama shows a typical scene in the Soi Wanit 1 - Sampheng market in Chinatown.

Soi Wanit 1 - Sampheng Market - Bangkok visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Soi Wanit 1 - Sampheng Market' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Central Thailand.

Soi Sampheng marks the beginnings of Chinatown in Bangkok, starting when the Chinese community was moved here by King Rama I in the 18th century when the capital of Thailand moved to Bangkok from Ayutthaya. Chinatown grew and thrived, but had a turbulent history with drugs, prostitution, vice and Triad gangs.

Today, this turbulent period is very much in the past, and Soi Sampheng is now a thriving market street, the narrow lane lined with various stalls selling all kinds of goods in front of other shops. Here you will find countless bargains of every kind in a bustling atmosphere full of smells of unusual treats and food.

Soi Sampheng was recently renamed Soi Wanit 1, but the previous name is still very much in popular use, and the market, close to Wat Chakrawat, has become one of the attractions in Bangkok, though not for those used to luxury shops and personal service!

Bus: Thanon Yaowarat (วัดสามปลื้ม) (1, 4, 7, 25, 53, 508)
Ferry: Saphan Phut Express Boat Pier, Ratchawong Express Boat Pier