Craft supplies in Sampeng market in Chinatown, Bangkok
Sampeng, in Bangkok’s China town, is a market-lined array of streets selling everything from gold, chinese food and medicines, craft supplies, hair decoration, plastic packaging and tools, leather goods and lots more. It’s main area is around the intersection of Tha Nam Rajawong Rd and Yaowarat Rd. The area is particularly well known for its vast range of craft supplies selling ribbons, fabric flowers, beads, and hair decorations.
It is always crowded, and the traffic is a complete nightmare at all times. The best way to reach it is with the underground train to Hua Lampong station and then walk around 2 km to Sampeng. That will get you there before a taxi, but it can be hot and polluted.
If you are looking for craft supplies, a little alley about 100 on the left after the intersection on Tha Nam Rajawong Rd, leads you slowly to crafter’s heaven. The reason it is slowly, is because the narrow alleyway is always crowded, and it is only about 2-3 meters wide. On top of that, there are always pushcarts selling food, and motorcycles loaded with merchandise shouting for gangway. The prices are keen, and the selection is large, but seems to be a bit predictable after time. Ribbons, decotrative items, embellishments are all available, and many shopowners speak some english.
Its not the most pleasant experience, especially in the hot season, but certainly is interesting. It is worth taking a walk to the end of Thanam Rajawong Rd, to have a look at the river, and enjoy the crumbling architecture of some of the original building, and definitely a pleasure to have a cool beer at a restaurant overlooking the river.