Shopping for love

With February 14 fast approaching, many people will be looking for economical Valentine's Day gifts that differ from the usual chocolate and roses. One great place to look for unusual presents is Sampheng market in Bangkok's Chinatown.

Read the following story from the Bangkok Post to learn more about this interesting historical market.

Sampheng is a well known wholesale market, popular among shoppers who like to bargain. Sampheng market is adjacent to Yaowarat market, but smaller in size.

The history of Sampheng dates back more than a hundred years. It was home to the first Chinese community in the city after King Rama I relocated the Siamese capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1782.

Sampheng market has now become a shopper's paradise for those who don't mind the crowds and the often stifling heat.

ALWAYS OPEN

Preeda Parathachariya, founder of a cultural network group that preserves and promotes traditional Chinese values, said that Sampheng is open virtually 24 hours a day.

"Visitors like to shop for fashion accessories during the day," he said. "Then, from around 2 am to 7 am, wholesalers gather there to do their shopping."

EVERYTHING AVAILABLE

Sampheng has long been known as a popular place among teens who go there to buy cool clothes and other fashionable products. At present, the numerous shops cramming the narrow market lanes sell an endless array of products including dolls, bags, watches, toys, key rings, hats, kitchenware and countless varieties of dried fruit and other foodstuffs. You can even buy raw materials to make your own Valentine's Day presents.

RELAXING OPTIONS

For those who don't like big crowds, weekdays are the best times to visit Sampheng market. However, some shops are only open on weekends.

After a few hours of walking around the market, thirsty and hungry shoppers can find plenty of restaurants nearby where they can relax and recharge their batteries.

EXCERISES

Read through the story. Then, determine whether the following statements are true or false.

1. Sampheng market is open only during weekends.

2. Toys are available at Sampheng market.

3. Sampheng market is next to Chatuchak market.

4. Samphen market has been around for more than 500 years.