Phahurat, Bangkok's Little India: Fabrics, Sikh Temple and Indian Food
Phahurat is Bangkok's Indian quarter, a short walk from Chinatown: a grid of lanes where fabric shops spill onto the pavements, where saris, spices and incense are sold, and where a large Sikh temple with a golden dome rises above the rooftops. The neighbourhood grew around the Indian community, largely Sikh and Punjabi, settled here since the late 19th century. Entry is free everywhere; allow one and a half to three hours depending on whether you add the temple and a meal. It is the natural complement to a day in Chinatown: the lane of Sampeng Lane leads straight into Phahurat.
Highlights
The Siri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwara
This six-storey white and gold Sikh temple, built in 1932, is reputed to be one of the largest outside India. Everyone is welcome, whatever their religion: take off your shoes, cover shoulders and knees, and cover your head (scarves are lent at the entrance). The prayer hall is upstairs.
Phahurat Road
The main street of the quarter lines up shops selling fabrics, wedding outfits, costume jewellery and spices. Vendors rarely pester you: you can stroll and compare stalls.
The covered lanes
Between the tarpaulins, the narrow passages can be explored sheltered from both rain and sun, among rolls of silk, cotton and brocade.
The fabric arcades
Shopping centres such as India Emporium, on Chakkraphet Road, gather dozens of shops selling fabrics, saris and Indian clothing over several floors.
Restaurants and sweets
Dal, samosas, naan, dosas and curries, with plenty of vegetarian dishes; Indian confectioners sell milk- and sugar-based sweets. The small restaurants of the quarter mostly serve at lunchtime and early evening.
Spices and incense
Loose spices, essential oils, incense and groceries imported from India are found in the shops of the lanes.
Practical info
Tips
- The Sikh temple is a working place of worship: speak softly, do not photograph during prayer without asking, and do not point your feet towards the altar. A free vegetarian meal (langar) is traditionally offered to visitors in a gurdwara: if it is offered to you, accept respectfully, and confirm on the spot that it is served that day. Fabric shops often sell by the metre or in lots; haggle politely and compare before buying. Keep your bag and phone in front of you in the crowded lanes. Carry cash for the small stalls. See also the scams to avoid in Bangkok. Information checked in October 2026; we found no official website publishing shop opening hours.
How to get there
Phahurat Road, Phra Nakhon district, between Chakkraphet Road and Tri Phet Road, west of Yaowarat and near Khlong Ong Ang canal. Metro: MRT Sam Yot station (Blue Line), exit 3, about 300 m north of Phahurat Road, then a 5 to 10 minute walk. Boat: Ratchawong (N5) or Rajinee (N6) pier on the Chao Phraya River, then walk. See also our advice on getting around Bangkok and our guide to Bangkok's markets.
Opening hours
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