Samphanthawong is one of the 50 districts (khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. Regarded as Bangkok's Chinatown, it is the smallest district in area but has the highest population density of Bangkok's districts. Neighbouring districts are (from north clockwise) Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bang Rak, Khlong San (across Chao Phraya River), and Phra Nakhon.
The area has been a Chinese community since the early days of Bangkok. Originally living in what is now the Phra Nakhon District, they were relocated here when the capital was set up. The narrow Sampheng Lane (now called Wanit I Road) was the district's main street until Yaowarat Road was constructed in 1892 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. Sampheng Lane is depicted on the back of series 15 20 baht banknotes, to commemorate an important post-World War II visit by young king Rama VIII (accompanied by HM's brother, Prince Bhumibol, with his ever-present camera). Nowadays, Yaowarat Road remains the heart of Bangkok's Chinatown.
The area now in the Samphanthawong District was once three separate amphoes, Samphanthawong, Sam Yaek, and Chakkrawat established on 15 October 1915 where old districts were overhauled and replaced by 25 new districts to cover inner part of Bangkok. Amphoe Sam Yaek and Amphoe Chakkrawat were later merged into Amphoe Samphanthawong. The three former districts are now sub-districts.
Some of well-known Thai Buddhist temples in the district are: Wat Traimit, Wat Pathum Khongkha, Wat Chakkrawat and Wat Samphanthawongsaram. Many Chinese temples and shrines are also here, including: Leng Buai Ia Shrine, Ah Nia Geng Shrine, Guan Yu Shrine, Thien Fah Foundation, Bunyasamakhom Shrine and, Chó-su-kong Shrine.