Markets have become an iconic part of Bangkok, and are a staple of any trip to the Thai capital. With the increase in their popularity, more and more markets have popped up across the city. While you may not have the time to visit them all, here are 7 that you should definitely explore for the best shopping and street food in the city.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Undoubtedly Bangkok’s most popular market, Chatuchak Market is the largest market in the whole of Thailand, with over 15,000 stalls selling everything under the sun: clothes, souvenirs, local crafts, art work, jewellery... the list goes on and on. You will never go hungry in this market too, with hundreds of food stalls spread across the market, offering all types of food, with most serving authentic Thai dishes and street food. Honestly, you could probably spend an entire day, or even the entire weekend here, and you would still be unable to see everything this market has to offer!
Chatuchak Market is so big and so popular that we have an in-depth guide on it. Check it out at A Guide to Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market.
Address: สวนจตุจักร Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Opening Hours:
Saturday - Sunday: 9am - 6pm
Talad Rot Fai (Train Night Market)
There are actually two Train Night Markets in Bangkok: Talad Rot Fai Srinagarindra, the older and larger of the two, and Talad Rot Fai Ratchada, smaller but closer to the heart of the city. Both markets are incredibly popular, especially amongst the younger crowd.
Talad Rot Fai Srinagarindra is actually situated where the original market moved to when it was forced to close after the land and train tracks it was located on was later used to build a new BTS skytrain station. (Fun fact: the market got its name from the train tracks of its original location!) Today, the Talad Rot Fai Srinagarindra market specialises in vintage and antique, with unique items and clothes sold in the many stalls. In keeping with the theme, vintage cars and other vehicles are also placed around the market, creating a sense of nostalgia for a time long gone. Like any other market, there are plenty of food stalls and bars here, so be sure to grab a bite as you explore this massive market.
For Talad Rot Fai Ratchada, though it is smaller, it makes for a great alternative if you don’t want to travel too far out. You can still find vintage stuff here too, but there are also plenty of stores selling homemade crafts and locally designed products. There are many options for food here, and other than the rows of food stalls, there is a separate area at the back of the market for restaurants and bars, several of which offer second-floor or rooftop seating. Take a break from shopping and grab dinner at one of these establishments, where you can have a great view of the market as you dine.
Addresses & Opening Hours:
Talad Rot Fai Srinagarindra:
1 4 ถนน ศรีนครินทร์ Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250
Thursday - Sunday: 5pm - 1am
Talad Rot Fai Ratchada:
Ratchadaphisek Rd, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400
Monday - Sunday: 5pm - 1am
Asiatique the Riverfront
More of a hybrid between a market and a shopping mall, Asiatique is a night market just a quick free shuttle boat ride away from the pier near BTS Saphan Taksin station. Asiatique is a more up-market and higher-end shopping destination that most other markets, so be prepared to spend more. However, it’ll be worth it for the wide range of things you can find here, with hundreds of boutiques spread over 4 districts.
If you’re done with shopping, grab some food from the wide array of dining options, either from proper sit-down restaurants or bustling food stalls. Asiatique makes for a great place for photos as well; take a pic by the riverside, or in front of the unmissable ferris wheel. With so many things to do here, you’ll be tempted to visit this market every time you’re in Bangkok.
Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 4pm - 12am
(Last shuttle boat leaves at 11:30pm)
The Knack Market
Close to the ICONSIAM mall and the Chao Phraya River is the charming Knack Market. This market promotes creativity, with stalls manned mostly by locals and selling locally made products, for instance jewellery, artwork, notebooks, bags, and soap. The sellers are likely to change every weekend, so if you see something you like, you better get it because you might not see it in the market again.
You’ll also be tempted by “aesthetic” food and beverages that fit right into the hipster vibe of the market, but these stalls change every weekend as well, so be sure to satisfy all your cravings while you’re there. (Knack Market updates its Facebook page each weekend with all the businesses that will be present, so check it out before you go!)
Once you’ve gotten your order, head to the open space and listen to the live band playing that day, and you’ll be chilling in no time. If you want to support local Thai businesses and get some unique items you can only find in Bangkok, then a visit to Knack Market is a must!
Address: 41 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khwaeng Khlong San, Khet Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Opening Hours:
Saturday - Sunday: 4pm - 9pm
Talad Neon
Talad Neon is a relatively young night market that only opened in 2016, and it is one of the most centrally located markets in the city: less than 10 minutes away from Platinum Fashion Mall and Central World, and only a 15 minute walk away from Siam Paragon. With such a great location, Talad Neon is perfect for those who don’t want to travel too far out of the city to experience the lively atmosphere of a night market.
When it comes to food, seafood is the true highlight of this market. Fresh fish and shellfish are displayed on ice, and the waiters from competing stalls will vie for your attention. These stalls also serve tasty local dishes, and around the market you will find plenty of trendy, hipster street food as well. What we recommend is to grab a seafood dinner, but save some space for all the Thai iced milk tea and other snacks you’ll be consuming as you explore.
Talad Neon is a relatively small market, especially when compared to the others already mentioned on this list, but it still has plenty of shops for you to browse. Several stalls sell customizable items like keychains and bookmarks, which make great gifts for friends back home. Fashion is probably the main focus of this market, with most stalls selling a range of clothes, shoes, bags, and other various accessories, often for pretty low prices!
Address: 1087, 167 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 4pm - 12am
The Owl Market
If you really want to maximise your budget, then the Owl market is the place for you. It is located quite far from the city centre - at least 35 minutes by car from the city centre, which can change depending on the traffic - but we promise that the journey will definitely be worth it as you will find impossibly cheap goods and food here. Mainly a flea market, Owl Market also sells new items as well; you’ll find women’s clothing that start as low as 150 THB and t-shirts as cheap as 80 THB!
If you think that’s cheap, then just wait till you see the prices of the food: most delicious street food and sweet drinks cost less than 100 THB, and can go as low as 25 or even 10 THB! With such incredibly low prices, you can hardly complain about the long travel time.
Address: 14/87 ถนน เลี่ยงเมือง Tambon Bang Kraso, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi 11000
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 4pm - 12am
Chang Chui
The most unique of all the markets, Chang Chui may seem more like a history museum than a market, especially with a huge plane parked in the middle of the market grounds. Not only can you enter and dine in the plane, you can even take a slide out of it!
A creative space, Chang Chui also showcases many works of street art, from huge murals to large sculptures, making this market a great place to take pics for the ‘gram.
Adding to this artsy vibe, most of the shops here are owned and run by local designers, so you’ll be able to purchase some really unique, one-of-a-kind items. The food here is great too, with plenty of food stalls, cafes, and restaurants. Grab some Thai street food or some hipster-esque snacks and spend the night listening to some live music in this quirky new market.
Address: 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700
Opening Hours:
Thursday - Tuesday: 11am - 11pm
A trip to the markets is an essential part of any visit to Bangkok, an experience that is always fun and exciting no matter how many times one has been to the city, whether it be the first time or the twentieth. With so many great markets across the city, you’ll have your arms full of cheap and unique purchases in no time.
