Markets in Bangkok

Who doesn't love markets? The lively atmosphere, the friendly merchants, the selection of special goods and the abundance of authentic food stalls make the experience of wandering between the stalls a joy of life, whether you are shopping or just watching. the city Bangkok Very famous in its markets, it is home to some of the largest markets in the world! The market is an integral part of Thai culture, and the locals love the markets in Bangkok as much as the tourists. A trip to Bangkok is not complete without a visit to the markets, even if you are not a fan of shopping. 

First of all - some tips

• If you want to buy something in the market in Thailand, especially in touristic areas, remember to haggle on the price you are offered, the prices are high in advance with the expectation that you will do so. 
• They came hungry. Wandering through the market can replace an expensive meal in a restaurant, with cheap and no less tasty street food and drinking special drinks that will be prepared for you on the spot. 
• You should come with comfortable shoes, some markets are huge and require a lot of walking.
• The markets are dense and crowded areas and sometimes pickpockets roam there. It is recommended not to bring valuable objects with you and keep your bags close to you.
• In particularly hot and humid seasons, it is sometimes unbearable to walk around the street during the day, so the night markets become very popular, as the weather becomes comfortable at night.
• If you are a die-hard market lover, you can take guided tours that will take you through several local markets in the city. The tours usually last 3 to 5 hours and include local food tastings and a long walking tour with comprehensive explanations in English. About Thai culture, history and cuisine.

Most markets in Bangkok are close to the city center

If you are staying in the central tourist area of ​​the city (in the area Kwasan Street or the districts next to it), most markets will be very accessible to you - on foot, in a short drive by public transport, in a taxi or in a tuk-tuk. If you do not intend to be in the city for too long and want to stay close to the points of interest and not spend a lot of time traveling (Bangkok is very big and very congested), it is advisable to stay in hotels in the central area of ​​the city. This way you can make the most of your time in Bangkok, and really enjoy what the city has to offer. 

Recommended hotels in the central area of ​​Bangkok, near the recommended markets:

The Thai capital is full of markets and new markets are established there every year, it is impossible to cover them all in a few days. To make things a little more organized, we have compiled for you the best-known and most loved markets in the city:

Chatuchak Market

A classic and long-standing Thai market that operates on weekends. This is a huge market that covers an area of ​​more than one acre, with about 15 thousand stalls that will sell you anything you can imagine. Every weekend the market attracts no less than 200 thousand visitors, tourists and locals. If you don't want to get lost, you can get a map of the place at one of the nearby kiosks, but getting lost is also part of the experience. The market is organized and divided into 27 separate departments: clothing, jewelry, shoes, bags, plants, furniture, works of art and more. And all at cheap prices! In addition, the market has a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and street food stalls, so you won't go hungry.

opening times - Saturdays and Sundays 9:00-18:00, Fridays 18:00-midnight.

How to get there – You can take a train to Mo Chit station or a subway to Chatuchuk station.

Talat Rot Fai – Train Night Market

Do not get confused, there are several markets with this name or with a similar name. The most recommended is the original, and it is also the largest and most popular. It is located at Srinakarin Soi 51, behind Seacon Square Shopping Mall, and despite the misleading name there is no sign of trains. Getting to the market is a bit complicated, because there is no train station close to the place. The best way to get there is by taxi, about half an hour's drive from the city center (depending on the traffic). The market is huge and divided into 3 areas:

Market zone - Contains about two thousand stalls that will sell you anything you need or don't need. You will find affordable bargains, among other things, fashionable clothes, toys and special decorations for the home. This is also the recommended place to buy gifts and souvenirs for loved ones you left at home.

Warehouse zone - Electronics, household items, car accessories as well as second-hand clothes and shoes are sold here. You'll also find unique collectibles and cool vintage accessories that aren't available anywhere else.

Rod's Antiques – A factory-building that abounds in antique jewelry, historical objects, vehicles for collectors and vintage furniture from all over the world. It's a kind of cool museum of the culture of the past, you can take pictures that will look good on your profile on social networks.

In addition to the three complexes, there are also quite a few restaurants, food stalls and even bars with live performances. The atmosphere is hip and fun, so it's no wonder that young Thais crowd the place every day.

opening times – Thursday-Sunday, 17:00-1:00.

How to get there - As mentioned, it is advisable to take a half-hour taxi to a place from the central area in Bangkok, or a train to Nut station and a short taxi ride from there.

Neon Night Market

A relatively new market, opened in 2016. The market has a particularly convenient location, near the Pratunam and Siam areas, in downtown Bangkok. Nearby there is the large mall - Platinum fashion mall, as well as other major industrial centers. In the neon market you can find high-quality and diverse goods; Current fashion items, handmade art (you can even watch the artists in action) and lively bars with live performances. This is in addition to quality street food stalls. The culinary specialty of the market is seafood, the most famous restaurant is Taikong Seafood.

opening times - Every day of the week, 17:00-midnight.

How to get there - Train to Chit Lom station or Ratchathewi station and from there it's another few minutes walk. The address of the market is Phetchaburi Road Sois 23– 29.

Sampeng Market

The busiest and busiest market in Bangkok. Located in the Chinatown area of ​​the city (in Thai – Yaowarat). It is a narrow street, one kilometer long, that houses many stalls and small shops. The market is particularly old and has been here since the 18th century! In addition to the diverse goods, you can also find cultural Chinese items in the market: Chinese plants, silk pajamas, dried food, teaware and porcelain, and more. The market is also blessed with excellent street food, some say that here you can find the tastiest noodles in the city. The prices are cheap and profitable, so the market is especially loved by the local residents. You can combine a trip to the interesting area of ​​China Town (Bangkok's old city area) where there are quite a few temples, nightlife and special street food.

opening times – Every day, 9:00-18:00.

How to get there - The market is at Soi Wanit 1, parallel to the main street Yaowarat Road. You can take a boat from the Chao Phraya River to Ratchawong Pier and walk a few more minutes.

ArtBox Night Market

A new and unique pop-up market. The market travels around the city in stalls that spring from large tankers. Market location Changes every month, and the current location can be updated on the place's Facebook page. The market focuses on local art. The goods are of better quality than in most markets in the city and includes, among others, handmade jewelry and clothing, gadgets and other trendy and cool things. In addition, you can enjoy special food stalls, home-brewed beer and live performances by local bands, in the many hippie bars that are scattered in the area.

opening times – Every day, 16:00-midnight.

Pak Khlong Talat – Flower Market

A beautiful and colorful market with amazing smells. In the market you can find a huge variety of flowers and plants, as well as fruits and vegetables of all kinds. The market is open 24 hours! If the busiest time is before sunset, then fresh and new flower deliveries arrive. The market has existed in its current form for 60 years. If you want to delve deeper into Thai culture and spend a few hours there, the market offers various guided tours and cooking and flower weaving courses.

opening times – every day, 24/7.

How to get there - The market is in Chakphet road. You can take a taxi or speed boat there to Saphan Phut station, from there there is another short walk.

Klongsan Market

A market with a local character, not where you will meet many tourists and where you will not find souvenirs. You can combine a visit to the market together with a visit to the new and large Icon Siam mall located nearby. The market sells any modern and trendy goods you want: clothes, jewelry, shoes, as well as traditional Thai street food. All this at cheap local prices.

opening times – Every day, 7:00-22:00.

How to get there – Train to the station Saphan Taksin or Chao Phraya River Boat to Klong San Pier.

Khlong Toey Fresh Market

A very large market, which provides all the residents of Bangkok with most of the fresh groceries. You will find there a huge amount of meat, poultry, fish and seafood that are still alive, as well as herbs, fruits and vegetables straight from the farmer. Shopping enthusiasts have nothing to worry about - there is also a lot of clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. This is a very traditional and authentic market, a fun experience for a trip even if you are not interested in buying anything.

opening times – Every day, 6:00-14:00.

How to get there - You can take a subway to Toei station, get out of exit number 1 and walk on Rama 4 road for about ten minutes.

Bangkok Farmers Market

An organic market, focuses on healthy nutrition, and is part of a political organization of Thai farmers. Yoga classes, spiritual workshops and volunteering and charity programs are also held there. Every Saturday the market is organized in a different place in Bangkok. The welcoming merchants, artisans and farmers come together to sell their ecological and healthy wares. You can keep up to date with the location on the market's Facebook page. The atmosphere in the market is very warm and friendly and you won't find the goods anywhere else in the city.

opening times – Every Saturday, 11:00-19:00.

Pratu Nam Market

A large market with indoor and outdoor sections. The goods are very diverse and extremely cheap. The market is located in a very touristic area, but the residents have not yet abandoned the place. Mainly known for successful fakes of the big brands, you can buy cheap items there like a good imitation of Raven sunglasses, fake Nike shoes, etc. Of course there is nothing to expect high quality.

opening times – Every day, 10:00-20:00.

How to get there - The market is at the intersection of the streets Ratchaprop and Petchburi, you can take a train to Chit Lom station and walk a little there.