10 Best Street Markets In Bangkok You Can’t Miss

The best way to experience an energetic city like Bangkok is with a trip down their local street markets. Filled with a treasure trove of street food, cheap clothes and collectible antiques, hit these awesome street markets to make the most of your baht.

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1. Chatuchak Weekend Market

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Anyone who has travelled to Bangkok would agree that Chatuchak Weekend Market is a fantastic representation of a street market fiasco.

Crowned as Thailand’s largest, it boasts a labyrinth of 8,000 booths complete with floor-to-ceiling display of daytime and evening dresses, homegrown clothing labels, knock-off handbags and quirky ceramics – just to name a few.

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Despite its maze-like layout, Chatuchak is surprisingly easy to navigate. However, with a weekend crowd of 200,000, it’s easy to lose sight of your shopping companions. Set up a meeting point like the Clock Tower that is smack in the middle of the street market.

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For a quick refuel, there are a couple of Muslim-friendly eateries like Saman Islam (located in front of the Clock Tower) that offers everything from fragrant chicken biryani to tom yam or beef noodle soup. A lane away from Saman Islam is the rustic Kak Jak that serves up green curry fried rice, chicken spicy salad with rice and pad thai.

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#HHWT Tip: Light clothing and comfortable footwear is best advised when visiting this outdoor street market. To escape the mid-day heat, the best hour to visit is in the morning or late afternoon.

Opening Hours:
Wed – Thu: 6:00am – 6:00pm (Plants & Flowers)
Fri: 6:00am – 6:00pm (Wholesale Day)
Sat – Sun: 6:00am – 6:00pm (Street Market)
Website
Address: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok.
Directions: Chatuchak is located adjacent to the Kamphaengpecth MRT Station. It’s also a 5 minute walk from Mo Chit Skytrain BTS Station and Suan Chatuchak (Chatuchak Park) MRT Station. For buses to Chatuchak Weekend Market, refer to this list (link: http://www.chatuchak.org/map.html).

 

2. Pratunam Morning Market

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While the city is still asleep, Pratunam Wholesale Market is already wide awake at the intersection of Ratchapraprop and Petchburi Roads. As early as 4:00am, local sellers would draw the shutters to pour out a variety of affordable clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories.

Essentially a wholesale market, expect to see shop vendors and their heavy trolleys as they beeline the alleyway for the best deals. Follow their house rule: ‘Buy more for better discounts’ and be rewarded with yields like a casual blouse for only USD3!

Food wise, Pratunam Market’s close proximity to the Darul Aman Mosque means there are many halal restaurants to try along Petchburi Road.

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If you’re at the market early, take a seat at Farida Fatonee (497/5 Petchburi Road) for Muslim-friendly twists of Thai favourites such as pad thai, tom yam goong and a local thirst quencher, cha yen (Thai iced tea). Another go-to would be the Phayathai Kitchen (68/63 Soi Phetchaburi 5) where local selections such as Thai curry noodles and mango spicy salad triumph their Western menu of steak and fries.

#HHWT Tip: Like most street markets in Bangkok, trying on apparels and getting a refund is not permitted. Here’s a tip: bring a sample of your clothing to gauge whether the apparels you want fits you.

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun: 4:00am – 9:00am (Morning market)
Mon – Sun: 10:00am – 9:00pm (Normal retail shops)
Address: The intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetchburi Roads, Ratchathewi, Bangkok.
Directions: Located opposite Baiyoke Sky Hotel, it’s approximately 6 minute walk or 2 minute drive from Ratchaprapop BTS Station.

 

3. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

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Straight from a postcard, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a tourist favourite. While the street market may not be as authentic as it used to be, Damnoen Saduak remains as a unique tourist attraction that you have to experience at least once.

Bright and early, local vendors would row along the murky canals to entice visitors with an array of fresh fruits and vegetables on wooden boats. As the day reaches its peak, these boats are then shadowed by off-the-shelf souvenirs, Thailand-themed tees and handmade knick knacks.

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#HHWT Tip: Expect food and souvenirs with higher prices as well as tour guides/taxi drivers that charge exorbitant fee. Arm your visit to Damnoen Saduak with a thorough research on taxi and boat rates.

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 7:00am – 11:00am
Address: Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi.
Directions: Situated about 1-2 hours from the city, take the public bus 78 from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Damnoen Saduak that departs every 40 minutes starting from 6:00am (50 baht per way). The bus stops about 1km away from the Damnoen Saduak Market where you need to grab a taxi, motorbike taxi or motor boat. Alternatively, you can catch a direct taxi to the market but do bargain firmly.

 

5. Amphawa Floating Market

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If you prefer a more localised floating market, swing by the Amphawa that offers what Damnoen Saduak has but with lesser tourists. Widely visited by the locals, everything from street food to souvenirs are ready to greet you as you walk along the rickety platforms.

Your main highlight at Amphawa should be the grilled seafood. Order and enjoy them on tiny tables or at the nearby restaurants with proper seatings. Normally priced by weight, expect juicy prawns, shellfish and off-the-grill fishes to keep you full throughout the day.

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#HHWT Tip: After sunset, catch the firefly cruise tour at Amphawa (along the village). Depending on your chosen tour, a one-hour boat ride is typically priced at 60 baht per person.

Opening Hours: Fri – Sun: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Address: Amphawa, Samut Songkhram.
Directions: Located approximately 1.5 hour car ride from Bangkok city, hiring a private taxi would be a comfortable option. For public transports, take a mini bus from Victory Monument to the Amphawa Floating Market. The 1-2 hour journey will costs about 160 baht. Last van departs at 8:30pm.

 

6. Victory Monument Street Market

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A tourist attraction, public transportation hub and street market rolled into one, make Victory Monument as your final pit stop before you crash at the hotel.

With shops peppered around the main roundabout, the honking traffic and roaring engines will soundtrack your shopping adventure here. Keep an eye out for wardrobe basics, satchels, phone accessories and take-me-home souvenirs.

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Address: Victory Monument, Bangkok
Directions: Take the train to Victory Monument BTS Station and head to Exit 3 or 4..

 

6. Jatujak Green Night Market (JJ Green)

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If you think you’ve seen it all at Chatuchak, wait till you meet their hip neighbour JJ Green Market.

A local flea market with a retro spin, the crowd at JJ Green comprises all the cool kids of Bangkok. Formerly known as Siam Gypsy Market, this outdoor market is neatly sectioned by street food and souvenirs as well as vintage merchandises.

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Flea market favourites such graphic tees, printed caps, accessories and cool sunnies are scattered across JJ Green. Fans of nostalgic collectibles will enjoy their time at the vintage section where everything from old-school nintendos to pre-loved clothes are sold from car boots.

Opening Hours: Thu – Sun: 5:00pm – 12:00am
Address: Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok.
Directions: Take the train to Mo Chit BTS Station and the street market is located next to Chatuchak Weekend Market.

 

7. Artbox Bangkok

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Looks familiar? You’ve probably seen this container-style street market somewhere in your friend’s instagram feed.

With local shops set up within large-sized containers, go nuts on quirky accessories, independent clothing labels and one-of-a-kind souvenirs – mostly made by homegrown purveyors.

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They also have live music and jam sessions to put you in the mood. The thing about Artbox is that their pop-up dates remain a mystery until the big reveal on social media. Only open on selected weekends of the month, be sure to follow them on Facebook for their upcoming appearance

Opening Hours: Selected Fri to Sun: 3:00pm – 12:00am
Website
Address: Location varies but past venues indicate that Artbox is held within walking distance from a local train station. (Previously, BTS Phrom Phang and MRT Queen Sirikit)

8. Asiatique the Riverfront

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Asiatique the Riverfront feels like a rebirth of the old Suan Lam Night Market that used to reside by the Chao Phraya River. Akin to a retail boulevard, Asiatique is widely labelled as a modern street market complete with a massive ferris wheel.

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Open in the evenings, catch similar street market favourites from summer dresses to quirky knick knacks. Then again, there’s no harm in spending some bahts at the popular Naraya store where floral bags and pouches are aplenty.

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If you’re hungry, swing by Champion Kebab kiosk for their selections of chicken or beef kebab. To finish off with something sweet, order a serving of their authentic Turkish ice cream

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 5:00pm – 12:00am
Address: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Prayakrai District, Bangkor Laem, Bangkok.
Website
Directions: Take the train to Saphan Taksin Station and follow the signs to Asiatique’s shuttle boat that will take you directly to the entrance for free (service hour is 4:00pm-11:30pm).

 

9. Talad Rot Fai Market Srinakarin

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Partly a hipster hangout, the Talad Rod Fai is one of the more exciting night markets in Bangkok.

Featuring stalls of purse-friendly apparels and accessories, snap up some wardrobe staples, casual footwear, fancy phone covers and local snacks before your trip home.

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The highlight of this local street market is the variety of retro finds that feeds any old souls. Imagine old-school Vespas, dusty antiques as well as Harley bikes – all within the same space!

Food wise, there are plenty of Muslim-friendly stalls at Talad Rod Fai. Aside from the Thai stir-fry and fried chicken, order the fiery tom yam from the market’s open-air food court.

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Opening Hours: Thu – Sun: 5:00pm – 12:00am
Address: Srinakarin Soi 51, Bangkok.
Directions: Take the train to On Nut BTS station and take the taxi to the street market. This one is located behind Seacon Square Shopping Mall.

 

10. Talad Rot Fai 2 Market Ratchada

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Just as fanciful as the original Talad Rod Fai in Srinakarin, the Ratchada version offers the same quirks with a lesser crowd.

Stuffed with everything from summer dresses to soft toys, spend extra time at the vintage section where antiques and automobiles are on display, accompanied by Thai pop tunes blasting from a Volkswagen van.

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While your girlfriend or sisters are off shopping, join the rest of the boys for a quick haircut at this makeshift barber shop.

#HHWT Tip: Thanks to the street market’s popularity among the locals, clothing and souvenirs are said to be cheaper than the likes of Chatuchak.

Opening Hours: Thu – Sun: 5:00pm – 12:00am
Address: Ratcadaphisek Road (close to Esplanade Shopping Mall)
Directions: Take the train to Thailand Cultural MRT Station and walk to Exit 3 where the street market is only a few minutes away. The street market is located behind Esplanade Shopping Mall.

 

Now that you have ten reasons to shop till you drop in Bangkok, it’s time to explore these street markets with a canvas bag in tow. One thing is for sure, the Land of Smiles definitely knows the secret to keep our spirits up and our purses happy.