Unmissable Markets in Bangkok you must visit

Markets are a staple in Thai culture and offer a window into daily life. There is no better way to get a feel for Bangkok than by going to one of its markets. They are cultural landmarks that reflect the city’s history. They serve as gathering places for people to connect and where communities celebrate good fortune.

For farm-fresh produce, vintage finds, handicrafts and Thailand’s famed street food, check out our list of unmissable markets in Bangkok.  

Where: 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak

When: Weekends

How to get there: Take the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station. Take exit No. 1 and keep walking until you see the Chatuchak ehntrance on the right.

Covering thirty-five acres of retail therapy, you can browse in over 15,000 stalls at Chatuchak Market. Even though it will feel like you’re walking through a maze, the stalls are laid out in an orderly fashion, in categories, which makes it easier to find what you’re looking for. The market is divided up into 26 sections selling everything from handmade pottery, furniture, and books to art, baskets and antiques to street food and pastries.

Pick up a map at the entrance, as it will make it easier to find what you are looking for. To orientate yourself, use the clock tower as a landmark. While this market may be one of the largest in the world, it still has a local feel, with many Thai residents shopping for home décor and gifts here. Bargaining is expected, so don’t be afraid to barter with vendors. 

Take home a unique collectible from one of Chatuchak’s stores selling Hill Tribe handicrafts. An embroidered Akha beaded head-dress, a Lisa tribe shoulder bag, or a silver necklace from the Karen tribe. You will find handwoven textiles and antique Burmese lacquerware at Ajai Silk Art & Décor. Check out P. Pack’s hand-crafted wooden jewellery boxes and the extensive selection of brass, bronze, and stainless-steel flatware at THL Bronze. Films Over, a curated movie collectible store sells movie posters, t-shirts, postcards and blu-rays.  

Chatuchak is known as a cradle for young Thai design talent. Here you will find emerging Thai artists and fashion designers. The Sleeveless Garden is where you’ll find full grained leather bags. TA.THA.TA another leathermaker creates top-quality leather belts and straps. Thammada Studio does extraordinary brass work and jewellery. 

With over eight thousand clothing, shoes and accessory stores, fashion dominates Chatuchak. You’ll find everything from used-clothing to high-end designer labels Go to Spun for cotton kaftans and Cotton Alley for handmade embroidered clothing. Over a thousand stalls sell Thai silk. Sumo Vintage and Karakoram sell a great range of vintage clothing. Accessories and jewellery stalls abound and there are countless stalls selling handcrafted jewellery and semiprecious stones. Backyard features quirky Cheshire cat earrings and white rabbit designs from their Alice collection. Nush sells local scarves and pashminas. Vanichet Handicrafts is one of Chatuchak’s best spots to buy authentic leather articles inspired by bikers, cowboys, and heavy metal. 

From furniture to wall art, Chatuchak has it all when it comes to home decor. You will find cushions, paintings, chandeliers, sculptures and more. Pariwat A-nantachina makes photo collages of Bangkok city. Narico stocks furniture and thousands of lamps. Big Tree Antiques specialises in rare vintage items ranging from vinyl records to post-boxes, glassware to full-sized superheroes. Blooming stocks fabrics, outdoor cushions and wooden birdhouses. WW Room offers a wide selection of vintage furniture from sofas and lamps and curiously shaped tables.

Chatuchak is also a great place to pick up wellness products or when you tire of walking, relax and enjoy a foot massage. Aromatic indulgences include fruit shaped soaps, heavily fragranced lotions, and bath bombs from D-narn. Perfumes and natural essential oils can be found at Anyadharu. Karmakemet offers an emporium of scented diffusers and handmade candles. 

From teacups to bowls, jade green plates to decorative sink basins, Chatuchak offers a massive variety of hand painted ceramics in different shapes and colours with distinctive regional motifs. Dazzling displays of earthenware and delicately painted pots and jars are stacked on floor-to-ceiling shelves. 

There are endless choices for eating street food from across Thailand and beyond and drinking sugary-sweet Thai iced coffee made with condense milk. Culinary standouts include Big Shrimp Pad Thai, Toh-Plue for som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice from Mango Lover. When you need to cool off from the humidity, head to Cocojj for coconut ice-cream with your choice of topping. The Breakfast Club BKK makes refreshing fruit smoothies. And you can enjoy Isan food at Soi Ju Club and Viva 8 serves paella alongside DJ beats. 

Where: 101 Phahon Yothin Road, Chatuchak (opposite Chatuchak Weekend Market) 

When: Open daily

How to get there: MRT subway to Kamphaeng Phet. Take exit 3

Locally known as Bangkok’s gourmet food market, Or Tor Kor Market is where even Thai restauranteurs go to source their ingredients. It’s been a fixture in Bangkok since 1974 supplying customers with the highest quality fruit and vegetables, hard-to-find ingredients, and speciality goods in the city. Or Tor Kor Market was started by the marketing organisation for Thai Farmers together with the Ministry of Agriculture, to promote local farm produce. Set under an open sided pavilion, there are twelve different zones, which makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.

The mainstay of the market is the certified, pesticide-free vegetable and fruit stalls. Among the heavily laden displays you’ll find unusual produce like fiddlehead ferns, lotus root, galangal and sadoa flowers. You’ll also be able to buy and taste Durian, Thailand’s smelly custardy fruit, which comes from Surat Thani, Uttaradit and Chanthaburi.

The clean, orderly, and brightly lit aisles of the seafood and fresh meat and poultry vendors, where onsite butchering and curing takes place, champion local producers from Thailand’s five different regions as well as from some Southeast Asian neighbours. Chicken is from farms in Isan’s Khao Suan Kwang district and giant river prawns come from Ayutthaya. 

Or Tor Kor Market’s main drawcard is the readymade ingredients’ stalls and adjacent food court found on the west side of the market. Here, you can purchase chilli and curry pastes, sun-dried fruits, and dried meat and fish, which come in handy when you’re cooking Thai dishes. Come early as the food court’s seating area fills up quickly at lunchtime, and on weekends. 

The food court is revered for having some of the best street food in the city. Seafood stalls sell fresh grilled prawns, crab and catfish. Northern Thai specialties include grilled herb flavoured sausages (sai oua) served with roasted green chilli dips. Enjoy papaya salad with chilli dressing and spicy vermicelli salad. Best street food market staples include Pad Thai, satay, pork shanks with rice (khao ka muu), and Thai Duck Noodle Soup (kuay tiao ped). At Or Tor Kor you’ll find the best roast chickens in Bangkok sourced from farms in Khon Kaen. 

Notable vendors include Pen Chan for Northern Thai dishes. The tender pork belly curry (Gaeng Hung Lay) is the standout dish, liberally seasoned with tamarind, sweet soy and peanut sauce. Try the garlic chive steamed dumplings (Kanom gui chai) at Gui Chai R-Mar. Enjoy the southern Thai spicy massaman curry at Kaeng Mae Malee. On the outskirts, on the north side of the market, you’ll find Cafe Boran Hat Yai. Enjoy the pork buns (sala bao muu) and steamed bread with pandan custard.

Sample some of Thailand’s colourful, sticky desserts at Khanom Thai Khao Pee Nong, a veteran of the market and famous for foy tong (sweet egg yolk candies) which look like golden noodle threads. Try the coconut rice pancakes (khanom krok), which are crisp on the outside with a custardy-milk filling. Khanom mo-kaeng is a traditional dessert make with custard and mung beans topped with sweet, deep-fried shallots. 

Where: Soi San Chao Ban Mo, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon

When: Open every day 

How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya River ferry from Central Pier to Memorial Bridge Pier. Or take the subway to Sanam Chai Station and arrive approximately 150 meters from the market in under twenty minutes. During the early hours of the morning, we suggest you take Grab.

Bangkok’s Pak Klong Talat Flower Market offers a riot of colour amidst the surrounding area’s streets. Stall after stall is packed with buckets of every kind of flower that you can imagine. From oriental lilies, lotus buds, local jasmine to red roses. Baskets of white, yellow, and cerise coloured orchids. Thousands of bright orange marigolds. Bouquets of imported French lavender and tulips from Amsterdam. There are also vases, plant pots, florist foam and wire, ribbons, twigs, and ornamental leaves for sale. 

Pak Klong is situated in the old city on Rattanakosin Island, close to Memorial Bridge, and bordered by the Chao Phraya River on the west and various canals (klongs) to the east. These klongs were originally created to serve as moats to fortify the city centre created by King Rama I.

Pak Klong Talat is one of the city’s oldest functioning marketplaces. It started off as a floating market in the 18th century, then it was Bangkok’s official fish market and about seventy years ago it became Bangkok’s flower, fruit, and vegetable market. 

The market is open twenty-four hours a day, although the atmosphere changes depending on the time of day or night. The best time to visit is before dawn. Farmers from across Thailand transport and ship thousands of cartons of fragrant blooms into the warehouse daily. Flower traders and florists are the first to purchase stock, followed by the city’s many hotels. Bulk sales of fruits and vegetables also take place, although it is the flowers that everyone comes to buy. 

Flowers are often given as Buddhist and Hindu offerings or used as lucky charms. Marigold garlands are particularly common, hanging in temples, on car mirrors and outside shrines. The market stretches over an expansive indoor and outdoor area. As you walk around, porters screech past with trolleys loaded with flowers. Traders drink iced coffee, eat rice and minced pork, sew garlands and chat amongst themselves. Hosepipes run the length of the market floors and blocks of ice keep flowers fresh. 

Where: Soi Wanit 1, Yaowarat, Samphanthawong

When: Open daily

How to get there:  The easiest way to get to Sampeng is by ferry. Get off at Rachawong and walk for 250 metres until you see Soi Wanit on your right hand side.

A Chinatown stalwart, Sampeng Lane Market is situated on Soi Wanit 1, a long, narrow lane that runs parallel to Chinatown’s main Yaowarat Road. There are offshoot alleyways that also sell wholesale items. It is the cheapest clothing market in Bangkok.  It shouldn’t be confused with Sampeng Market itself, which is vast and encompasses most of northeast Yaowarat Road.

Sampeng Lane Market is a jumble of stalls with fast-talking local vendors selling wholesale fabric and clothing. The pandemonium is a combination of Vespa’s zooming through the alley, trolleys laden with fabric and sacks, and random trucks overflowing with fresh produce. It’s pure Bangkok madness and the chaotic vibe is all part of its magic.

This is not a market for haggling as prices have already been slashed and you have to buy in bulk. Most of the vendors only take cash. Popular items include silk, textiles, sewing supplies, sarongs, cheap jewellery, women’s shoes and souvenirs. 

Where: Rama 9 Road, DanNeramit Huai Khwang

When: Open daily

How to get there: Take the MRT Blue Line to Phra Ram 9 MRT Station. Exit 2. It is a short walk from there.

If you’re feeling hungry for food and a good time, then Jodd Fairs Night market in the Rama 9 neighbourhood is the place to visit. Billed as the Coolest Night Market in Bangkok it is home to hundreds of cafes, restaurants and stalls. Ranging from thrift stores, local designers, accessories, nail bars, massage parlours and specialty handicrafts. 

At the entrance you will find the bar zone with a large seating area. The bars sell every kind of beer from international, local and craft beers to ciders. You can enjoy artisanal gin made from coconut, pineapple, juniper berries and lemongrass. And Chalong Bay rum cocktails. La Rumba Café and Surf Spin pump and live music and DJ’s add to the buzz.

If you are buying a takeaway and want somewhere to sit and eat it, there are communal tables at the end of the market. One of the best places to eat is Leng Zapp Volcano Ribs – easy to find as their towering pork rib displays are hard to miss. Eateries like Srinawon offer grilled prawns, lobster with cheese and baked sweet clams. Gintako sells giant squid tacos and Crazy Shrimp makes salads with live jumping shrimp.

There are a variety of food trucks and stalls selling ice cream, smoothies, and milk tea and all kind of desserts. Try the egg lava pastries which look like mochi but have a savoury pastry casing filled with Hokkaido milk, Nutella or foy tong. Enjoy Fresh Me taro, matcha and coconut drinks.

Come early if you want to get a seat in the bar zone or enjoy the musical performances. Seats are free, but they quickly fill up as the crowds arrive, especially over the weekend. Some people bring their own folding chairs.

Bring along small notes and coins as the majority of stalls only accept cash payments.

Jodd Fairs Night Market will be relocating in November 2024 to Ratchadapisek Road next to the Cultural Centre MRT station. It’s just around the corner from the current market. The site is much bigger and will be able to accommodate more than 1,500 indoor and outdoor shops and restaurants. 

Where:  Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem

When:  Open daily

How to get there: Asiatique’s free shuttle boats depart from under the Saphan Taksin bridge by the BTS station and run all evening until the last SkyTrain. Mercure Bangkok Surawong is centrally located in Silom and is close to the Chong Nonsi Station which will take you directly to Saphan Taksin. It’s about a six-minute journey.

If you’re staying on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River, you will see Asiatique’s distinctive sixty metre high, Ferris Wheel from your hotel or apartment. Local families and travellers tend to flock to this themed riverside market which offers a night bazaar, a range of entertainment and an antique refurbished sawmill. The festive atmosphere is accentuated by a flamboyant carousel and haunted mystery house.

Asiatique isn’t overly busy which makes it more enjoyable to shop in the plethora of stores ranging from clothing to souvenirs. It is one of the best places to buy souvenirs in Bangkok. Many of the shops don’t open until the evening so it’s a good idea to go for a sunset Ferris Wheel ride before souvenir shopping.

For entertainment, there are over forty eateries including wine bars and a beer garden. Enjoy dinner and a show. Depending on your entertainment preference – there is a choice of a glitzy Calypso Bangkok cabaret or a Thai classical dance show. The Joe Louis Thai Puppet Theatre offers wonderful performances. The one metre high puppets, manned by three or four puppeteers, is beautifully choreographed. You can also watch a Muay Thai martial art exhibition.

Asiatique is easy to get around due to the themed zones ranging from Charoenkrung District for small boutique shops, Factory District for trendy fashion and gadgets, Waterfront District for upscale dining and drinking and Town Square District for bars, cafes, and big food chains. 

The restored riverside restaurants, all with indoor and outdoor seating offer truly unusual promenade restaurants. Sirimahannop, a three-masted ship based on the legendary Thoon Kramom, is one of Bangkok’s most unique dining and cocktail spots. Enjoy alfresco dining and Thai and European dishes on the upper deck. The Crystal Grill House pairs an idyllic riverside setting with tasty steaks and seafood. A Chinese restaurant and bar called the Ancient Tea House offers front-row views of the river, housed in a preserved 1912 glass house. You can feast on Cantonese yum cha and dim sum. And enjoy a selection of global teas like Darjeeling from India and White Tea from China. The Siam Tea Room, set in an old, two-story wooden building, offers traditional Thai dishes crafted by Chef Aunkool Poolpipat.

Where: 51 Srinagarindra Road, Nong Bon, Prawet

When: Open Thursday to Sunday

How to get there: It is easiest to go by taxi or use ride hailing apps like Grab or Bolt as there isn’t a good public transport connection to Srinagarindra Road.

Srinakarin Train Night Market attracts local artisans, retro designers, modern-day treasure hunters and foodies. It is an unusual night market in that it has a retro-revival vibe, which strongly appeals to locals and expats. The market has three zones, namely, Market Zone, Warehouse Zone, and Rod’s Antiques. Although it’s open from 5 pm to 1 am, it’s advisable to visit the market from 7 pm, when most of the shops and vendors are set up for the night.

The name is a bit of a misnomer as there isn’t a train in the vicinity. It comes from the original market, which was situated near train tracks in Chatuchak, prior to its relocation to Srinakarin.

A great feature of Srinakarin Train Night Market is that some of the bars serve refreshments from vintage campers and caravans. There are often live, alternative music performances that add to the fun atmosphere. Expect a lively, social scene. You can enjoy cocktails and craft beers while snacking on street food. Food and drink choices range from Korean snacks from Tabak Posa, barbecue meat dishes, papaya salads, and noodles from Naughty Boat Noodles. There are also lots of stalls selling Thai sweets and desserts. 

Rod’s Antiques, owned by an antique merchant, is housed in an old brick factory. It is the major attraction of the night market. Here you will find a vintage sofa sets, wall clocks and retro signs. Treasures may include Burmese sculptures, hurricane lamps and Thonet Bentwood chairs. The vintage items and antiques are genuine and come from all over world. Classic cars and bikes are also part of the inventory ranging from a 1959 Chevrolet El Camino, an old Schwinn bicycle, to a Harley-Davidson vintage motorcycle. 

Stroll through the Warehouse Zone which features vintage treasures and thrift shop finds ranging from retro toys, vinyl LPs, cameras, and household goods. Hobbyists will delight in Japanese anime toys, Coco-Cola memorabilia and other collectibles. Here, you will even find old electronic appliances and used auto parts. The vintage second-hand stores offer racks of shoes, leather jackets, and flamboyant costume jewellery. At Double T and Zotus you will discover rare collections of vintage t-shirts, denim jeans and dungarees.

The Market Zone includes a vast collection of stalls selling inexpensive shoes, trendy clothing, handicrafts, toys, and homeware. You will also find cosmetics, jewellery and there are barber shops, nail bars and tattoo parlours. Look out for the traders with their wares laid out on the ground. This is reminiscent of how traders originally sold their goods in the original Train Market. Here you will find niche collectables and memorabilia. 

Where: 39 Moo 13, Ratchapruk Rd

When: Open daily

How to get there: Take the BTS or MRT to Bang Wa. You will need to take a Taxi or Grab from the station.

Located along Ratchapruk Road on the outskirts of the city, The Circle Ratchapruk offers a pet friendly, green escape. It is set in a series of colourful buildings amongst trees and landscaped garden. The Circle Ratchapruk is more like a European-styled shopping village than a traditional market. Although, it does offer beautiful living walls and tranquil green spaces with benches, where you can while away the day in nature.

There are kiosks dotted around the shopping area with a few unusual gems. Try Souri for macarons and Kum-Kom for traditional Thai toys and stationery. The Circle also offers travellers another perspective of Bangkok. It is set in an affluent community surrounded by gated suburban estates.

Spend a quiet afternoon strolling through the clothing and accessory stores which predominantly stock Korean brands. A standout store is Nalyn Boutique which sells imported high end Korean women’s clothing. On Orchid Street you’ll find Momotara, an inspiring craft store and Nukoy which sells fun gifts from homeware to tech gear and knitting kits to craft supplies.  There’s also a hair salon and a few health and wellness spas.

Home to mostly chain restaurants, you’ll enjoy MTCH Matcha Bar, ThongSmith’s boat noodles, the Japanese hotpots at Sousaku and Korean BBQ restaurant Saemauel. There is also an Isaan bistro called Phed Phed, and an artisanal ice-cream shop called Guss Damn Good. Cool down with a lemonade slushie from The Cream Factory and stock up on chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. 

The extraordinary markets in Bangkok are a window into the heart of Thai culture. Whether you are exploring Chinatown’s alleyways, or discovering Bangkok’s retro treasure, each market provides a distinct experience. Stay at one of our Mercure hotels Bangkok whilst in town. Each of our hotels from Silom to Sukhimwit provide a comfortable base for you to uncover new sides of Bangkok.