The Best Markets in Bangkok for a Local Experience

When it comes to tapping into the culture of a new city, nothing quite beats visiting its local markets. In Bangkok, markets act as microcosms of the city. They are unique spaces where you can get a sense of community, culture, and history through food, handicrafts, and fashion while interacting with local chefs, artisans, and vendors. 

There are so many sprawling markets in Bangkok that chances are you'll stumble across at least a few during your visit. But if you're not sure where to start, this guide has got you covered with some of the best markets in Bangkok that everyone should visit.

Whether you're looking for authentic street food, trendy boutiques and food trucks, or eclectic flea markets, visiting each of the markets on this list will show you a totally different side of this diverse and dynamic capital city. 

With 35 acres and over 15,000 stalls of retail therapy, the Chatuchak Weekend Market (aka JJ Market) is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world and one of the most popular markets in Bangkok for locals and tourists alike. It's mazelike, crowded, and chaotic, but you can find virtually anything here. 

Luckily, there is some sort of method to the madness. The stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market are divided into 26 sections, each featuring vendors selling similar goods, from fashion, home décor, and hill tribe handicrafts to Thai antiques, art, and leather goods. If you're feeling peckish, there's an entire food court, too. 

To make things easier, be sure to pick up a map from one of the kiosks near the entrance. 

Where: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok

When: Friday, 6pm to midnight (limited stalls); Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 6pm.

How to get there: Ride the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit Station. Use exit No. 1 and keep walking until you see the Chatuchak entrance on the right.

Where to stay: Mercure Bangkok Makkasan is steps away from the Phetchaburi MRT Station and an easy 15-minute ride to the Chatuchak Park MRT Station. This modern four-star hotel makes a great home base with artsy rooms, a rooftop pool, a fitness centre, and all-day dining. 

The Srinakarin Train Night Market (or Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin in Thai) is one of the coolest markets in Bangkok to visit if you want to get a feel for how locals and expats spend their weekend evenings. As much as this is a place to shop for vintage clothes and collectables, the Srinakarin Train Night Market is also a hip spot to grab dinner and drinks with friends, groove to live music, and just soak up the retro-revival vibes. 

The market has three zones. Market Zone features 2,000 stalls selling things like trendy clothes, handicrafts, and homeware. The Warehouse Zone is where you'll find cool collectables and second-hand electronics, while Rod’s Antiques features a wonderfully eclectic collection of vintage finds, all housed in an old factory-style building. 

After you're done shopping, pay a visit to one of the revamped VW camper vans, where you can order everything from Korean snacks and modern Thai dishes to craft beers and stiff cocktails. 

Where: 1, 4 Srinagarindra Rd, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok (behind Seacon Square mall)

When: Thursday through Sunday, 5pm to 1am

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

Locals love Wang Lang Market for its wallet-friendly street food stalls and restaurants. You'll find this buzzing Bangkok market spread out along the Chao Phraya River, right next to the Wang Lang Ferry Port and Siriraj Hospital. This isn't a hyper-touristy market, so you can expect lower prices and a wide variety of authentic Thai foods.

It gets packed with university students and hospital workers around lunchtime. So do as the locals do and make a meal out of the market's delicious oyster omelettes, curries, roti, coconut pancakes, or mango sticky rice, to name just a few of the many Thai classics on offer. 

Where:  112 13 Wang Lang Rd, Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok (next to Siriraj Hospital)

When: Daily, 9am to 6pm

How to get there: Take a boat along the Chao Phraya River to Wang Lang (stop No. 10).

For one of the most unique markets in Bangkok, pay a visit to Sampeng Lane Market in Yaowarat (Chinatown). The market dates back to 1782, when the Chinese community first settled in this neighbourhood. Today, you'll still find stalls and shops packed all along this narrow one-kilometre-long alleyway, Soi Wanit 1.

From herbs, tea, and dried goods to clothing, homeware, and Chinese-Thai street food, the goods on offer here are both eclectic and intriguing. If Soi Wanit 1 becomes too congested for you, feel free to wander around the surrounding alleyways, which are home to even more humble shops and some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chinatown. 

Where: Soi Wanit 1, Yaowarat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

When: Daily, 9am to 5pm

How to get there: The easiest way to get to Sampeng Lane Market is via the Chao Phraya River Express boat to Ratchawong Pier. From here, walk for 250 metres until you see Soi Wanit on your right-hand side.

Where to stay: The Chinatown area is a great place to stay for a more local Bangkok experience. Mercure Bangkok Surawong is a quick 5-minute drive to Chinatown and Sampeng Lane Market. This place has ultra-stylish rooms, an awesome rooftop pool and bar, and an authentic Chinese restaurant. Plus, you'll be near the Chao Phraya River, so you can easily catch a boat to the heart of Chinatown.

Much like Srinakarin Train Night Market, Chang Chui Plane Market is another hub for Bangkok's cool and creative types. You'll know you're at the right place when you spot the massive decommissioned airplane, which has been transformed into a fine-dining restaurant.

Visit on a Saturday or Sunday night and this place will be buzzing. Explore the "Green Zone" and you'll find loads of cool vintage shops, Instagrammable street art and art installations, trendy restaurants, and even live music and performances. For those who want to imbibe, the “Night Zone” is where you'll find Chang Chui's bars and pubs selling everything from craft beer to craft cocktails. 

Where: 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd, Bang Phlat, Bangkok

When: Daily, 11 am to 11 pm, with the night market open from 4pm to 11pm Tuesday to Sunday; for the full experience, it's best to visit in the evenings on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. 

How to get there: It's best to take a Grab or Bolt to reach the market. 

Located in the historic old town, near the Chao Phraya River and Memorial Bridge, the Bangkok Flower Market (or Pak Khlong Talat) is the sweetest-smelling market in town.

One for anthophiles as much as photographers, you'll find all manner of flowers and plants being sold at this wholesale market. From lilies and lotus blossoms to roses, jasmine, orchids, marigolds, and more, this market is a feast for the eyes and nose.  

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

When: Daily, 24/7; it's best to visit from 2am to 5am, when stocks have just been replenished and things are bustling.

How to get there: Given the early wake-up call, it's best to take a Grab or Bolt.

The best markets in Bangkok for first-time visitors are the Chatuchak Weekend Market, to explore one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, and Chinatown's Sampeng Lane Market, to experience a completely different side of the city. Amphawa Floating Market, Ong Ang Walking Street, and Asiatique the Riverfront are also very touristy options perfect for first-timers. 

The best night markets in Bangkok include Srinakarin Train Night Market and Chang Chui Plane Market for vintage shops, Insta-worthy art, and trendy bars and restaurants. For a more authentic night market experience, Chinatown (Yaowarat) Night Market is known for its incredible Thai-Chinese street food stalls and vibrant atmosphere.

Must-visit Bangkok markets for street food lovers are Chinatown's Night Market and Sampeng Lane Market for authentic Chinese food, Wang Lang Market for budget-friendly Thai classics, Srinakarin Train Night Market for craft beer and Insta-famous foods, and Ratchawat Market for a truly local experience. 

You can reach many of the markets on this list by using public transportation. Simply put the address into Google Maps, and it will tell you if there is a BTS Skytrain or MRT Subway stop near you. If public transportation is not convenient, you can always hail a taxi or use a ride-hailing app to get a ride (Grab and Bolt are both popular in Bangkok).  

Vendors in the more traditional and old-school markets in Bangkok will only accept cash. So it's always best to come prepared with small bills in case they don't have change. If you're planning on eating, having hand sanitiser or wipes on hand is always a good idea.