10 Popular Shopping Markets in Bangkok, Thailand
Chatuchak is still one of the best shopping markets in the country.
(SPOT.ph) One's wallet isn't safe in Bangkok—not because pickpocketing is common, but because it takes a lot of willpower to not buy anything from the several markets open anytime, anywhere in the city. Even as it nears midnight, parts of Bangkok are wide awake with tents selling clothes, food, beverages, and other knick-knacks.
If you're looking for a place to shop for yourself—or for someone else's pasalubong, we created a guide to the popular markets in Bangkok that deserves a spot in your itinerary.
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Here's a guide to must-visit Bangkok markets:
Pratunam Market
Soi Phetchaburi 21, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok
Open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Pratunam Market is the shopping district for you if you're willing to go elbow to elbow with other bargain hunters, just so you can get the best (lowest) priced goodies. The area where clothes are sold is the busiest, while other parts that sell accessories don't get that much foot traffic.
Right across from the Pratunam Market is the air-conditioned Platinum Fashion Mall. Items sold there are a little more expensive than usual, which can be due to the rent. But if you're confident that your haggling skills can bring the prices down, then by all means, this mall is also a must—especially if you plan on buying in bulk (buying in bulk = cheaper price).
Chatuchak Weekend Market
587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok
Open on Saturday and Sunday, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you're spending a weekend in Bangkok, take the BTS train to Mo Chit station and follow the people with soon-to-be-filled empty luggage going to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This shopping paradise has pretty much everything you can think of: clothes, ornaments, shoes, books, toys, accessories, food, drinks, desserts, snacks, and more.
It's easy to get lost in its maze-like lanes, especially if it's your first time at this weekend market. So, if you see something you want, just go ahead and buy it. Chances are, you won't be able to go back to that store again since most stalls look the same.
Note: Chatuchak is open on weekdays, too, but best to go on weekends when all stalls are guaranteed to be open. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the plant stalls are open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., while on Fridays, it's open for wholesale buyers from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.
Jodd Fairs
Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok
Open daily from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Recently relocated to Bangkok's Rama 9 neighborhood, the Jodd Fairs Night Market stands as one of the city's best night bazaars. Boasting an impressive artay of more than 700 stalls, it's your go-to spot for delectable bites, refreshing drinks, and stylish attire.
If you need to take a break from all the shopping and eating, the charm of Jodd Fairs is the castle attraction by an open field. You can sit down on the grass and rest your legs or you can take 1,000 pictures with the gorgeous castle backdrop.
Pak Khlong Talat
Son Palace, Pak Khlong Talat - Wat Kanlayanamit, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Open 24/7
Pak Khlong Talat was once a fish market but has evolved into one of the most recognized flower markets in the entire world—it is also said to have the third-largest orchid flower market globally. At this market, you can find just about all kinds of flowers, and it's the busiest at night and the early morning when the blooms are delivered.
From afar, Pak Khlong Talat looks like a bed of flowers floating in the sea, with a mix of floral aromas wafting in the air. You can get to this market by taking a bus, or you can go the more scenic route and ride a boat that goes through the Chao Phraya River.
Rod Fai Night Market
Srinakarin Rd, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok
Open from Thursday to Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Rod Fai Night Market, or simply Train Market, is a known train railway market in Bangkok. This night market is an open-air bazaar where you can hunt for vintage collectibles. There are many antique finds, novelty items, plus vintage clothing items you can buy for a reasonable price.
Khao San Night Market
161 - 163 Khaosan Road, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Open from Monday to Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and every Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Khao San will always be known for its nightlife, that's why night after night, the place is swarmed with foreigners from all around the world who want to grab a drink and party the night away. It's also where you'll find all kinds of markets.
Hence, the Khao San Night Market has everything a foreigner visiting Thailand would want. Aside from having rows of cheap inns and hotels, the area also boasts a night market that offers exotic street food, souvenirs, herbal remedies, and even, spa stores when you need to recharge.
Wang Lang Market
112 13 Siri Rat, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wondering where the locals buy their stuff? Wang Lang, located near the Chao Phraya River in the Bangkok Noi district, is your typical Thai market that is frequented by locals. It's typical in the sense that there are stalls selling clothes, shoes, and accessories. There are also stalls where you can sit down and chow down plates of pad kra pao.
Sampheng Market
Chakkrawat, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Open from Monday to Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.; Thursday and Friday, from 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.; every Saturday, from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., and every Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Considered one of the oldest markets in Bangkok, Sampeng or Sampheng Market is composed of narrow alleys and streets filled with stalls selling all kinds of items. This market has cheap clothes, accessories, shoes, bags, jewelry, wallets, purses, cosmetics, toys, and souvenirs, among other things. This market is known for selling its items at wholesale deals, so be prepared to haggle if you don't plan on buying 10 or 12 of the things you want to buy.
Maeklong Railway Market
Mueang Samut Songkhram, Samut Songkhram
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Before you get to Dumneonsaduak Floating Market, you'll have to pass through the Maeklong Railway Market. Here, an actual train passes through the railway between market stalls and amid market-going crowds several times a day. Seeing the sellers rush to pack up their goods as soon as they hear the sound of the train is part of the experience.
Much like any other market scattered all over Bangkok, you can find clothes at this railway market, too. But what comes in bulk of goods are fresh seafood, Thai sweets, vegetables, and other fresh produce.
Dumneonsaduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi
Open daily from 8 a.m to 4 p.m.
A one-and-a-half to two-hour drive from the city takes you to one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand: Dumneonsaduak Floating Market. The best way to explore this floating market is, of course, using a wooden boat that goes through the main canal. The boats can go up to stilt houses and floating shops where you can score fresh finds, local food, and unique items that are perfect for pasalubong.
How to get to Bangkok, Thailand:
Cebu Pacific flies daily from Manila to Bangkok. There are two flights every day, the first is at 12:10 a.m. and the other is at 7:30 a.m.
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