Thailand has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping. The generally favourable exchange rate as well as the fact that bartering is ingrained in the culture make it easy and inexpensive to find whatever you’re looking for, especially in the markets.
Not all markets were created equal though; while many do offer similar products, there are a handful of very special markets that also offer fascinatingly unique atmospheres that can turn shopping for a purpose into a cultural adventure. Here are our top five recommendations for cool markets to check out in Bangkok:
Chatuchak Weekend Market
(Located right off of the Mo Chit BTS stop or the Chatuchak Park MRT stop)
The market to rule all markets, Chatuchak market, otherwise known as JJ market is by far the largest in Thailand and one of the largest outdoor markets in the entire world. It’s only open on the weekends, making it almost more of an event than a shopping destination. Filled with literally thousands of shops and stands, food carts and even actual restaurants, if you are looking to find something on the cheap, this is your best bet. From pots and pans to trendy clothing and jewelry to plotted plants and unique artwork; chances are that you’ll find what you’re looking for as long as you can dedicate enough time. Because the market is so large, it would take a long time to just walk from one side to the other without having to maneuver around hoards of people and through the labyrinth of narrow and dim stalls, so make sure you wear breathable clothes and bring drinking water.
Pro tip: Get there early to beat the rush. When you run out of steam but aren’t done shopping, grab a delicious and fresh coconut ice-cream as you head to Chatuchak Park—a beautiful green public space where you can relax in the shade and regain your stamina.
Rot Fai Night Market
(Located a just short taxi ride away from the Punnawithi BTS)
Rot Fai Market is set in the suburbs of Bangkok, on Srinakarin Soi 5, behind Seacon Square, one of the city’s largest shopping malls. Before the summer of 2013 this market was set along abandoned train tracks. Today it still retains its nickname as the Train Market. What makes this market special is its plethora of niche vintage shops. While not every shop fits that description, you are much more likely to find unique items than other markets in Bangkok. For collectible items, antiques, memorabilia, vintage clothing or accessories, quirky products from abroad and more: this market should be your go-to spot. Remember that it’s only open on the weekends (Friday-Sunday, 4pm-12am), so plan accordingly. But it’s more than just unique shopping: there are many small, independent bars and restaurants.
Pro Tip: As Rot Fai is a bit outside of the city, you can make the trip very worth your while by making an evening out of it. If you do want to go shopping, head there around 5pm to see the market and the interesting goods in the evening light, stay for dinner and a few drinks, then walk off whatever you’ve filled up on for another couple of hours or seek out a live band to enjoy.
Maeklong Train Market
(Located outside of the city, take a van from Victory Monument, exit 4)
The Maeklong Train Market is often mentioned as one of the world’s most unique markets, and for good reason. Set along a railroad, vendors will display their goods and fresh produce on blankets and tables, right on the tracks. If you had never read about this market, you would probably assume that these are abandoned tracks… until you hear the siren! About eight times a day you will hear the familiar ringing sounds of an approaching train, which give vendors just minutes to pull their displays out of the way. Once the train has safely passed, vendors will resume their previous real estate, and shoppers will carry on walking along the tracks, down the middle of the market to continue their browsing. It’s a fascinating experience, especially because the entire thing is taken so nonchalantly by the vendors, some of whom have had their stands there for generations, since the market opened in the 1905.
Pro Tip: There’s usually a train passing by at 06:20, 08:30, 09:00, 11:10, 11:30, 14:30, 15:30 and 17:40.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
(A couple hours from the city, seek a local tour company or taxi driver to take you)
Featured in many Thailand guidebooks and documentaries, this market is often considered a must-see for those looking to experience the unique history and ancient culture of the country. The floating markets don’t serve the same practical purposes they once did, where vendors would trade and buy produce early in the mornings to then sell later in the day, however they still function in the same way for tourist purposes. While it’s not as authentic as it once was, the floating market is still a very foreign and almost dream-like experience. You’ll speed along through the jungle canals in a narrow long tail boat until you reach the edge of the market. Suddenly your boat will drop speed and will begin floating by little shops perched on the water’s edge, docked canoes fitted with portable stoves where you can grab a plate of Pad Thai, and other narrow open-air boats selling everything from cut fruit to sunhats.
Pro Tip: Because the The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is very touristic now, tickets may end up costing 500-1000 THB so be prepared to negotiate if you’re not going with a tour. Also, make sure you dedicate at least half a day to this excursion, because the market is close to two hours outside of the city (about half way to Hua Hin).
Pak Klong Talad Flower Market
(Located along the Chao Phraya River, take the river taxi to the N7 stop)
A niche market located along Bangkok’s mother river, the Chao Phraya river; the Pak Klong Talad Flower Market is a great place to spend a morning. Although the market is open 24/7, most of the activity there happens before 10am when flower shop and stall owners come to buy their fresh cut stems for the day, and dedicated Buddhists pick up their daily flower garland offerings. This is the largest flower market in Bangkok, so a trip will take up at least an hour of your time should you be interested in walking through the labyrinth of flower-lined alleys and soaking up your surroundings. It’s a place that will tickle all of the senses; from the sight of the colorful exotic flowers, to the strong natural fragrance, sounds of busy market activity and the overall feeling of wandering through this charming atmosphere, without having a specific direction.
Pro Tip: The flower market is located just minutes away from the famous temple, Wat Po, making it a great excursion to pair with sightseeing.