Bangkok’s markets are where the city truly comes alive. From vintage treasures to sizzling street food, each market has its own personality and charm.
After exploring many markets across the city, I’ve narrowed down the absolute best ones you shouldn’t miss.
This guide covers everything you need: what to eat, what to buy, and exactly how to get there. 😊
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market
You haven’t really been to Bangkok until you’ve gotten lost in Chatuchak. With over 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres, this is the mother of all markets.
The market is divided into 30 numbered sections, but honestly, half the fun is wandering aimlessly and seeing what you stumble upon.
Just grab a free map at the entrance 3 and use the Clock Tower as your landmark when you inevitably get turned around.
a. What to Eat
The food at Chatuchak deserves its own day trip. Here are the must-tries:
- Coconut Ice Cream: Served in a coconut shell and topped with peanuts, this refreshing treat is perfect for the heat
- Chicken Biryani: Yellow rice with tender spiced chicken, a Southern Thai specialty
- Crispy Fried Chicken: Look for the stall with the constant crowd – juicy inside, perfectly crispy outside
- Mango Sticky Rice: The classic Thai dessert done right with ripe Nam Dok Mai mangoes
- Boat Noodles: Rich beef broth served in small bowls so you can try multiple flavors
b. What to Buy
The fashion here ranges from Korean-inspired streetwear and beachwear to vintage band tees, while parts of the market showcase original artwork.
Go deeper inside and you’ll find authentic handicrafts, Thai silk, Buddha statues, and even teak furniture.
Everything’s wholesale-cheap, especially when you buy multiple items. Bring cash – most vendors don’t take cards.
c. How to Get There
Station: Kamphaeng Phet MRT
Exit: Exit 2
Walking Time: Less than 1 minute (you exit directly into the market)
Alternative: Mo Chit BTS (Exit 1) or Chatuchak Park MRT (Exit 1). Both take about 4 minutes to walk.
Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 9 AM – 6 PM
Best Time: 9-10 AM before the crowds and heat
2. Train Night Market Srinagarindra
This is the original train-themed night market, and it’s massive. Think vintage paradise meets street food festival, all spread across an old warehouse complex.
The vibe here is distinctly local. You’ll find genuine antiques, classic cars on display, and some of the best live music bars in Bangkok.
a. What to Eat
The food zone here goes big on portions:
- Grilled Pork Skewers and Seafood: Juicy pork satay, shrimp, and squid grilled over charcoal and served with spicy dipping sauces
- Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles with shrimp or chicken, eggs, peanuts, and lime. Each stall gives its own special twist
- Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad): A spicy and tangy mix of shredded papaya, chili, lime, and fish sauce that’s full of flavor
- Spicy Pork Spine Soup (Leng Saap): A bold and sour soup packed with tender pork bones, herbs, and a kick of chili
- Pad Kra Pao: Stir-fried basil with minced pork or chicken served over rice, often topped with a crispy fried egg
- Hoy Tod (Crispy Mussel or Oyster Omelette): A golden, crunchy omelet mixed with fresh mussels or oysters, crisp on the edges and soft in the center
b. What to Buy
This is Bangkok’s vintage goldmine, starting with Rod’s Antiques warehouse full of classic cars and retro furniture, then spilling into the massive rear flea market.
You’ll dig through genuine vinyl records, film cameras, and clothing from every era alongside quirky collectibles.
Everything here is authentic vintage, not reproduction, with local-level pricing. Bargaining is expected and part of the fun, especially outdoors.
c. How to Get There
Station: Suan Luang Rama IX MRT Station
Exit: Exit 1
Walking Time: 5-10 minutes walk
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 5 PM – 1 AM
Best Time: 6-7 PM to beat the crowds
3. Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique isn’t your typical market. It’s more like a night bazaar meets entertainment complex, all set in restored warehouses along the river.
Yes, it’s touristy, but the riverside setting at sunset is genuinely beautiful. Plus, the free boat ride to get here is part of the experience.
a. What to Eat
The dining here ranges from street food to upscale:
- Happy Fish: Thai-Western fusion with live acoustic music
- After You Dessert Café: Shibuya honey toast and Korean bingsu shaved ice
- Champion Kebab: Turkish kebabs with entertaining ice cream show
- Wine I Love You: A cozy bistro serving European dishes paired with imported wines, perfect for a relaxed or romantic evening
- Ko Dang Talay: A large and popular seafood restaurant known for its Thai-style dishes. Try the stir-fried crab in curry powder or the steamed fish with lime and chili, both are local favorites.
b. What to Buy
Shopping here means browsing boutique-style souvenir stores where you’ll find quality handicrafts, elegant Thai silk products, and beautifully packaged local cosmetics.
The warehouses house small shops selling jewelry, home decor, and fashion at fixed mall prices.
It’s perfect for last-minute gift shopping when you need something presentable and properly wrapped, though you’ll pay more than at street markets.
c. How to Get There
Station: Saphan Taksin BTS
Exit: Exit 2
Walking Time: 1 minute to pier, then 10-minute free shuttle boat
Boat Schedule: 4 PM – 11:30 PM every 20-30 minutes
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – Midnight
Best Time: 5 PM to catch sunset views
4. Thonburi Market Place
This modern market complex is all about fresh seafood. Pick your live prawns, crabs, or fish, and have them cooked on the spot for free.
It’s exceptionally clean for a wet market and popular with local families on weekends.
a. What to Eat
The seafood here is the freshest you’ll find:
- Grilled Giant River Prawns: Select live prawns and have them grilled over charcoal
- Scallops, Crabs, and Squid: Freshly grilled seafood seasoned with Thai-style sauces and spices.
- Oysters: Served either raw or grilled with garlic, chili and seafood dipping sauce, perfect for seafood lovers
- Deep-fried Sea Bass: Whole fish with crispy skin and fish sauce
- Hia Peng’s Chicken Noodles: Michelin-level stir-fried noodles
- Crab Fried Rice: Made with fresh crab meat from the market
- Jay Da Chicken Rice: Tender Hainanese chicken with fragrant rice
b. What to Buy
This lively wet market is where locals come to buy, cook, and eat fresh seafood.
You’ll find live prawns jumping in buckets, crabs piled on ice, and whole fish displayed on crushed ice.
There’s also a casual seating area where you can enjoy your freshly cooked meal right after choosing your seafood.
The produce section offers tropical fruits and vegetables at local prices, while the flower zone supplies Buddhist offerings.
c. How to Get There
No direct train access. Taxi or Grab is most practical.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7 AM to 8 PM; Saturday and Sunday 7 AM to 9 PM
Best Time: Visit on weekdays around lunch (1 to 2 PM) or dinner (6 to 7 PM) to avoid the crowds
5. Pratunam Market
Pratunam is where Bangkok shops for wholesale fashion. It’s chaotic, it’s crowded, and the deals are incredible if you know how to work the system.
The magic number here is three. Buy three or more pieces to unlock wholesale prices.
a. What to Eat
The street food around Pratunam is legendary:
- Go-Ang Chicken Rice/Kuang Heng: Michelin Bib Gourmand winner with incredibly tender Hainanese chicken
- Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle: Giant river prawns served in spicy-sour soup
- Go-ang Khao Kha Moo Pratunum: Braised pork leg over rice, a classic Thai breakfast
b. What to Buy
This is fast fashion wholesale heaven, with narrow alleys packed floor-to-ceiling with trendy clothes targeting the Asian market.
Women’s fashion dominates – from cute Korean-style dresses to basic tees sold by the dozen.
The real deals come when buying in bulk (3+ pieces), which is how local shop owners stock their stores.
Quality varies wildly so check seams carefully, but at these prices, you can afford to experiment.
c. How to Get There
Station: Ratchathewi BTS
Exit: Exit 4
Walking Time: 13 minutes
Alternative: Pratunam Pier on the canal boat for a local experience
Hours: Essentially 24/7 in different forms
Best Time: 11 AM – 4 PM for regular shopping
6. Jodd Fairs Night Market
Jodd Fairs is Bangkok’s trendiest night market right now. It’s clean, organized, and absolutely packed with food stalls that were made for Instagram.
The market moved to its new Ratchada location and honestly, it’s even better now. Easier to reach and more spacious.
a. What to Eat
This market specializes in viral food trends:
- Leng Saap/Volcano Pork Ribs: Towering pile of pork bones in fiery lime-chili broth
- Cheese Tteokbokki: Korean rice cakes swimming in melted cheese
- Grilled Seafood: Fresh prawns, squid, and scallops grilled to order
- Thai Tea Soft Serve: Creamy ice cream with that distinct Thai tea flavor
- Coconut Ice Cream: Served in a baby coconut shell with toppings
- Mango Sticky Rice: Perfect version of the classic dessert
b. What to Buy
Trendy fashion targeting young locals – graphic tees, Korean-inspired clothing, and streetwear.
Phone accessories, handmade jewelry, and small gifts. Most stalls have fixed prices but try negotiating for multiple items.
Not extensive shopping – people come here primarily for food and atmosphere. Quality is decent for the price point.
c. How to Get There
Station: Thailand Cultural Centre MRT
Exit: Exit 4
Walking Time: 3 minutes (next to Big C Ratchadaphisek)
Hours: Daily, 5 PM – Midnight
Best Time: 6 PM for photos before the crowds
7. Chang Chui Plane Market
This isn’t really a market. It’s more like an art installation you can eat and shop in, with a real airplane as the centerpiece.
The whole place is built from recycled materials and feels like a creative playground. Perfect for photographers and anyone wanting something completely different.
a. What to Eat
Options range from fine dining in the plane to casual street food:
- Na-Oh Restaurant: Offers multi-course fine dining inside a real airplane, combining art, design, and imaginative cuisine.
- Olive Kitchen – ChangChui: Known for homemade comfort food such as Neapolitan-style pizza, fresh pasta, salmon and pesto spaghetti, fish and chips, and juicy BBQ pork ribs.
- Yangkao Grill: Specializes in grilled meats and Thai street food classics with a modern twist. The open-air seating makes it perfect for enjoying authentic local flavors.
- Craft Beer Bar: A lively place to unwind in the evening with local craft beers and live music in a creative outdoor setting.
- Juicy Homemade Burgers: Loaded with cheese and crispy fried chicken, served with sides like onion rings and fries for the perfect comfort meal.
- Grilled Skewers: Pork, chicken, beef, and seafood cooked over charcoal with rich marinades for a smoky, flavorful bite.
- Craft Beer Corner: Relax with an ice-cold lager, pale ale, or fruity brew in the open-air seating area, ideal for winding down the evening.
b. What to Buy
Shopping here means one-of-a-kind art pieces and handmade crafts from local creators, displayed in galleries made from shipping containers and scrap metal.
You’ll find leather goods, vintage clothing, original paintings, and quirky sculptures that double as functional items.
Prices reflect the artistic nature – this is where you buy that special piece no one else will have, not bulk souvenirs.
c. How to Get There
No direct train access. Taxi or Grab is most practical.
Hours: Daily except Wednesday, 11 AM – 11 PM
Best Time: 4-5 PM to see art in daylight, stay for evening atmosphere
8. Indy Market Dao Khanong
Want to see where young locals actually hang out? Indy Market Dao Khanong is a genuine neighborhood night market with zero tourist influence.
The vibe is super friendly, though English is limited. Just point, smile, and enjoy being the only foreigner around.
a. What to Eat
Authentic Thai comfort food is the main highlight here:
- Som Tam Pa Kaew: Papaya salad pounded fresh in a mortar
- Seafood BBQ: Grilled prawns and scallops with spicy dipping sauce
- Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers): Juicy, smoky skewers with a perfect sweet-savory marinade
- Pad Thai & Stir-Fried Noodles: Popular crowd-pleasers, cooked hot on the wok with bold flavor
- Coconut Crispy Pancake: Thin, crispy shells filled with creamy coconut topping
- Roti Dessert: Thai crepes with banana, Nutella, and condensed milk
- Fried Chicken Special: Unbeatable deal – crispy, juicy, and cheap
- Coconut Milkshake: Creamy, refreshing, and surprisingly rich
b. What to Buy
This is where Thai teens shop for affordable fashion – hip-hop inspired streetwear, trendy K-pop merchandise, and accessories all priced for local wallets.
You’ll browse through racks of graphic tees, knockoff sneakers, phone cases, and costume jewelry.
Quality matches the prices (very low), but the styles are current.
It’s fascinating to see what young Bangkokians actually wear versus tourist market clothes.
c. How to Get There
No direct train access. Taxi or Grab is most practical.
Hours: Daily, 5 PM – Midnight
Best Time: After 7 PM when live music starts
9. Liabduan Danneramit Night Market
This newer market has tons of space and a more relaxed vibe than other night markets. The castle makes for unique photos.
a. What to Eat
Similar offerings to Jodd Fairs but less crowded:
- Leng Saap Stall: Spicy pork spine soup served volcano-style
- Seafood Boils: Shrimp and mussels in spicy sauce served in bags
- Grilled Seafood: Fresh catches cooked to order
- Pizza Corner: Freshly made pizzas with creative toppings
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Comfort food with various toppings
- Grilled Banana: Classic Thai dessert from boat vendors
- Som Tam Varieties: Multiple vendors offering different regional styles
b. What to Buy
This market has a spacious, easy-to-walk layout with a friendly local vibe.
Most stalls focus on food such as grilled seafood, Thai snacks, desserts, and drinks.
You can still find a few small shops selling clothes and accessories.
It is more about eating, relaxing, and enjoying the casual night market atmosphere.
c. How to Get There
Station: Phahonyothin 24 BTS
Exit: Exit 2
Walking Time: 5-7 minutes walk
Hours: 4 PM – Midnight
Best Time: 5:30 PM for castle photos at sunset
10. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
This small floating market offers an authentic experience without the long journey to tourist traps.
It’s more “market by the canal” than boats everywhere, but that’s what makes it real.
Local families love this place on weekends. The boat tour through surrounding canals is surprisingly peaceful.
a. What to Eat
Canal-side dining at its best:
- Salt-crusted Fish: Whole fish stuffed with lemongrass and grilled
- Boat Noodles: Rich beef or pork broth served from actual boats on the canal
- Crispy Pork Rice: Famous stall with perfectly crispy pork belly
- Grilled Banana: Caramelized with palm sugar syrup
- Som Tam & Fried Fish: Fresh papaya salad with whole fried tilapia
- Jackfruit Sticky Rice: Unique twist on the mango version
- Prawns in Clay Pot: Glass noodles with river prawns in aromatic broth
b. What to Buy
Fresh tropical fruits and organic vegetables dominate, with farmers selling directly from their orchards at prices lower than city markets
You’ll also find local handicrafts like woven baskets and palm leaf decorations, plus practical items like homemade curry paste and Thai herbs.
The plant section offers orchids and garden supplies. Everything feels authentic rather than tourist-targeted, making it perfect for edible souvenirs.
c. How to Get There
No direct train access. Taxi or Grab is most practical.
Hours: Saturday-Sunday only, 8 AM – 5 PM
Best Time: 9-10 AM before lunch crowds
Boat Tours: 100 baht per person for 40-50 minutes
