Bangkok’s night markets are where the city truly comes alive after dark.
From sizzling street food to vintage treasures, these markets offer authentic experiences you won’t find in any mall.
Each market has its own personality, perfect for different moods and missions. Ready to dive into Bangkok’s most exciting night markets?
Let’s explore the 5 spots every traveler needs to experience. 😊
1. Jodd Fairs Ratchada (The New Hub)
a. Why Visit
Jodd Fairs just moved to its new Ratchada location, and it’s better than ever.
This is Bangkok’s most Instagram-worthy night market, with clean white tents and wide walkways that make exploring comfortable.
The vibe here is young and energetic. You’ll find live bands, plenty of seating areas, and that perfect industrial-chic look that photographs beautifully.
If you want the full Bangkok night market experience without worrying about hygiene, this is your spot.
b. Must Try Foods
- Leng Saap (Volcano Ribs) – Massive pork ribs stacked like a mountain, doused in spicy, sour broth. This is the dish everyone comes for.
- Fruit Goddess Smoothies – Fresh fruit smoothies with chunks piled high on top. Perfect for cooling down.
- Grilled Jellyfish – Crunchy texture with spicy seafood sauce. More delicious than it sounds!
- Giant Fries – Extra-long crispy fries with various seasonings.
- Thai Tea Elephant Waffles – Elephant-shaped waffles filled with Thai tea custard.
- Mango Sticky Rice – Perfect version of the classic dessert.
c. What to Shop
- Trendy Clothes – Crop tops, oversized tees, and the classic elephant pants.
- Pop Culture Merchandise – Butterbear and Labubu collectibles are everywhere.
- Vintage Items – Small section with retro t-shirts and denim.
- Accessories – Affordable jewelry, sunglasses, and customizable phone cases.
d. Opening Hours
- Daily: 5:00 PM to Midnight
- Best Time: Arrive at 6:00 PM for easier seating, or 7:00-9:00 PM for the liveliest atmosphere.
e. How to Get There
- MRT Blue Line to Thailand Cultural Centre Station
- Exit 4 and walk 3 minutes
- Location: Next to Big C Place
2. Srinakarin Train Night Market
a. Why Visit
This massive vintage paradise just became easily accessible thanks to the new MRT Yellow Line.
It’s less polished than Jodd Fairs but that’s the charm. Think of it as a giant treasure hunt with a cold beer in hand.
You’ll find a huge variety of stalls here, classic American cars on display, and genuine antiques mixed with affordable second-hand goods.
Open-air bars and drinking spots are scattered throughout, including Japanese-style izakayas where you can grab a beer and yakitori while taking a break from shopping.
The crowd is more local, which means better prices and a more authentic experience.
Perfect for groups of friends who want to shop, eat, and drink their way through the evening without the tourist markup.
b. Must Try Foods
- Leng Saap – A bold and sour soup packed with tender pork bones, herbs, and a kick of chili.
- Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) – A spicy and tangy mix of shredded papaya, chili, lime, and fish sauce that’s full of flavor.
- Rolled Ice Cream – Made fresh on a frozen plate. Fun to watch, delicious to eat.
- Grilled Seafood Buckets – Hands-on eating with prawns and squid in spicy sauce.
- Pad Kra Pao – Stir-fried basil with minced pork or chicken served over rice, often topped with a crispy fried egg.
- Fried Insects – Grasshoppers, silkworms, and crickets for the adventurous.
c. What to Shop
- True Vintage – Genuine Levi’s, leather jackets, vinyl records, antique furniture.
- Retro Memorabilia – Coca-Cola collectibles, old radios, 1950s kitsch items.
- Second-Hand Goods – Great deals on sneakers, leather boots and bags.
- Floor Sellers – Cheapest prices if you’re willing to dig through items spread on mats.
d. Opening Hours
- Thursday to Sunday: 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Important: Closed Monday through Wednesday. Don’t make the trip on these days!
- Best Days: Friday and Saturday for fullest inventory.
e. How to Get There
- MRT Yellow Line to Suan Luang Rama IX Station
- Exit 1 towards Seacon Square
- Walk 5-10 minutes
- Location: Behind Seacon Square shopping mall
3. Asiatique The Riverfront
a. Why Visit
This riverside market offers something completely different.
It’s part open-air mall, part night market, all with stunning river views. Perfect for families or anyone wanting a more comfortable experience.
Watch the sunset over the Chao Phraya River, ride Thailand’s largest Ferris wheel, or catch a cabaret show.
The warehouses are air-conditioned, making shopping pleasant even on hot nights.
b. Must Try Foods
- Sirimahannop – Premium dining on a three-masted tall ship. Book ahead for sunset.
- Crocodile Meat – Grilled skewers with a texture between chicken and fish.
- Happy Fish – Thai-Western fusion with live acoustic music.
- Mango Sticky Rice – Beautifully presented with flower-shaped mangoes.
- Grilled River Prawns – Premium sized prawns at waterfront restaurants.
- Coconut Ice Cream – Served in coconut shells with various toppings.
c. What to Shop
- Resort Fashion – Flowy dresses and vacation wear.
- Quality Souvenirs – Silks, soaps, and handicrafts. More expensive but better quality.
- Naraya Bags – Famous Thai fabric bags at their flagship store.
- Boutique Items – Small shops with unique, curated items you won’t find elsewhere.
d. Opening Hours
- Daily: 11:00 AM to Midnight
- Best Time: Arrive by 5:00 PM to catch the sunset.
e. How to Get There
- BTS Silom Line to Saphan Taksin Station (Exit 2)
- Walk to Sathorn Pier directly under the station
- Free Shuttle Boat: Runs 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM (every 20-30 minutes)
- Avoid taxis due to heavy evening traffic on Charoen Krung Road
4. Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
a. Why Visit
This isn’t a market, it’s a street food battlefield. Neon lights, wok flames, and crowds create sensory overload in the best way possible.
Yaowarat has more Michelin-recognized street food than anywhere else in Bangkok.
You’ll witness famous culinary rivalries like the red shirt versus green shirt seafood stalls. This is where serious food lovers come to eat.
b. Must Try Foods
- Guay Jub Ouan Pochana – Michelin Bib Gourmand rolled rice noodles in peppery pork broth.
- T&K Seafood (Green Shirts) – Grilled seafood and oyster omelets. Look for green uniforms.
- Lek & Rut Seafood (Red Shirts) – The rival stall across the street. Staff wear red.
- Jek Pui Curry – Michelin-recommended curry served on plastic stools. No tables!
- Pa Tong Go Savoey – Grilled Chinese dough sticks with pandan custard.
- Yaowarat Toast – Crispy buns overflowing with condensed milk. Find the longest queue.
c. What to Shop
- Gold – Thailand’s gold trading center with 96.5% pure gold.
- Chinese Dry Goods – Dried mushrooms, tea, traditional medicine in side alleys.
- Fresh Fruits – Pomegranates, durians, and seasonal fruits from street vendors.
d. Opening Hours
- Daily: 4:00 PM to Midnight (Peak 7:00-10:00 PM)
- Critical: Street stalls closed Mondays for cleaning. Only restaurants open.
- Best Days: Tuesday through Sunday for full street food experience.
e. How to Get There
- MRT Blue Line to Wat Mangkon Station
- Exit 1 decorated with Chinese motifs
- Walk 3 minutes to reach main Yaowarat Road
- The walk itself passes through bustling alleys full of shops
5. Pratunam Night Market
a. Why Visit
This is where Bangkok shops for bargains. As evening falls, the streets transform into a chaotic wholesale market under the Baiyoke Tower.
Come here for the cheapest clothes in central Bangkok and to witness the famous chicken rice wars between two legendary rivals.
It’s gritty, crowded, and absolutely authentic.
b. Must Try Foods
- Go Ang (Pink Shirts) – Michelin Bib Gourmand Hainanese chicken rice. Expect 30-60 minute waits.
- Kuang Heng (Green Shirts) – A long-time rival nearby, open 24/7. Try their fried chicken version.
- Som Tum – Extra spicy papaya salad for local tastes.
- Roti with Banana – Fried flatbread with condensed milk. Heavy but satisfying.
- Grilled Seafood – Simple but cheap prawns and squid near Baiyoke Tower.
c. What to Shop
- Cheap Clothing – Buy 3+ pieces for lower prices. Inspect quality carefully.
- Knock-off Fashion – Fake designer items and funny misspellings like “Vercage”.
- Thai Souvenirs – Elephant pants, Muay Thai shorts, carved soaps at low prices.
- Butterbear Merchandise – Cheaper unauthorized versions of trending characters.
d. Opening Hours
- Daily: 6:00 PM to Midnight
- Note: Different from day market (10:00 AM-6:00 PM) and morning market (5:00-9:00 AM).
e. How to Get There
- BTS to Ratchathewi Station (Exit 4) – 13 minute walk east on Phetchaburi Road
- Alternative: BTS to Chit Lom, use R-Walk through Central World to Platinum Mall
- ARL Ratchaprarop Station – Closest option, just 5 minutes north of market
- Location: Streets around Platinum Fashion Mall and under Baiyoke Tower
My Final Thoughts
Each market offers something special. Hit Jodd Fairs for the perfect first night market experience. Save Srinakarin for weekend vintage hunting.
Choose Asiatique when you want comfort with views. Brave Chinatown for the best street food. End at Pratunam for unbeatable bargains.
Trust me, after visiting all five, you’ll understand why Bangkok’s night markets are legendary. Just remember to come hungry and ready to explore!
