6 of the best markets in Bangkok

Frenetic Bangkok can be overwhelming for shoppers, but here’s a handy guide to help you find the best markets for you

1. Chatuchak Market

The Chatuchak Market is open Saturdays and Sundays, 6am to 6pm. With over 15,000 booths selling everything from Thai art to antiques to fruit and veg, plants, ceramics and fresh meat, you could get lost in this expansive market – luckily you can pick up a map from one of the guards. Spend a day here shopping for gifts and sampling the food stalls as you go.

Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

2. New Rot Fai Market

A buzzy night bazaar selling antiques, kitsch trinkets and street food. The New Rot Fai Market in Ratchada (not to be confused with the original Rod Fai Market Srinakarin Train Market, which is larger but harder to get to) is open Thursday to Sunday from 6 pm to midnight and is conveniently located near the Cultural Centre MRT Underground Station. Find something you like? Remember there is not set price for anything at the markets, so be ready to bargain with the stallholder.

Address: Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Khet Din Daeng, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

3. Pak Khlong Talat

Bangkok’s bright flower market is open 24 hours. Even if you’re not in the, er, market for flowers, it’s a fun sight to see. Orchids and roses are a mainstay but you’ll also find aisle upon aisle of flowers in every shape, size and colour. If you’re serious about walking away with a specific bunch of flowers you’ll want to arrive early at 3 am when the boats and trucks arrive with their haul of flowers from the provinces surrounding Bangkok. If you just want to take in the atmosphere, then arrive from 8 pm.

Address: Chakkraphet Rd, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

4. Patpong Night Market

The Patpong Night Market is open daily from 6 pm to midnight. Bathed in electric light, this bustling night market is popular with tourists wanting to wander one of the more edgy corners of Bangkok; lined on either side as it is with Go-Go bars, their neon signs competing for attention. If the mood takes you, barter for fake designer goods, tourist T-shirts and souvenirs.

Address: 1 Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand

5. Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market

Around 23 kilometres south of the city, this small floating market is only accessible by taxi with most visitors being Thai locals. It’s a great place for an authentic slice of local life, with fresh food and traditional snacks on offer.

Address: Tambon Bang Nam Phueng, Amphoe Phra Pradaeng, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand

6. For vintage finds: Siam Gypsy Junction

Siam Gypsy Junction is open Wednesday-Sunday from 5 pm to 1 am. The markets have made a name for themselves as a vintage night market that has a sideline in excellent street food. It’s positioned right alongside the State Railway’s main track out of the city and trains regularly roar past. Old records and magazines, bikes, sneakers, suitcases and curiosities are laid out on the street in front of the vendors’ vintage cars and camper vans.

Address: 965/8 Bangkok-Nonthaburi Rd., Wong Sawang, Bang Sue, Bangkok 10800, Thailand