Bangkok, popular for its affordable shopping centers and huge varieties of products, is a paradise for every shopper. The floating markets, air-conditioned shopping malls, and large numbers of outdoor markets make shopping a must in Bangkok. But, one thing that is required while shopping in the markets in Bangkok is good bargaining skills.
When someone likes something in a Bangkok market and wants to buy it, he or she should bargain over the cost. Bargaining and negotiating on the cost is a common sight in Bangkok markets. Here, sellers expect a bargain. That is the reason the first price quoted by them is always high. It is about finding the right and affordable price, that suits both the buyer and the seller. If you too want to enjoy shopping in Bangkok, here are the top 6 markets in Bangkok you must visit.
Top 6 Markets in Bangkok
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market
It is one of the oldest markets in Bangkok and the largest outdoor market in the world. Then, go to Chatuchak weekend market. Also known as the JJ market, it is the largest outdoor market in the world and must be on every shopaholic’s bucket list. This huge market is spread across 35 acres and has over 10,000 shops.
Once here, you will be astonished to see the varieties of products sold here. You can find books, clothes, furniture, tableware, and handmade products here. In simple language, you just name a thing, you will get it here! The best time to visit this market is around 10 a.m. This is the time when there is less crowd in the market.
Chatuchak market is divided into 27 parts, where each part has a certain kind of items for sale like plants, arts, clothes, and so on. Here, you can find things like clay handicrafts, wood carvings, and local souvenirs from different parts of Thailand, wooden furniture, ceramic wares, handmade decorated flowers, green plants, Chinese wares, trendy fashions, stones, and paintings made by local painters. And the best part of this spectacular market is all these are available at an affordable price.
2. Train Night Market or Talat Rot Fai
Another addition to the list of markets in Bangkok is Train Night Market. Currently, there are two Talat Rot Fai markets. These markets are also known as Train Night Market. These markets are popular among tourists and the local people of Thailand.
The first Talat Rot Fai Market was inaugurated in 2010 by a traditional antique seller and was initially situated near the Chatuchak Weekend Market on a land piece owned by the State Railway of Thailand. The market was set up inside the unused train tracks, train wagons, and old warehouses thus got its nickname, “The Night Market”
The new Talat Rot Fai Market was made to close in 2012 as the land was about to get constructed into the BTS Skytrain Station Bang Sue Central. Then the market was relocated to Srinagarindra Road where it is currently today. Soon, it became popular, even though it is situated a 30-in drive from the center of Bangkok and has no Subway or Skytrain nearby.
Due to its increasing popularity, two Talat Rot Fai night markets were opened a few years later. The second Talat Rot Fai opened on Ratchadaphisek Road in 2015, and the 3rd Talat Rot Fai was inaugurated on Kaset-Nawamin Road sometime later the same year. The recent market built on Kaset-Nawamin road has, however, shut down and is not in an operating mode.
Although the name, “The Train Market” gives the impression that the market has something to do with railways or trains, in reality, it is not so. You must not confuse it with the Mae Klong Railway market which is situated on a real railway track an hour’s drive towards the southwest of Bangkok. Mae Klong Railway Market is a market where the train runs through the stalls and the products are kept on sale.
3. Patpong Night Market
When it comes to markets in Bangkok, the nightlife of Bangkok is not just restricted to parties; the lively Patpong night market is a must-visit if you want to experience the excellent nightlife of Bangkok. Most of the vendors start to set their shops by 8 in the evening and close by midnight.
Some of the popular night markets in Bangkok include fake Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Lacoste products, and Rolex. In addition to the fake names of the brand, you can even find souvenirs, jewelry, handmade items, carved clothes, and carved soaps.
Many sellers might try to sell things by doubling or even tripling the price, so make sure you bargain. While shopping, make sure you hang your bag in the front and save your bags from pickpockets.
4. Neon Night Market
The Neon Market or Talad Neon Night Market, which is a Thai name is a new market situated in a convenient location of Bangkok in the downtown Pratunam area. Thus, it is known as the Downtown Night Market in Bangkok.
If you are doing shopping in the Siam or Pratunam area, for example, in Platinum Fashion Mall or the Central World mall, you can enjoy an evening walk over the Neon market and continue your shopping bonanza or taste some delicious food.
At this market, you can not just find the latest trendy clothes, accessories, and shoes, but also souvenirs, jewelry, handicrafts, tasty street food, and bars where you can enjoy live music.
Seafood is another popular thing available in the markets in Bangkok. Taikong seafood is the most popular one among all the seafood dishes. There are places where you can catch seafood from a tank and then served it on your table as a barbeque. So, if you want to enjoy the freshest seafood, then this is the right place.
On the backside of the market, there is a bar where you can see hip bars inside old shipping containers. Some of the containers/ bars have rooftop seating arrangements too.
5. Sampeng Market
The Sampeng Market situated in Chinatown of Bangkok is the most busiest and vibrant of all the markets in Bangkok. It is a narrow shopping path known as Sampeng Lane packed with plenty of small shops and stalls selling things that you cannot even imagine.
This market has been operational since the time the Chinese community got settled in this area during the late 18th century. The Sampen Market path runs about 1 km long.
Here, you get everything from shoes, cheap clothes, kitchenware, silk, toys, jewelry, electronics, kitchen items along with typical China products like silk pajamas, tea, herbs, dried foods, and Chinese lanterns.
This market is one of the best places where you can find tasty street food, mainly Chinese-influenced Thai food and snacks.
6. Asiatique The Riverfront
If you want to experience the feel of being in one of the best markets in Bangkok, then you must visit Fusion night market, then head over to Asiatique The Riverfront market in Bangkok.
Believe us, you won’t regret spending an evening here. It is a famous open-air shopping mall and a night market. With more than 1,500 boutiques and about 40 restaurants, you will enjoy a memorable time looking around different stalls.
Before heading to this market, make sure you have a map of the place as the market is separated into ten huge warehouses, each having an end number of restaurants and shops. Ranging from herbs, spices, plants, and flowers, this market is a delight for every shopper.
Other than shopping, you can enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel. While in this place, do not miss to enjoy the cabaret show as it is one of the most unique experiences to enjoy while shopping in Bangkok!