Bangkok's markets are one of the best things about the city: the food, the noise, the sheer amount of everything. Some are built for tourists, many are where locals do their real shopping, and the best ones are both.
The markets worth your time#
| Market | When | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chatuchak | Weekends | Everything: clothes, homeware, plants, art, food |
| Jodd Fairs | Evenings | Night market food and atmosphere |
| Asiatique | Evenings | Riverside shopping and dinner |
| Pak Khlong Talat | Best before dawn | The flower market |
| Or Tor Kor | Daytime | The best fresh produce and Thai snacks |
| Sampeng Lane, Chinatown | Daytime | Wholesale everything, very local |
Chatuchak Weekend Market#
Thousands of stalls, sections for everything from vintage clothes to pets to ceramics, and food everywhere in between. Go on a Saturday or Sunday morning, before the midday heat. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and pick a meeting point if you are with others, because it is easy to get lost. The MRT and BTS both stop nearby.
Night markets#
Jodd Fairs is a favourite for food: rows of stalls, a crowd of young Thais, and plenty of things to try. Asiatique is on the riverfront and more polished, with shops, restaurants and a big wheel, and can be reached by river boat. In Chinatown, Yaowarat Road becomes one long street food market every evening. Things to do in Bangkok at night has the rest of the evening.
Where locals shop#
- Or Tor Kor: a clean, beautiful fresh market with the best fruit in the city.
- Pak Khlong Talat: the flower market, busiest in the early hours when the deliveries arrive.
- Sampeng Lane: Chinatown's narrow wholesale alley, packed with everything sold in bulk.
- Neighbourhood markets: almost every area has its own evening market with food for dinner.
How to bargain#
Bargain at clothes, souvenir and homeware stalls, politely and with a smile. Start a little lower than you want to pay and meet in the middle. Don't bargain at food stalls or where prices are marked. And keep it friendly: the difference is usually a few baht.
Tips#
- Carry small notes: many stalls can't change big bills.
- Go early to day markets, before the heat.
- Keep your bag in front in crowds.
- Eat as you go: market food is some of the best in Bangkok. The street food guide helps you choose.
Shop with someone who knows the stalls#
A local knows which stall has the real thing, how much it should cost, and which market tourists haven't found yet. Roavi Local Friends in Bangkok are locals who spend time with travellers, set their own rates and message you directly before you meet.
Explore Bangkok's markets with a local.
Meet a Local Friend in BangkokFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best market in Bangkok?
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the biggest and best known, with thousands of stalls selling clothes, homewares, plants, art and food. For evenings, Jodd Fairs and Asiatique are the easiest night markets.When is Chatuchak market open?
Chatuchak is mainly a weekend market, Saturday and Sunday. Go in the morning to avoid the heat and the biggest crowds. Check current hours before you go, as sections vary.What are the best night markets in Bangkok?
Jodd Fairs near Rama 9 for food and atmosphere, Asiatique on the riverfront for a more polished, touristy evening, and Chinatown's Yaowarat Road for street food.Can you bargain at Bangkok markets?
Yes at clothes, souvenir and homeware stalls, politely and with a smile. Don't bargain at food stalls or at shops with fixed price tags.Where do locals shop in Bangkok?
Fresh markets like Or Tor Kor and Khlong Toei, Pak Khlong Talat for flowers, Sampeng Lane in Chinatown for wholesale goods, and neighbourhood night markets.
