Last Updated: January 3, 2024
There are a bunch of awesome things to do in Bangkok but nothing beats the vibe of the city’s markets. Be it a night market, a weekend market or one of Bangkok’s vibrant floating markets, each and every one of them will charm you just the same. We spent a whole week in BKK and almost every day, we found ourselves exploring a different market. It is a huge city and it can get overwhelming to decide what to see. Having said that, visiting one of Bangkok’s markets is one of the best things to do in Bangkok. Some of them can be explored in just a couple of hours and others, such as the Chatuchak market, you can spend almost a day!
Without further ado, here is a list of our 7 favorite markets in Bangkok.
BEST MARKETS IN BANGKOK YOU MUST VISIT NOW!
1. JODD FAIRS NIGHT MARKET
This was one of the first night markets in Bangkok that we visited, and we absolutely loved it! You will find a couple of stalls selling clothes and souvenirs but the main focus here is food. Go on an empty stomach because you’ll want to taste everything here; from pad thai to papaya salad and pork skewers to fried insects (if you’re brave enough) you’ll find it all at Jodd Fairs Night Market. If you’re a foodie, like us, then this will probably be one of your favorite markets in BKK. Word of advice, this night market is not as big as others and it can get very crowded. So, if you’re not comfortable around big crowds it’s best if you visit between 17:00 and 19:00 or after 23:00.
Jodd Fairs night market opens every day from 4 pm to midnight.
Do not leave this place without trying the famous Spicy Pork Spine Soup. It’s exquisite!
2. CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET
If you have time only for one market in Bangkok, then it has to be the Chatuchak weekend market. It’s very easily reachable by metro from downtown Bangkok. Simply take the blue line to Kamphaeng Phet and you’ll find yourself a few meters away from one of the entrances to the market; just follow the crowds. Alternatively, you can take the Skytrain to Mo Chit station. Obviously, there’s also the option of a taxi, bus, and tuk-tuk but we found the metro and Skytrain to be the most convenient and quick way to move around Bangkok. With thousands of stalls, you can see how one can easily lose track of time here. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is mainly famous for second-hand clothes, antiques, and street food but you’ll also find plenty of cool art by local artists.
Chatuchak market is perfectly located by Chatuchak park, and seeing that it is also one of the best food markets in Bangkok, you might want to combine both, a visit to the market and the park. Grab your lunch from the market and enjoy it by the lake, as the locals do!
3. KHLONG LAT MAYOM FLOATING MARKET
I had been wanting for years to visit one of Bangkok’s floating markets and Khlong Lat Mayom exceeded my expectations. It’s not perhaps the most famous floating market in Bangkok but it sure is the easiest to get to. We took the Skytrain to Bang Wa station and from there a short 10’ ride by taxi to the market.
I was instantly overwhelmed (in a good way) by the vibrant colors, the smell of all the delicious food, and the welcoming smiles of the local vendors. The river added even more charm to the already beautiful setting. We saw a few visitors hopping in one of the boats for a ride but we were content just simply strolling through the many stalls.
Khlong Lat Mayom floating market is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 5 pm.
4. SRINAGARINDRA TRAIN NIGHT MARKET
If you’re a fan of anything vintage related then this is a fantastic place for you to explore. It’s your typical night market in Bangkok when it comes to food, but the heart of the market it’s actually its vintage section. It offers an abundance of vintage shops selling second-hand clothes, vinyl records, and antique furniture amongst other cool stuff. Here you’ll even find classic cars! If this doesn’t convince you to visit one of the best night markets in Bangkok, then I don’t know what will.
It’s a little far off from Bangkok downtown but it’s truly worth your time!
Srinagarindra Train Night Market is open Thursday to Sunday from 5 pm to 1 am.
5. CHINATOWN MARKET
A visit to Chinatown is one of the best things to do in Bangkok! Not only does it have some of the best street food in the city but Chinatown market is also home to many remarkable temples. The Golden Buddha temple is an unmissable attraction.
Chinatown’s heart is Yaowarat Road, but we’d recommend that you venture off this famous road and also explore the little streets. You’re sure to find hidden gems such as small family-run restaurants and other shops.
It’s best if you avoid Mondays as most food stalls are closed on that day.
6. KHAO SAN ROAD
This is a bit of a different experience than your usual markets in BKK. Khao San’s Road glory days started back in the 80s and saw its biggest boom in the 90s serving as one of the biggest hubs for backpackers who flocked here from all over the world. You might recognize parts of the street from the famous movie “The Beach”, as some of the scenes were filmed here.
Nowadays, there are still plenty of backpackers who choose this iconic neighborhood as their home. However, most tourists are simply passing by to check out the clothes stores, and second-hand bookshops and of course, experience the nightlife.
The location is very convenient too. At a kilometer’s radius from Khao San Road, you’ll find some of the most famous attractions in Bangkok such as The Grand Palace and Wat Pho to name a few.
READ ALSO: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KHAO LAK
7. MAEKLONG RAILWAY MARKET (HOOP ROM MARKET)
This is undeniably one of the most unique experiences in Bangkok. Hoop Rom Market is not your typical Bangkok market and it requires good planning to visit it, as it’s located on the outskirts of the city. The ride by car takes roughly an hour (depending on traffic) but it is a one-of-a-kind experience, not to be missed in Bangkok.
The vendors set up their stalls along the railway and need to retract them every time a train approaches. The unique location and the perfectly synchronized routine of the vendors every time a train approach is in my opinion the most extraordinary thing about this market. It makes for an excellent spot for those Instagram-worthy photos too. The best time to visit Maeklong Railway Market (Hoop Rom Market) is as early in the morning as possible, for your chance to explore it with fewer crowds.
Maeklong Railway Market opens daily from 8 in the morning to 7 in the afternoon.
BEST MARKETS IN BANGKOK YOU MUST VISIT NOW! – FINAL THOUGHTS
Bangkok markets offer something for everyone; they’re colorful, they’re lively and at their food stalls, you’ll get to savor the best food in Bangkok. This is exactly why we think that visiting a market it’s one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
TIP: Cash is king in all BKK markets, so be sure to carry with you enough money for your shopping and for food.
