Bangkok is the gateway for travelers who are backpacking through Southeast Asia. This exciting and vibrant megacity has plenty to offer for shoppers and foodies, thanks to the numerous markets in the city. The markets usually showcase all sorts of fresh ingredients for cooking, as well as tasty street food. The night markets also offer good deals on local goods and clothing and you can get some of the best food and drink floating through one of the city’s many river markets. Here’s a look at the eight best markets in Bangkok.
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is an extremely popular destination in Bangkok, for both locals and tourists. Here, you can find just about any thing you want, from local fabrics to affordable souvenirs. It’s a crowded place and the heat might get to you, but you can spend hours here, exploring every nook and cranny of this wonderful market.
You can even find antiques and wood carvings here and the food selection is plentiful. Fresh seafood and just about every Thai dish you can possibly imagine are on offer here, plus, you can enjoy a smoothie or beer if you are looking to find respite from the scorching heat.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Address: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Website: Chatuchak Weekend Market
2. Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
The Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market overloads the senses and the smell of freshly cut flowers wafts through this colorful and vibrant market. This is a great place to visit if you want to get some flowers to take to a temple, and the vendors are very skilled in creating elegant displays. This market offers a more relaxing experience compared to many of the other busier markets in Bangkok.
Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
Address: 116 Chakphet Rd, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
3. Nonthaburi Market
Nonthaburi Market, in Bangkok, is a dream location for chefs and foodies. This is where you will find all sorts of fresh produce, from all over Thailand. There are mountains of fresh vegetables and fruit and something new and exciting to explore, around every corner. This is a market that the locals use and it’s not a tourist trap, so if you want an authentic experience, this is the place for you.
Nonthaburi Market
Address: Pibulsomklam Road, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
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4. Khlong Toei Market
Khlong Toei Market has an absolutely astounding selection of fish, meat, reptiles, spices, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and rice. Any of the street food you’ve tried in Bangkok probably originates in Khlong Toei. It’s the largest wet market in the city, and you will even see plenty of live animals, that will end up as someone’s dinner by the end of the day. It doesn’t get much more authentic than this.
Khlong Toei Market
Address: Rama IV Road | Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
5. Or Tor Kor Market
If you love food and have a bit of a pretentious side then Or Tor Kor is the market for you. This market feels more like Singapore than Bangkok, because of its ultra-clean setting. This is essentially a food court, with thousands of different Thai dishes to try. Think of it as a giant buffet, with all your favorite Thai food. There is also fresh seafood and other produce available, if you want to cook things at home.
Or Tor Kor Market
Address: Kamphaengphet Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
6. Pratunam Market
Pratunam Market is the place to go if you are looking for a new wardrobe. This wholesale goods market has perhaps the largest selection of clothing and household goods in all of Thailand, but there are some things you need to know before you go. There is a high chance the brand name clothes you buy are knockoffs, which is why they’re so cheap. This market is open 24 hours a day and it’s fun to visit at any time.
Pratunam Market
Address: 869/15 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Website: Pratunam Market
7. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
This market is quintessentially Thailand and it’s what any trip to Thailand should be all about. Damnoen allows you to experience something you can’t get in most other parts of the world. Floating markets are an absolute must-do when you go to Thailand, and this one is the best. It’s about 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) south of Bangkok city center, but it’s worth the trip. This is a popular tourist destination, so the produce can be expensive, luckily you can barter.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Address: Damnoun Saduak, Ratchaiburi, Damnoen Saduak 70130, Thailand
Website: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
8. Amphawa Floating Market
If you are overwhelmed by the massive crowds at Damnoen Floating Market, then you’re better off visiting Amphawa Floating Market. It’s much smaller, but also much closer and, some would argue, substantially more authentic. If Damnonen is a tourist trap, then Amphawa is the exact opposite. It’s more serene and quiet, but it does get busy, so get there early.
Amphawa Floating Market
Address: Amphawa 75110, Thailand
Plenty of markets to explore
From food courts to wet markets to floating markets, there are plenty of unique experiences and things to see and do at any number of Bangkok’s bustling and sprawling markets. Foodies will enjoy seeing fresh produce and sampling exotic cuisine. Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, so of course, you expect there to be plenty of places to shop.
Check out one of these markets the next time you’re in Bangkok. Each market offers something different. If floating markets are your style you can choose from Amphawa or Damnoen, wet markets such as Khlong Toei and Nonthaburi are great for cooks and chefs, while Chatuchak and Pratunam are the places to go if you are looking for a shopping spree.
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