Markets in Bangkok have a charm of their own. With a plethora of activities and things to do in Bangkok, one of the most popular is shopping in local and night markets. You can shop for days on end or with intervals to do some sightseeing. The options available in Bangkok far exceed expectations and most tourists are left gasping for breath with the huge varieties of goods and merchandise available in all local markets.

It just isn’t possible to stroll through a single market in Bangkok and expect it to be the end of your shopping spree. This vibrant city is teeming with malls and alleyways crammed with everything you can imagine from trinkets to furniture. Shopping in Bangkok is an experience of a lifetime with places to visit during the weekdays, weekends, and even at night. While scouring the markets, you can also experience the flavors and culture that make Bangkok such a popular holiday destination.

When on vacation here, set a few days aside to explore the markets, shopping centers, malls, and floating markets.

Let us take you through some of the best markets Bangkok has to offer.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world and covers an approximate area of 35 acres. There are close to 8500 stalls that sell a variety of wares, goods, and services. On a regular weekend, this market gets an average footfall of more than 200,000 visitors! At Chatuchak Weekend Market, you can source old vinyl records, beads, ceramics, semi-precious stone jewelry, fashion jewelry, accessories, clothes, antiques, electronics, furniture, shoes, pets and their accessories, plants, gardening tools, and so much more. This bustling market is known to store some of the best local handicrafts that are truly Thai in nature.

Apart from the shopping, Chatuchak Market is also known for its delicious food stalls. You can try everything from fresh fruits, coconut water, to crispy pancakes, fried chicken, Thai coconut ice-cream, and fish cakes.

Since Chatuchak is a weekend market, it is open from 6pm to midnight on Fridays, and from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. You can take the MRT to Chatuchak Park or BTS to Mo Chit station.

Khlong Toey Fresh Market

Khlong Toey is one of Bangkok’s biggest fresh food markets. Whether its fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, or ingredients and condiments for an entire restaurant, you will find it here. You can purchase almost any food related items at Khlong Toey Fresh Market. Set amidst flashy high-rises and modern looking buildings, this market serves the best and most succulent meats fresh from the butcher's block. Apart from being an extremely popular tourist spot, Khlong Toey is also one of the major distribution centers/ hubs for most of the hotels and restaurants in and around Bangkok.

Not just the retail stores, you can also buy foodstuff in bulk at wholesale prices. People from the food industry and those interested in fresh produce and seasonal food varieties should definitely give this market a try. With all the local and international varieties of foods available, Khlong Toey is bound to be a fantastic experience for anyone who’s a foodie!

Khlong Toey is one of the few markets in Bangkok that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To get to Khlong Toey, take the MRT to Khlong Toey station.

Bangkok Floating Markets

Bangkok is famous for the floating markets spread across the city. The floating markets around Bangkok are Damnoen Saduak, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Taling Chan Market, and Tha Kha.  Most of the boats at the floating market are filled with local delicacies prepared by the vendors in their own homes, coconut water, fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meat preparations. These floating markets are also reminiscent of a forgotten era when floating markets were one of the few ways to make ends meet and get affordable food and goods for the local Thai population.

Most tourists flock to the floating markets of Bangkok to get captivating pictures and to experience the Thai way of life. These floating markets are great for photo shoots, pre-wedding photos, and boat rides. You can enjoy a boat ride anywhere from 20 minutes to 60 minutes in the heart of the floating market and buy goods from local vendors in their own boats.

Try not to bargain too much over the cost of the products since most of the vendors struggle to make ends meet daily. If you must bargain, please remember to do so with a smile.

Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin Night Market

Talad Rot Fai Market or Srinakarin Train Market, is an open-air bazaar frequented by tourists and locals alike. There are three huge sections to this market – Market Zone, Warehouse Zone, and Rod’s Antiques. This is one of the most popular night markets in Bangkok where you can get everything from vintage leather jackets to French chandeliers. You can also shop for Japanese action figures from the 60s and vintage cars. Apart from these, the Rot Fai Market is famous for cameras, motorbikes, kitsch furniture, Coca-Cola collectibles, children’s toys, home ware, shoes, accessories, fashionable clothing, and roadside cafes and bars.

Indulge in delicious food from the various food stalls selling ice cream, coffees, iced-teas, barbecue stands with a variety of meats, fried noodle stalls, crispy pancakes, satay, and cheap drinks and cocktails at this fantastic night market. If you’re looking for something unique yet festive, Rot Fai Market is sure to deliver.

This night market is open from Thursday to Sunday. Timings are from 5 pm to midnight. It is located at Srinakarin Road Soi 51. You can take the BTS to On Nut station (closest station), but once there, you will require a taxi.

Bangkok is the destination to visit if you’re looking for delicious food and amazing shopping mixed with a cultural bonanza. Once in Bangkok, you must visit these extraordinary shopping destinations to experience the diversity in merchandise and wares at affordable costs. Add to your collection by purchasing local Thai souvenirs and goods to treasure your Bangkok trip for a lifetime.