How to Uncover Bangkok’s Most Vibrant Night Markets – Four Must-Visit Spots That Capture the Essence of Bangkok
Published by Hector Dean,
Thailand’s capital city Bangkok has much to offer its visitors. From exquisite shopping to delectable cuisine to exciting nightlife, the city never runs short of fun and thrilling things to do. Among these activities, visiting Bangkok’s night markets is a must for first-time visitors or seasoned travellers to this city. This guide features four must-visit night markets, so keep reading to learn more.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Widely known as the world’s largest weekend market, Chatuchak Market comes alive every Friday, offering its visitors an unparalleled shopping and dining experience. Tourists are sure to discover an incredible variety of goods, from clothing and crafts to trinkets and food items. The market is actually open on weekdays as well, selling plants from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. but is best experienced on a Friday evening after 6 p.m.
Foodies will love nothing more than exploring the wide variety of street food stalls, offering everything from traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine. It is recommended that foodie tourists order a bit of everything, such as grilled skewers, Thai papaya salad, and mango sticky rice – perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Khlong Thom Market
Situated in the heart of Bangkok, Khlong Thom Market is an exciting place to visit by night. This market is widely referred to as the "Flashlight Market" because shoppers require a flashlight to view the goods in certain shops. Khlong Thom Market offers shoppers a distinct experience with its eclectic mix of goods, from electronic gadgets and tools to secondhand items. Countless stalls selling vintage collectables and tech accessories draw in plenty of locals and tourists alike.
The market is its busiest on a Saturday evening, but it is recommended that tourists visit the area on a Sunday morning if they want to avoid large crowds. The easiest way to get to the market is by taxi, but tourists can also consider taking the MRT to Wat Mangkon Station, where Khlong Thom Market lies around 750 metres away.
Asiatique The Riverfront
For those in search of a combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment, Asiatique The Riverfront is the perfect spot to visit. Situated along the Chao Phraya River, this night market combines two of the most fun shopping experiences in Bangkok: a bazaar and a mall into one. Asiatique The Riverfront is open every day from 4 p.m. onwards and showcases plenty of shopping options, whether one is in search of clothing, jewellery, shoes, handicrafts, souvenirs, and trinkets.
The fastest and easiest way of getting to Asiatique is by boat as taxis are not recommended owing to the huge amount of traffic in the area. Tourists can take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and then board the free shuttle service located at the end of the pier. One of the highlights of Asiatique is the breathtaking riverfront view, which also provides a stunning backdrop for a leisurely evening stroll. There is no shortage of entertainment as the market hosts a variety of shows and performances daily. For those in search of a Riverside hotel, Bangkok has a number of options of which a well-recommended property is Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok – ideal for families and groups of friends.
Khao San
Open every day from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. the Khao San area is perfect for tourists and locals alike. It features an extensive variety of shops and stalls, selling all kinds of goodies and trinkets that tourists would love to spend money on. A notable feature of Khao San is its tailors, who are best known for creating meticulously tailored suits and beautiful dresses in less than 24 hours.
The area also showcases plenty of bars, restaurants, massage parlours, bookstores, tattoo parlours, and internet cafes, truly offering everything and beyond to its visitors. Adventurous foodies can even partake in the street food offerings, from fried scorpions and mealworms to other insects. However, less adventurous foodie travellers can devour everything from coconut ice cream and kebabs to mango sticky rice.