Markets in Bangkok

A real feast for the senses!

Alongside the Buddhist temples, local culture and Thai food, the markets are one of the most fascinating sights in Bangkok.
In Bangkok, there are so many interesting markets that you won’t be able to take it all in. When it comes to food, fruit and vegetables, the following markets are the most interesting and, having lived in Bangkok for over 10 years, our favourites.

Pak Khlong Talad Market

This is a wholesale market for fruit, vegetables and flowers. As the city’s largest flower market, it is open day and night, but really comes to life in the early morning when fresh flowers such as orchids, roses and jasmine are delivered in large quantities. Stroll past the stalls bursting with scent and colour, watch traders sort their wares and experience an authentic slice of local life.
The Pak Khlong Talad market is situated next to the Chao Phraya River. From 3 am onwards, it’s a hive of activity. Go very early in the morning or late in the evening. During the day, the market is fairly quiet.
Best reached by taxi or by river express boat from Tha Rajinee pier (N7) or Tha Saphan Phut/Memorial Bridge pier (N6).
Open daily.

Chinatown markets

The streets of Chinatown, lined with vegetables, fruit, all sorts of foodstuffs and food stalls, are a feast for the senses. In Chinatown, you’ll see things you won’t find anywhere else in Bangkok. Be sure to take a stroll down Trok Itsara Nuphap, the narrow street lined with herbs and all manner of (Chinese) foodstuffs. It’s well worth a visit and absolutely bustling. Do watch out for pickpockets and keep your wallet and bag or rucksack in front of you.
Open daily (closed only during Chinese New Year).
Accessible from Hua Lamphong railway station/MRT station; the street with vegetables and food is about a 15-minute walk from the station.

Or Tor Kor Food Market, the 4th best fresh produce market in the world

Thailand’s best fresh produce market and, according to CNN Travel in 2017, the fourth best in the world, after Barcelona’s La Boqueria market, Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market and New York’s Union Square Farmer’s Market. The Or Tor Kor market has the finest produce from all over Thailand; beautiful fresh fruit and very fresh vegetables, meat and seafood. There are also snacks and Thai desserts. Here you’ll find the best ingredients for preparing a Thai meal. It’s a delight for lovers of Thai cuisine to wander around here. Next to the Chatuchak market.
Accessible by MRT metro: Kamphaeng Phet station; take exit number three and you’ll be at the market. Open daily from 06:00 to 20:00.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

The ‘mother’ of all markets. Incredibly vast and with an incredible range of goods. Over 8,000 stalls and around 200,000 visitors every weekend. There are also many beautiful handmade items that make wonderful souvenirs.
Every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, and on Fridays from 6 pm to midnight. Go early to beat the crowds and the heat, and allow at least half a day to enjoy this lively market.
Accessible via the BTS Skytrain: Mo Chit station, or via the MRT Metro: Chatuchak Park station.

Bangkok by Tuk Tuk!

You can also explore the Flower Market and the markets in Chinatown during an evening Tuk Tuk tour of Bangkok.

Which hotel to stay in Bangkok?

Check out our main article on Hotels in Bangkok. In addition to our favourite hotels and info about the Bangkok neighbourhoods, you will also find all the information about transport, the best booking times, the best booking platforms and our selections in 3-star, 4-star and 5-star hotels.