If you haven’t been to a Thai night market, you’re missing out. Read on for our guide to Bangkok’s best night markets – and what to do when visiting each one!
As much a part of Bangkok nightlife as rowdy bars and buzzing streets, Thailand’s night markets are a must-see. A wonderful place to immerse yourself in local culture, they offer a full-on experience that takes in food, shopping, music, drinking, people watching and more. Plus, each one has a personality all of its own. From the tastiest street food spots to excellent craft markets and the best places to bargain for your new favourite souvenir, here are our top picks for Bangkok’s must-visit night markets.
Ratchada Roi Fai Night Market
A kaleidoscope of rainbow coloured tents, Ratchada Roi Fai Night Market is the newer and more conveniently located venue that opened in 2015 following the booming success of its namesake in Srinakarin. Commonly referred to as the Rot Fai Train Night Market, this lively space is brimming with finds. From marvelling at all the souvenirs you can blow your Baht on to hearing the haggling around you and smelling the delicious aromas wafting your way from the endless rows of street food stalls, this place encapsulates what comes to mind when imagining Thailand’s night markets. Choose from a plentiful selection of anything from traditional Thai street food (think grilled seafood, meat skewers and exotic bugs) to international favourites like tender stewed pork ribs, nachos and banana-Nutella roti.
Insider’s Tip: Enjoy a beer, cocktail or fresh coconut from one of the many quirky, surrounding second-story bars that offer an impressive, one-of-a-kind view of the market below.
Best For: The traditional Thai night market experience with a touch of trendiness.
Address: Ratchadaphisek Rd, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Open From: Thu – Sun: 5pm – 1am
Asiatique The Riverfront
If all the commotion and chaos that come with a visit to a traditional night market put you off, Asiatique The Riverfront is the perfect introduction for first-timers to see what all the hype is about. This outdoor shopping mall and night market hybrid is best known for its picturesque views along the breathtaking Chao Praya River, including an impressive 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel and a two-story merry-go-round that are bound to earn a few spots on your camera roll. Conveniently located 10 minutes downriver from Saphan Taksin BTS station, this warehouse complex is a renovation of a former international trade port that houses countless cool boutiques and restaurants. Cleaner and less chaotic than traditional markets, here, you can dine in upscale restaurants serving up Thai, Italian, Japanese cuisine (to name just a few,) or grab a seat at the complex’s many bars, cafés and food stalls after you’ve worked up an appetite shopping an eclectic range of handicrafts, jewellery, clothing and cutting-edge gadget stores.
Insider’s Tip: Many opt to take the more luxurious and scenic route to Asiatique The Riverfront via a paid speedboat, but free in-house boat shuttles are available at the end of Sathorn Pier for those travelling on more of a budget.
Best For: Getting a taste of Thailand’s night markets without jumping into the deep end.
Address: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok
Open From: Mon – Sun: 4pm – 12am
IG: @flyasiana
IG: @asiatique.thailand
Yaowarat Road Night Market
More food-orientated than traditional night markets, Yaowarat Road Night Market runs along the main strip of Bangkok’s Chinatown. A renowned foodie haven, the street turns into a frenzy of vendors and diners come night time, offering an unparalleled culinary experience that encompasses 200 years worth of traditional Thai-Chinese cooking. From Pad Thai and noodle soups to curries, dough sticks, grilled seafood and meat skewers as well as mango sticky rice, this open-air food market has it covered, whilst its fluorescent neon lights and sizzling sounds only add to the experience of meeting its lively vendors as they share their memorable stories.
Insider’s Tip: Because of traffic congestion, it’s a good idea to get here via MRT to Hua Lamphong Station, followed by a short tuk-tuk ride or a 15-minute walk.
Best For: A tasty night of street food fiesta.
Address: 452, 442 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Open From: Mon – Sun: 6:30pm – 12am
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IG: @bkkdavidg
Khaosan Road
Looking to befriend some locals during your stay? The bustling and lively nightlife along the infamous Khao San Road is every backpacker’s dream, with its tightly packed stalls selling everything from knock-offs to swimwear and accessories – basically, pretty much anything you can fit inside a backpack. With a wealth of street food and enough alcohol to drink yourself silly, there are two much-fabled must-tries here: first, eating crunchy, flavourful fried insects, and second, sipping from a cheap, iced booze-filled bucket. As chock-full of tacky, touristy knick-knacks as it is of delicious Thai delicacies and starry-eyed travellers from all four corners of the globe, there is never a dull moment on this infectiously energetic strip.
Insider’s Tip: If insects and drinks in a bucket sound a little out there, amazingly authentic Pad-Thais and creamy coconut ice cream are also highly recommended.
Best For: Befriending locals on the ultimate night out.
Address: Khaosan Rd, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open From: Mon – Sun: 3:45pm – 2:10am (hours of individual shops/stalls may differ)
Chang Chui Market
Want to spend the night in a more upscale market surrounded by artsy, larger-than-life sculptures, fashion boutiques and quality restaurants? Then look no further than Chang Chui. Roughly translating to ‘slovenly artisan,’ ‘Chang Chui’ refers to anyone from a hairdresser to a specialist craftsperson, a perfect description of this picture-worthy designer space. Nicknamed by locals as ‘the plane market,’ it’s known for its true-to-life-sized shell of a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar aeroplane, something you don’t see close-up on the daily. A higher-end, modern interpretation of your traditional Thai market, live music plays in the background here as visitors browse through vintage clothes shops and check out the retro hair salon. In terms of sustenance, there’s a food pavilion that cooks up Asian fusion delights like fresh oysters, sushi and ramen, whilst walking towards the back of the market will land you in a row of bars serving up satisfying cold beers and a range of cocktail choices bound to please all palettes.
Insider’s Tip: Entry to Chang Chui Market is free, so if you’re travelling on a budget or just wanted to come see the impressive sculptures, don’t let the fear of an entrance fee stop you!
Best For: A chill night of eating, drinking and exploring in a beautifully hip, artisan space.
Address: Chang Chui Creative Park, 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Open From: Thu – Tue: 11am – 11pm (times for different zones may vary so be sure to check their website)
IG: @roostian_g
IG: @changchuibkk
Huamum Night Market
Relatively off-the-radar, Huamum Night Market is a relatively new spot that opened in September of 2015 and is still unknown to many foreign tourists. Many locals come here to grab quality (but still affordable) merchandise, feast on fresh, high-quality street food or even do a photoshoot against the Broadway-reminiscent decor dotted around the venue. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable dining experience, head over to Stanee Mee Hoi seafood restaurant. The eatery is famous for its unbelievably funny male staff who put on a show in women’s nightgowns as customers wait for their meals. Alongside that, a temptingly wide selection of food options including local snacks (coconut kuehs, fried fish cakes, you name it,) barbecues, burgers and recent food trends like rainbow cheese toasties and liquid nitrogen ice cream are all available.
Insider’s Tip: Almost everything in Hua Mum Night Market is in Thai, so come with someone who speaks the language, or download a handy translator app on your device.
Best For: A relatively quiet night in a snap-worthy, Hollywood-inspired space away from the usual touristy crowds.
Address: 11 Kaset-Nawamin Rd, Bangkok 10230, Thailand
Open From: Mon – Sun: 5:30pm – 12am
IG: @gokart_tharan
