8 Best Local Markets Around Bangkok

There are lots of awesome things to do in Bangkok, but exploring a local market should be part of any Bangkok tour. The Thai people have a passion for markets which is an integral part of their culture. In and around the capital city of Bangkok, there is an impressive list of vibrant and wallet-friendly markets selling a variety of products. These markets come in many forms. Some are weekend markets, some night bazaars, and some floating markets, but all are definitely worth a look. They are great spots for shopping, browsing, sampling delicious Thai food or getting a taste of Thai culture. Here we have rounded up the best ones for you to choose from for your upcoming Thailand tour.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Visiting the floating markets in Thailand is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of a bygone way of life. Most floating markets formed back in the 18th century when Bangkok and its outskirt were crisscrossed by hundreds of canals. Nowadays, most of the canals have been paved into roads, but many floating markets are still thriving and some even have become tourist attractions. Located around 80 kilometers from downtown Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is known as the biggest and one of the oldest floating markets around Bangkok. Every morning swarms of wooden boats sprawl along the river where vendors trade and sell fresh produce, handcrafts and traditional snacks.

Due to its popularity among travelers, this floating market is usually crowded but it is still great fun sitting on a traditional boat, hunting for deals and absorbing the atmosphere of water markets. Make sure you try the delicious boat noodles, sticky mango rice and coconut ice cream. Arriving early in the morning is suggested to avoid the heat and large crowds.

Opening time: daily from 8:00 AM to 17:00 PM
What to get: fruits and vegetables, snacks, handicrafts
Address: Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the biggest outdoor market in Bangkok and also one of the biggest in the world. This 35-acre market is filled with over 10,000 stalls that are well divided into 27 sections, each with a specific type of item for sale. So get ready to shop till you drop, as you will find almost everything you could imagine, from the aroma, decoration items, bags, antiques and trinkets, to footwear, clothing and even pets. And the prices are generally reasonable, ranging from 50 to 200 bats.

After tons of shopping, be sure to check out the endless food stalls and eateries that offer delicious Thai food, snacks, smoothies and fruit juices.

Opening time: Saturdays & Sundays: 6 AM to 6 PM; Friday night from 6 PM to midnight.
What to get: almost everything
Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok

Jodd Fairs Night Market

Opened in November 2021, Jodd Fairs Night Market is the newest night market in Bangkok. It is not huge but hygienic and well organized. About sixty perfect of it is occupied by food stalls and restaurants, making it one of the best food markets in Bangkok.

Although Jodd Fairs focuses on delivering an amazing food scene, the shopping area in the market is also worth checking out, with clothing, gadgets and so much more to explore. Overall it is a wonderful spot for a nice evening out, hunting for shopping and eating some amazing Thai food.

Opening time: Every day, 11:00 (11 AM) - midnight
What to get: Delicious Thai street food, clothing, souvenirs
Address: Behind the Central Rama 9 shopping mall in Bangkok

Maeklong Railway Market

Located about an hour outside of Bangkok in Samut Songkhram Province, Maeklong Railway Market is situated right along railway tracks. It is a very authentic local market and is considered the most dangerous market in the world. Every morning, the vendors set up their stalls right along the railway tracks. When a train arrives, the vendors will quickly pull back their awnings and move their stalls away from the track in a moment to make way for the train. Once the train passes, the vendors will immediately put their awnings back and everything goes back to normal as if nothing has ever happened. The novelty of watching people perform this action beckons numerous tourists to come to this market.

The Maeklong Railway Market itself is predominately a large fresh seafood market, but you'll also find Thai sweets, meat, fruits, vegetables, clothing and accessories. A visit to this unique market is usually combined with a stop at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or Amphawa Floating Market as a day trip from Bangkok.

Opening time: Friday to Sunday, 12 PM - 8 PM, other days from 8 AM in the morning to 7 PM in the afternoon
What to get: fresh seafood, Thai drinks and desserts, clothing and souvenir items.
Address: Mueang Samut Songkhram, Samut Songkhram

Maeklong Railway Market

Asiatique The Riverfront

Located at the edge of the famous Chao Phraya River, the Asiatique The Riverfront combines a shopping mall and an open-air market to offer an interesting shopping experience, great food options and rich entertainment. If you're in the mood for shopping, head to the Factory District where there are approximately 300 shops and stalls selling a variety of products. For an amazing dining experience, eat at one of the cool restaurants overlooking the famous Chao Para river. If you want some entertainment, there are options like a traditional Thai Puppet show, cabaret show, Thai boxing show, etc. It's also a nice experience to try Bangkok's tallest Ferries Wheel to see the entire river scenery.

The best way to get to the market is to take a shuttle boat from the Sanfan Taksin BTS station. The 10 minutes boat trip offers an opportunity to appreciate the scenery of the famous Chapa River.

Opening time: Every day, 11:00 AM - midnight.
What to get: Clothes, shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, handicrafts, souvenirs, food
Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Road

Srinagarindra Train Market

The Srinagarindra Train Night Market (also known as Rot Fai Train Market at Srinakarin), is the favorite night market for local Thai people, which means it would be a great spot for travelers looking for an authentic experience. There are over 300 stalls and vendors selling amazing arrays of products like clothes, shoes, jewelry, antiques, and interesting gadgets.

What we love most about this market is the incredible selection of food. Around a hundred food stalls offer a mouthwatering array of delicious skewers, seafood, and classic Thai dishes such as padre Powell. There are also many Thai-style pubs with indoor seating and live music.

Opening time: from Thursday to Sunday: 5 PM to 1 AM
What to get: clothes, shoes, jewelry, antiques, Thai food
Address: Srinakarin Road 51.

Amphawa Floating Market

Located just 50 km from Bangkok, the Amphawa Floating Market is another popular floating market for visitors to Bangkok and it is among the oldest ones in Thailand. Compared to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, it is less crowded but more authentic with a more laid-back atmosphere.

The abundance of food selection is one of the reasons why it draws tourists. You will find fresh grilled seafood, tasty Thai drinks, and Thai desserts. When the darkness falls, the market gets even more interesting with beautiful riverside shop lights. A good way to end your trip is to hop on a longtail boat to enjoy the canal views or go further to see a few hidden temples or fireflies.

Opening time: Friday to Sunday, 12 AM - 8 PM.
What to get: fresh seafood, Thai drinks and desserts, clothing and souvenir items.
Address: Amphawa, Samut Songkhram

Amphawa Floating Market

Chang Chui Plane Night Market

Designed as a creative park, the Chang Chui Plane Night Market is a perfect mix of street art, shops, bars, and restaurants. The star of the show here is a giant airplane, which has been converted into a cool restaurant.

Chang Chui Plane Night Market is divided into two zones, the artistic "Green Zone" and the "Night Zone". In the Green Zone, you will discover incredible street art, murals, sculptures, and artworks made from recycled materials. If you happen to be here on a Saturday, you might be able to see concerts or shows. The Night Zone is filled with bars and pubs. As it is lesser known to the tourists, Chang Chui is a special market where you can enjoy a bit of shopping and have a nice dinner with good vibes and surroundings. If you’re looking for shopping, chances are you will find many vintage clothes, artistic handicrafts, accessories, books, and souvenirs. As for dining, there are many options available around the airplane restaurant.

Opening time: every day of the week except Wednesdays, The "green zone" from 11 am until 9 pm, and the "night zone" from 4 pm to 11 pm.
What to get: Cool clothes and accessories, good food and drinks
Address: 460/8 Sirindhorn Road, Bang Phlat, Bangkok

There are just so many colorful and lively markets in and around Bangkok. Be it a night market, a weekend market or a floating market, it has something for you. That is exactly why we think that you cannot leave Bangkok without exploring one of them. After reading this post, will you add a market visit to the itinerary for your trip to Bangkok? If the answer is yes, feel free to contact us for a tailor-made itinerary that meets your specific travel needs.