Chang Chui Bangkok
Like most Bangkok markets, Chang Chui Bangkok – a popular walking street – is home to art galleries, creative spaces & artisan shops. But there’s one glaring difference between this particular indie market and the slightly more commercial Jodd Fairs – and it’s hidden in plane sight.
Puns aside, the massive retired aircraft doubles up as a secret restaurant that’s almost always fully booked. But there’s way more to Chang Chui than the typical indie pop-up stalls, live music bars or street food.
We made our way over recently to investigate why Chang Chui Night Market remains a major draw for locals and tourists alike – be it for post-apocalyptic photo ops, or a chill night.
Night market with a giant plane & hidden restaurant
The first thing you’ll notice upon pulling up into Chang Chui’s massive open market is the life-sized, decommissioned aircraft parked right at the heart of it all. For the uninitiated, the plane also hides a secret in plain sight – it’s a rather popular restaurant that you’re advised to book in advance.
When we arrived, it didn’t exactly feel as expansive as 4.3 acres of land should, due to the sheer number of stalls, eateries and art galleries housed in containers amidst green spaces.
You’ll spot fairy lights strung along walkways, so we recommend following the crowd to explore the main area first before locking down what to get for dinner. Speaking of food, let’s first delve into the truly indie snacks and drinks you’ll be able to get here.
Indie pop-up stalls, craft beer & desserts
Just past the tented stalls selling pre-loved T-shirts and ice-cold Thai milk tea, you’ll probably spot this pastel pop-up truck decked out in neon lights. Our top picks would be the pancakes served with ice cream or piping hot souffles if you fancy dessert.
Be sure to check out their bottled craft sodas at ฿49 (~USD1.40)/bottle with extremely intriguing flavours – i.e. oolong tea or pandan-flavoured fizzy drinks.
This mango smoothie from Mango House was pretty delish too, hitting just the right spot to combat the evening’s humidity.
Those who prefer a sit-down bar will be glad to note that you’ll be spoilt for choice with various establishments littered around the area.
Even if you’re not stopping to dine in, the weathered corrugated steel facades of each building will endow your photos with a grungy, post-apocalyptic vibe as you explore the night market.
Besides tons of spots to grab a snack at, shop at and fuel up on beverages or scrumptious treats, we’re only left with introducing all the photo spots worth checking out. Well, my friend, you’ve certainly come to the right place if you’ve been slinging that DSLR around your neck all afternoon.
Chang Chui is basically an exhibition spot for a melting pot of art installations by local artists, sculptors and creators. We’ll take you through a few of our personal favourites.
Graffiti art installations & massive sculptures
If you’re headed to Chang Chui by taxi – or bike – keep an eye out for this humongous doggo guarding the entrance. For residents who’re driving here, the official car park for guests is pretty near this landmark as well, so definitely instruct your cab driver to drop you nearby and the park will just be a short walk away.
Of course, you’ll def wanna snap a photo right here with this good boi before you head on into the market.
Past the indie pop-up stalls, restaurants and claw machines, you’ll notice that the main walkway naturally leads you to a quieter space with lesser crowds. And that’s when you’ll probably stumble upon this blinged-out giant skull with a protruding jaw.
No, it’s not a cautionary Colgate advertisement for kiddos to brush their teeth or suffer the consequences, but an artist’s clever take on humanity, mortality and a meta-commentary on art itself. If you look around carefully for a signboard or plaque near these sculptures, you’ll sometimes spot the write-up that explains the inspiration behind these exhibits.
Our last spot is a fitting recommendation for the Year of the Rabbit – a painted mural of a plus-sized baby with heterochromia in a bunny hoodie.
Hidden photo spots & reflective panels for outdoor shots
Towering pots of cacti and neon-lit walls with peep-through windows will liven up your #OOTDs.
Snarky Blade Runner or Star Wars lightsabre references aside, these visually intriguing backdrops make for movie-set worthy photoshoots so do prep your SO in advance – you’ll be spending some time here for sure to capture your best angles amidst the soft glow of the electric neon panels.
Getting to Chang Chui in Bangkok
Beyond the draw of the large plane at Chang Chui, we hope we’ve given you enough reasons to consider checking out all 4.3 acres of the artsy night market, gallery and creative park.
Thankfully, the cafe is also easily accessible if you take public transport. We’d recommend taking the MRT to Sirindhorn Station, and then hiring a tuk-tuk or cab for a 4-minute ride to get to your destination.
Chang Chui Bangkok
Address: 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700
Opening hours: 11AM-11PM, Daily
Nearest train station: MRT Sirindhorn
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