Lesser-known markets in Bangkok
Update, March 2020: Due to the current COVID-19 situation in Thailand, people are highly advised to stay indoors and avoid crowded places. However, bookmark these locations to visit once the virus subsides in time to come!
A trip to Bangkok is never complete without making a pit stop at its famous markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market and Talad Rod Fai. But beyond these crowded tourist hotspots lies an arsenal of lesser-known markets that are just as well-loved by locals and buzzing with activity.
And while many of us are more cautious with our travel plans amid the COVID-19 situation, travellers who have already made plans to come to Thailand needn’t fret. With safety procedures around spaces such as shopping malls being tightened and members of the public taking the proper measures to protect themselves against further spread of the virus, the situation remains controlled.
Bangkok remains bustling and vibrant as ever, so here are some undiscovered markets we’ve just checked out that sell everything from delicious street food to budget fashion items.
1. Ruam Sub Market
Asoke is a vibrant neighbourhood packed with hotels and malls, which are frequented by office workers in the area, Uni students, and tourists alike. But instead of heading to the usual hangs like Terminal 21, take a 10-minute walk to Ruam Sub Market, located next to MidTown Asoke shopping mall.
The market was packed to the brim when we headed down during lunch, with locals enjoying meals at the food court – meals here start from only ฿40 and there is a spacious and airy seating area. You’ll also find snack and drink stalls while walking around the market.
The clothes here range from sleek office wear to everyday casual outfits. There are also lots of second hand shops you can get unique and affordable items from. Store here are also on rotation, so you’ll find something new every time you head down.
Address: Asoke Montri Rd., Klong Toey Nuer, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 7AM-6.30PM
Nearest Train Station: Asoke BTS | Sukhumvit MRT
2. Muang Thai Phatra Market
Conveniently located right by Exit 3 of Sutthisan MRT is Muang Thai Phatra Market, which has both outdoor and indoor shopping areas for you to hide from the sun if you need to.
The indoor area is equipped with lots of fashionable stores for a chill shopping adventure. It almost felt like we were walking in an air-conditioned mall instead of a market.
They offer a variety of products, not only food and clothes
Besides clothes, you will also find hardware and homeware shops that locals often flock to. If you need something for your home, consider dropping by.
Image credit: Pantip Check-in
If you feel peckish while walking around, you will find food and dessert shops along the footpaths. Most of it is for takeaway, but there is a small food park area where you can sit and have a bite too.
Address: Sutthisan Winitchai Rd., Samsen Nork, Huai Kwang, Bangkok 10310
Opening Hours: 6AM-6.30PM, Mon-Sat
Nearest Train Station: Sutthisan MRT (Exit 3)
3. Wang Lang Market
Chao Phraya River is a must-see when in Bangkok. Besides enjoying a chill stroll by the water, you can stop by Wang Lang Pier to enjoy authentic Thai meals while checking out pocket-friendly clothes and accessories at Talad Werng Pratu Kiew.
Locals know this as Bangkok’s cheapest second hand fashion market!
Those into thrifting and vintage clothes will have lots of fun here. Most items don’t cost more than ฿100 and you can get everything from old-school bags and tees to branded shoes. There are many little alleys that lead to hidden shops, so take your time to walk around.
Almost every food store here sells home cooked-style Thai food, from handmade shrimp wontons to steamed cupcakes with local flavours. Foodies should also head to Orathai Sushi for some budget-friendly Japanese dishes which start from just ฿5.
Address: Wanglang Rd., Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700
Opening Hours: 10AM-5PM, Daily
Nearest Station: Wang Lang Pier (via Chao Phraya Express Boat)
4. Talad Nad Mor Sor Wor
Image credit: Halal Haroi
Talad Nad Mar Sor Wor is another must-visit market in Asoke which is located inside Srinakharinwirot University.
This is a paradise for dessert and snack lovers as you’ll find tonnes of food stalls here selling yummy treats like creamy frappes and shaved ice – a must-eat under the BKK heat.
Image credit: Halal Haroi
As this place is usually packed with the younger crowd like university students, things here are usually cheaper and more up-to-date with the latest trends.
Address: Srinakharinwirot University, Asoke Montri Rd., Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: Tues, Thurs: 6AM-4PM
Nearest Train Station: Petchaburi MRT | Asoke BTS
5. Lalaisub Market
Tucked away in an alley between Silom Soi 5 and 7 is Lalaisub Market. It’s name ‘La Lai Sub (ละลายทรัพย์)’ roughly translates to one spending all their money while here – and we can confirm that there is a good reason the market has this name.
Shopaholics can spend all their moolah on all sorts of fashion items here, from cute earrings, clothes, shoes, and bags that start from just ฿20. That is cheaper than what you will find at more touristy markets like Chatuchak!
If you are hungry, there are tonnes of street food carts and dessert shops here. Air-conditioned restaurants are available too if you want to hide from the sun.
Gii Gi Gyoza
Must-check out spots here include Pornmaree, a bakery with pastries from ฿10, Gii-Gii Gyoza’s crispy dumplings, and Cream by Flour Flour, a hidden IG-worthy donut cafe.
CREAM by Flour Flour
Image credit: @fernsrn
Address: Silom Soi 5 to Silom Soi 7, Silom Rd., Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 10AM-4PM
Nearest Train Station: Chong Nonsi BTS
6. Or Tor Kor Market
Or Tor Kor Market is one of the most happening markets in BKK, located right next to the ever-packed Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can reach Or Tor Kor via Kampangpetch MRT.
The market is known among locals to be rather “hi-so” as it offers tonnes of premium food products. Moreover, it’s also been listed as one of the top 10 best markets in the world!
If you love Thai fruits, this is considered to be fruit paradise that sells almost every fruit imaginable such as tropical selections like durian and mango, and other imported fruits you’ll only be able to find in Thailand.
Other than that, there are also food stalls serving affordable Thai meals from ฿50, which you can eat there or takeaway.
The place is also clean and bright, unlike many other local food markets. After finishing your gastro-adventure, don’t forget to also pop by Mixt Chatuchak for some shopping, which just opened last year right behind Chatuchak Market.
Address: 101 Kampangpetch Rd., Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900.
Opening Hours: 8AM-6PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: Kamphaeng Phet MRT (Exit 3)
7. Hong Kong Plaza Market
The entire first floor of Hong Kong Plaza Market is a food court with over 20 food stores with all sorts of goodies you can think of, from boba and salads to ice cream and deep-fried snacks. While there is a spacious dining area, do note that it can get pretty hot and crowded during lunchtime, so plan your visit accordingly.
Aside from food, shoppers can enjoy many fashion outlets, tailors, and even salons at this market.
Hong Kong Plaza Market can be reached via Exit 2 of Chong Nonsi BTS. Once you’re out, keep a lookout for Bangkok City Tower and head till you see a large purple sign that reads “ฮ่องกง พลาซ่า” (Hong Kong Plaza) at Soi Narathiwas Ratchanakarin 5.
Address: Soi Narathiwas Ratchanakarin 5, Tung Mahamak, Sathon, Bangkok 10120
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 11AM-3PM
Nearest Train Station: Chong Nonsi BTS
8. Talad Nad Lung Perm
Big fans of luxury and well-known brands shouldn’t miss out on Talad Nad Lung Perm which is located behind the Thai Airways office at Soi Wipawadee 22.
You can find lots of imported products here ranging from luggages, bags, cosmetics, skincare and clothes at affordable prices. Plus, there’s also good quality second hand items for sale here too.
There is a large food and dessert area with various types of dishes from different provinces of Thailand to try after you’ve exhausted yourselves from all that shopping.
Address: 224 Vibhavadi Rangsit, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900.
Opening Hours: 8AM-6PM, Mon-Sat
Nearest Train Station: Phahon Yothin MRT
Cheap shopping in Bangkok
Bangkok will always be one of the top tourist destinations that’s well-loved by travellers from all over. So whether you’re popping by for a quick getaway or have a trip planned way ahead of you, don’t miss out on these more local markets that have just as much to offer.
First-timers to BKK should also add spots like the new Pratunam Floating Market and JJ Green which has reopened into the mix for a market-hopping adventure around the city.
And if you’re down during this time, don’t forget to stay safe with a face mask and hand sanitisers handy to go about your day worry free. Tourists are also advised to take extra care when eating street food, like avoiding uncooked food and washing your hands.
Stay up to date with Thailand’s COVID-19 situation here
This post was brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore Office.
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