The best markets in Bangkok every traveller needs to visit

Bangkok is a veritable shopper’s paradise, as visitors to the Thai capital can attest. Whether you’re seeking chic apparel, hunting for souvenirs or simply want to sample local street food, chances are you’ll discover what you’re looking for at one of the many colourful markets dotted across Bangkok’s unique neighbourhoods.

For maximum convenience, why not book a stay at Modena by Fraser Bangkok? Situated next to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre MRT station, the sleek property is within easy reach of Bangkok’s best markets – including many of the standout venues we’ve rounded up below. 

The fresh food cornucopia: Khlong Toei Market

With a plethora of fresh produce on offer, the Khlong Toei Market market is a foodie’s – and photographer’s – dream. Plus, if you’re staying in Modena by Fraser Bangkok's studio executive or studio premier rooms and want to whip up meals in your in-room kitchenette, we suggest skipping the supermarket and heading here instead.

Located in the fast-developing district of the same name, this is where the locals go in Bangkok for affordable fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, spices and more. You can even buy live animals (including chickens, ducks and eels) and see pigs being butchered in the flesh – an experience that’s certainly not for the faint-hearted!

The market is open 24/7, so consider visiting at night to snap some unique photos – it’s always a hive of activity, even in the wee hours of the morning. 

How to get there: From Modena by Fraser Bangkok, walk for five minutes in the direction of Sunthonkosa Road. 

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Arguably Thailand’s most famous market, the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market is a feast for the senses: think stalls selling all manner of colourful wares, techno music blaring out of speakers and mouthwatering food aromas wafting through the air. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, hordes of locals and tourists wander through its maze-like alleys, exploring all that the 8,000-plus vendors have to offer.

The market is divided into 27 sections, each focused on a certain category: besides trendy apparel, you’ll find antiques, paintings, ceramics, electronics, books and much more. Beat the heat with some creamy coconut ice cream or a refreshing fruit smoothie.

Tip: Head down by around 10am to avoid the crowds. 

How to get there: Hop on the Blue Line (in the direction of To Tha Pra) at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre MRT station, and get off at Kamphaeng Phet MRT station. From there, it’s a six-minute walk to Chatuchak Weekend Market.

The flower emporium: Pak Khlong Talat

The lovely blooms at the Pak Khlong Talat flower market make it one of the most picturesque shopping experiences in Bangkok. You’ll discover the best flowers in the wee hours of the morning – before they’re all snapped up by florists, hospitality establishments and in-the-know locals. Stalls here sell both locally cultivated and imported blossoms: besides fresh-cut stalks of chrysanthemums, orchids, roses and other species, you can purchase pre-arranged bouquets and flower garlands. 

How to get there: Take the Blue Line (in the direction of To Lak Song) from Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre MRT station and alight at Sanam Chai MRT station. It’s then a seven-minute walk to Pak Khlong Talat flower market. 

The night bazaar: Asiatique

Night markets are a popular fixture in Bangkok. At Asiatique, located along the banks of the Chao Phraya river, you can enjoy late-night shopping with a side of scenic views. It’s a relatively new market, with a plethora of stalls selling tasty treats, fashion items, upcycled home decor and charming souvenirs. Take a ride on the enormous Ferris wheel for panoramic vistas of the glittering city lights. There’s a haunted house-themed ride and a carousel for the kids too.

How to get there: The easiest way to get to Asiatique from Modena by Fraser Bangkok is to hop on a taxi – the ride will take around 20 minutes.

The street food haunt: Jodd Fairs

Foodies, this one’s for you. At Jodd Fairs – which replaces the famed Ratchada Train Night Market that permanently shuttered in 2021 – you can feast on mouth-watering dishes doled out by over 600 vendors. From moreish meat skewers and colourful icy desserts to buttery baked goods, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s also a clutch of stalls selling non-food items, including trendy clothing and unique handicrafts. 

How to get there: Get the MRT Blue Line (in the direction of To Tha Pra) at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre MRT station and alight at Phra Ram 9 MRT station. Then, walk for eight minutes to Jodd Fairs.

The Chinatown institution: Sampeng Market

No visit to Chinatown is complete without browsing the ever-bustling Sampeng Market, which runs parallel to the main Yaowarat Road thoroughfare. Along the narrow alley, you’ll find a wide array of vendors selling shoes, jewellery, Thai fabrics, Chinese-style snacks (such as dried fish and taro chips), stationery and toys at wallet-friendly prices, making it an ideal one-stop shopping destination. Feel free to practise your bargaining skills – you can score especially good deals if you’re buying in bulk. 

How to get there: Hop on the MRT Blue Line (in the direction of To Lak Song) at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre MRT station and get off at Wat Mangkon MRT station. From there, it’s an 11-minute walk to Sampeng Market.

The Instagram attraction: Chang Chui Market

At Chang Chui Market, the headline attraction is undoubtedly the highly photogenic shell of a decommissioned Lockheed L-1011 TriStar aeroplane, which has been converted into a fine-dining restaurant called Na-Oh (named after Noah’s Ark).

But there’s so much more to see and do at this mixed-use creative hub. Browse the on-site boutiques, which spotlight local artisans and designers; sample everything from som tam (papaya salad) to sushi at the food pavilion; admire the art installations (including a giant dinosaur head) dotted throughout the complex; and enjoy live acoustic or jazz music at the two performance spaces.

The market is open from 11am daily, but truly comes alive in the evenings. 

How to get there: Chang Chui Market is tricky to get to using public transport, so we’d recommend taking a taxi instead – the ride should take around 35 to 40 minutes.