Bangkok is famous around the world for its surreal nightlife. The abundance of night markets goes to show that the city comes alive once the sun goes down. You're unlikely to find a greater variety of goods anywhere else in the world; everything from cheap counterfeit clothing to expensive antique collectables is available down the busy streets. To accompany your late night shopping spree, you can grab a quick bite or even a full meal from the never-ending array of dining destinations. The icing on the cake? Nearly all the night markets have bars around every other corner so even if shopping isn't your thing, you won't have to be reluctant to visit.
Here is a list of some of the Best Night Markets in Bangkok:
1. Patpong
Patpong is one of Bangkok's most popular night shopping destinations. Being right in the middle of Bangkok's notorious nightlife district, it is usually the first shopping destination tourists end up at when visiting the city. Located in the built-up area called Silom, Patpong is constantly crowded and chaotic, largely due to the all the commotion from the nearby Go-Go-bars and nightclubs. Be very careful while shopping here as the quality of products sold here are not the best, and the prices are often hiked based on one's appearance. Make sure you thoroughly inspect what you buy and bargain as hard as you can.
Timings: 18:00 - 01:00 (All week)
Location: Silom
How to Get There: take the SkyTrain to Sala Daeng station and exit down one of the stairs towards your right. Keep following the increasing trail of vendors, and before you know it, you will be there.
2. Saphan Phut Night Market
Saphan Phut Night Market is where you want to be if you want to grab some expensive brands for cheap. Look around enough, and you are bound to find counterfeits of such high quality that they would fool even the most fashion conscious of your friends. If you're ok with the idea of purchasing frauds, you can own clothes from companies like Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Armani for a fraction of the real price. Apart from the fake clothing, you can get some cheap entertainment items like movies, music CDs, and video games.
Saphun Phut is located in the area around Memorial Bridge, on the Rattanakosin side of the river. The market is quite popular among locals, especially teens, and stays open from 17:30-24:00, every day of the week except Wednesday.
Timings: 17:30 - 24:00 (All week except Wednesday)
Location: Memorial Bridge
3. Roi Fai Market
.jpg){kind=link}
Roi Fai Market is one of the largest night markets in Bangkok, selling a vast array of everything from fashion to furniture. The market is divided into three sections; the Market Zone, the Warehouse Zone, and Rod's Antiques. The Market Zone houses a huge collection of more than two thousand stores selling everyday products like toys, shoes, and homeware. The prices are cheap and bargainable. The Warehouse Zone has loads of vintage items like old photography gear and collectable items including old bikes and even cola vending machines. The most premium section is Rod's Antiques. It is a treasure trove of vintage items. You will find classic cars, motorbikes and among other things, a life-size Elvis Presley mannequin. Most of the items here are original products sourced from around the world. Their rarity demands a price tag to match.
Timings: 17:00 - 24:00 (Thursday to Sunday)Location: Srinakarin Soi 51, behind the Seacon Square Mall.
How to Get There: Hail a taxi from On Nut Station
4. Asiatique
.jpg){kind=link}
Asiatique is a combination of two of the most sought-after experiences for shopping in Bangkok, a mall and a bazaar. Once an international trade port, the place has now been transformed into a ginormous shopping destination with over fifteen hundred boutiques and forty restaurants housed under an over-sized warehouse complex. One of the best things about Asiatique is that it is organised. It is quite possibly the only place in Bangkok where you will manage to find a stall by looking at a map. The entire complex is divided into four different areas, based on four different categories of stalls. The Chareonkrung District houses most of the small boutiques selling souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts, and jewellery. In the Factory District, you will find the latest and greatest in technology, everything from iPhones to virtual reality headsets. The Waterfront District is home to some upmarket dining destinations where you can get your fair share of fancy, exotic cuisine in luxurious restaurants. Finally, the Town Square District is your go-to spot if you're looking for bars, cafes and outdoor entertainments spaces. You will even find branches of KFC, Au Bon Pain, and Burger King.
Timings: 17:00 - 24:00 (All week)
Location: Chareonkrung Soi 74-76.
How to Get There: Take the SkyTrain to Saphan Taksin and hop on one of the free shuttles at the pier. Taxis aren't recommended as the traffic can get pretty bad.
5. JJ Green
JJ Green is comprised of a mix of brick and mortar shops and bars, and makeshift stalls where local peddlers lay-out their goods. Part flea-market and part local drinking hangout, JJ Green is one of the coolest places to shop in Bangkok, with much more chilled-out vibes compared to others. Many of the shops sell dirt-cheap, second-hand clothes as well as retro items such as model cars, vinyl CDs, artwork, and random collectables. Moving deeper into the car-park, you'll find more of a car-boot sale, with shopkeepers selling all sorts of things including musical instruments, biker gear, vintage watches, and old posters.
Timings: 17:00 - 24:00 (Thursday to Sunday)
Location: 1 Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd
How to Get There: Get off the Skytrain at Mo Chit and walk up Kamphaeng Phet Road until you see the large 'Jatujak Green' sign
6. Chang Chui Plane Market
Chang Chui Market brings a phenomenal selection of shopping and dining options along with a plethora of urban art pieces, often made with recycled and scrap materials; the market runs on the concept that nothing is useless. The main attraction of the Chang Chui Plane Market is, of course, the plane: a giant shell of an Airbus in the middle of the grounds. However, as you keep exploring, you will discover loads and loads of splendid urban art pieces. There is something new behind every corner. I'm pretty sure you will be incredibly impressed by what the artists have put together. Amidst the hip, artsy vibes, you can enjoy a large variety of food, craft beer and shop for some one-of-a-kind fashion items. Although the array of clothes may not be as much as a some of the larger markets, it's made up for by the stunning designs. You can also get hand-printed T-shirts and custom iPhone covers, to name a few.
Timings: 17:00 - 23:00 (All week)
Location: 462 Srindhorn Rd
How to Get There: Take a taxi from Old City or Khao San.
Tips for Shopping in Night Markets in Bangkok
- Be on the lookout for pickpocketers, especially in a crowded area
- You can bring down prices significantly by bargaining
- Always thoroughly check what you are buying for any signs of damage
- When eating street food, avoid the stalls that are empty and instead opt for the crowded stalls. The locals often know which stalls are the best
- Make sure your phone is charged in case you get lost
- If you have children, do not let them out of your sight even for a second as the markets can get very crowded