A guide to Bangkok’s night markets

So it comes as little surprise that Bangkok would offer around-the-clock opportunities to spend your little heart out, to shoppers intrepid enough to trek to every corner of the city. Yes, there are myriad shopping centres and trendy boutiques in hipster areas like Aree and Thonglor. Yes, there are the down-to-earth walkways cluttered with affordable bric-a-brac in Little India and Chinatown. And yes, there is the biggest open-air market in South-east Asia on the weekends, known to all as Chatuchak. But perhaps the most rewarding shopping experiences in the city are the ones open only at night: Bangkok’s beloved night markets. The carnival atmosphere, the bright lights reminiscent of a country fair, the heaving crowds made up mostly of people happy to simply be a part of the scene — these are all elements of the most popular Bangkok night markets right now, each catering to a different segment of the population.

Even though it is very much a tourist attraction, no discussion of the city’s night markets is complete without mention of this sprawling complex built on the site of the Siamese-Danish Port of East Asiatic, which opened the gateway to international trade between the Thai kingdom and Europe. Comprising 1,500 shops and 40 restaurants, Asiatique also houses the Joe Louis Puppet Theater, featuring the endangered art of shadow puppetry, and the popular Calypso Cabaret show.

But the main draw is, of course, the shopping, which is spread out over four ‘districts’: Charoenkrung, named after Bangkok’s first road; Town Square, focused on restaurants; Factory, which showcases fashion; and Waterfront, which of course spotlights the riverside with its now skyline-defining Ferris wheel.
Open daily, 3pm till midnight

Considered the original ‘Train Market’, what is now referred to as ‘Talad Rot Fai 1’ has moved from its original location across the street from Chatuchak to the Paradise Park area (Sri Nakharin Road Soi 51). Rising to shopping fame on the back of its unparalleled vintage offerings, the new market attempts to replicate the vintage feel with its colourful awnings and Old Western-style buildings. The ‘train’ theme has been transported to its new location as well.

Although the market now mostly caters to teenagers from the neighbourhood, there is still some good vintage furniture to be found, way in the back past the cheap electronic goods (which could be worth perusing on their own). Vintage-style clothing and posters are also on offer. If you can get over the many bars with competing soundtracks, there are many gems to be discovered for the vintage hound.
Open Thursdays to Sundays, 4pm till midnight

Also called ‘Talad Rot Fai Esplanade’ (Esplanade Complex, Rachadaphisek Rd), this branch of the original ‘Train Market’ resides in a far more accessible location close to Bangkok’s Thai Cultural Center subway (MRT) station. It’s smaller than its big sister, but you won’t have to brave hours of traffic to find it. Even better, the same festival-like atmosphere pervades the former parking lot, thanks to the bright lights, hordes of food vendors and live music playing nightly.

Although more popular with the locals, this market is less about the shopping and more about the partying: street eats, beer and bands dominate the scene. But there are some good finds for the persistent, such as vintage-style home furnishings, neon signs and pre-loved apparel. If possible, try to go on a weeknight instead of a weekend when crowds render you nearly immobile.
Open daily, 5pm till 1am

Rot Boran Market is difficult to find, but for shopping mavens with an eye for the retro and fabulous, the search for this ‘Classic Car Market’ (The Walk, Kaset-Nawamin Rd) is worth it. Located behind the community mall known as ‘The Walk’, the market is made up of classic cars repurposed into stalls, each selling vintage or secondhand goods nice enough for another spin around the block.

Good choices abound, from the cool (international vinyl, knick-knacks and lunchboxes) to the traditional (Buddhist amulets and jewellery). The setting itself, next to a lake, makes you feel leagues away from Bangkok, and the crowd is the cream of the city’s in-the-know hipsters. If you manage to navigate through the ‘The Walking Dead’-like unfinished highway pillars to the market’s location, you’re set.
Open Tuesdays to Thursdays, 5pm till midnight

– TEXT BY CHAWADEE NUALKHAIR
PHOTOS: 123RF.COM, INSTAGRAM
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.