Let's be honest, there's absolutely no way you can rein in your inner hoarder when you're in Bangkok (the land of cheap shopping!). With comfy clothes and cute little accessories going at a couple of bhats, you might even need to purchase an extra luggage just for your spoils!?
If you thought that we'd be deterring you from shopping, then you've got another thing coming? Here's 6 street markets in Bangkok every shopaholic needs to visit for the ultimate shopping experience!
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market
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Anyone who has travelled to Bangkok would agree that Chatuchak Weekend Market is a fantastic representation of a street market fiasco.
Crowned as Thailand’s largest, it boasts a labyrinth of 8,000 booths complete with floor-to-ceiling display of daytime and evening dresses, homegrown clothing labels, knock-off handbags and quirky ceramics - just to name a few.
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Despite its maze-like layout, Chatuchak is surprisingly easy to navigate. However, with a weekend crowd of 200,000, it’s easy to lose sight of your shopping companions. Set up a meeting point like the Clock Tower that is smack in the middle of the street market.
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Opening Hours:
Wed - Thu: 6:00am – 6:00pm (Plants & Flowers)
Fri: 6:00am – 6:00pm (Wholesale Day)
Sat - Sun: 6:00am – 6:00pm (Street Market)
Address: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok.
Directions: Chatuchak is located adjacent to the Kamphaengpecth MRT Station. It’s also a 5 minute walk from Mo Chit Skytrain BTS Station and Suan Chatuchak (Chatuchak Park) MRT Station. For buses to Chatuchak Weekend Market, refer to this list (link: http://www.chatuchak.org/map.html).
2. Jatujak Green Night Market (JJ Green)
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If you think you’ve seen it all at Chatuchak, wait till you meet their hip neighbour JJ Green Market.
A local flea market with a retro spin, the crowd at JJ Green comprises all the cool kids of Bangkok. Formerly known as Siam Gypsy Market, this outdoor market is neatly sectioned by street food and souvenirs as well as vintage merchandises.
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Flea market favourites such graphic tees, printed caps, accessories and cool sunnies are scattered across JJ Green. Fans of nostalgic collectibles will enjoy their time at the vintage section where everything from old-school nintendos to pre-loved clothes are sold from car boots.
Opening Hours: Thu - Sun: 5:00pm – 12:00am
Address: Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok.
Directions: Take the train to Mo Chit BTS Station and the street market is located next to Chatuchak Weekend Market.
3. Artbox Bangkok
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Looks familiar? You’ve probably seen this container-style street market somewhere in your friend’s instagram feed.
With local shops set up within large-sized containers, go nuts on quirky accessories, independent clothing labels and one-of-a-kind souvenirs - mostly made by homegrown purveyors.
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They also have live music and jam sessions to put you in the mood. The thing about Artbox is that their pop-up dates remain a mystery until the big reveal on social media. Only open on selected weekends of the month, be sure to follow them on Facebook for their upcoming appearance
Opening Hours: Selected Fri to Sun: 3:00pm – 12:00am
Address: Location varies but past venues indicate that Artbox is held within walking distance from a local train station. (Previously, BTS Phrom Phang and MRT Queen Sirikit) Check out Artbox's Facebook page for the latest updates!
4. Asiatique the Riverfront
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Asiatique the Riverfront feels like a rebirth of the old Suan Lam Night Market that used to reside by the Chao Phraya River. Akin to a retail boulevard, Asiatique is widely labelled as a modern street market complete with a massive ferris wheel.
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Open in the evenings, catch similar street market favourites from summer dresses to quirky knick knacks. Then again, there’s no harm in spending some bahts at the popular Naraya store where floral bags and pouches are aplenty.
#HHWT Tip: Our readers just shared with us that there are halal food stalls along Charoen Krung Rd, which is only a short walk away from Asiatique. There's even a mosque! Head out to the road from Asiatique and turn right on to Charoen Krung Road for some halal street food ?
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 5:00pm – 12:00am
Address: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Prayakrai District, Bangkor Laem, Bangkok.
Directions: Take the train to Saphan Taksin Station and follow the signs to Asiatique’s shuttle boat that will take you directly to the entrance for free (service hour is 4:00pm-11:30pm).
5. Talad Rot Fai Market Srinakarin
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Partly a hipster hangout, the Talad Rod Fai is one of the more exciting night markets in Bangkok.
Featuring stalls of purse-friendly apparels and accessories, snap up some wardrobe staples, casual footwear, fancy phone covers and local snacks before your trip home.
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The highlight of this local street market is the variety of retro finds that feeds any old souls. Imagine old-school Vespas, dusty antiques as well as Harley bikes - all within the same space!
Opening Hours: Thu - Sun: 5:00pm – 12:00am
Address: Srinakarin Soi 51, Bangkok.
Directions: Take the train to On Nut BTS station and take the taxi to the street market. This one is located behind Seacon Square Shopping Mall.
6. Talad Rot Fai 2 Market Ratchada
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Just as fanciful as the original Talad Rod Fai in Srinakarin, the Ratchada version offers the same quirks with a lesser crowd.
Stuffed with everything from summer dresses to soft toys, spend extra time at the vintage section where antiques and automobiles are on display, accompanied by Thai pop tunes blasting from a Volkswagen van.
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While your girlfriend or sisters are off shopping, join the rest of the boys for a quick haircut at this makeshift barber shop.
#HHWT Tip: Thanks to the street market’s popularity among the locals, clothing and souvenirs are said to be cheaper than the likes of Chatuchak.
Opening Hours: Thu - Sun: 5:00pm – 12:00am
Address: Ratcadaphisek Road (close to Esplanade Shopping Mall)
Directions: Take the train to Thailand Cultural MRT Station and walk to Exit 3 where the street market is only a few minutes away. The street market is located behind Esplanade Shopping Mall.
Well, fellow shopaholics, where will you be stopping by next? A word of advice though - try not to spend your savings away (or do... we can't stop you!)?