Night markets are a unique experience found in Southeast Asia. Bangkok has some of the best night markets in the entire region. Night markets are where you can find any and everything. They are open markets that open at night, and sometimes only during the weekends. People go to these markets for everything from dining to shopping, to night time entertainment. Night markets can be any size but Bangkok has some large markets with a lot to offer. Visiting one of the city’s popular night markets will give you a true Thai experience. It’s one of the best ways to get right in the middle of the culture and city scene.

Chatuchuk Weekend Market

Chatuchuk has become the most famous weekend market in Bangkok since it first began over 70 years ago. It’s the largest market and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every weekend. The weekend is when the entire market is open, although there are specified sections open throughout the week. This is a major tourist destination for anyone that wants to shop around their 15,000 vendors. These vendors are sectioned off by categories including fashion, artwork, books, antiques, etc. There is a lot of craftsmanship that goes into the products that you find here.

Chatuchuk Weekend Market also has a large food vendor section. These food vendors range from street food to branded food trucks. These locations serve everything from traditional Thai dishes, seafood, or popular desserts. You can also find lots of drinking options at this night market.

This weekend market is a haven in Bangkok for a unique shopping experience. It’s also a destination for nightlife which is mainly centered around it’s extension, referred to as JJ Green night market.

JJ Green

Jatujak Green, or JJ Green night market, is an extension of the Chatuchuk market. It’s located directly next to it so they often blend into each other. A unique characteristic about this night market is the vintage feel of the market. There are local vendors set up around the entire area as well as into the parking lot selling a range of items. You can find lots of clothing, electronics, vintage memorabilia, and much more. This is a great place for tourists to buy souvenirs.

In addition to retail vendors at JJ Green, there are also a wide range of food vendors. Bangkok is known for its cheap, yet delicious street food. JJ Green brings a lot of street food options into one convenient location.

The great thing about JJ Green is that there are also shops and bars around the market. Music can be heard from these venues well into the night time. The bars are a great place to grab one of the local favorite beers and enjoy some of their live entertainment.

Asiatique

Asiatique is a big contrast from the Chatuchuk night market. This night market is the newest market in Bangkok and is comprised of an entire riverfront area. This riverfront takes night markets to a new level and has a more modern feel. Its location was an original major trading post for Bangkok. A lot of these original buildings have been preserved and converted into spaces for the night market. Asiatique is sectioned into four districts with their own specialties.

The Factory district is where you will find a lot of shopping. Many of the original warehouses have been converted into space for vendors selling clothing, souvenirs, furniture, and more. The Waterfront district has a lot of restaurants for dining before stopping by one of the event venues also found in this district. The Down Square District caters to international guests. There are several sports bars as well as dining options more familiar to outside guests. The Chareonkrung district bring Thai culture to the Asiatique market. You can discover locally made handicrafts as well as attend local theatre and cabaret shows.

Patpong Night Market

Patpong night market is in one of the most well-known areas of Bangkok. Many tourists find themselves in this area to experience Bangkok’s red light district. The Patpong night market is located right in the center of it all. There is a mix of excitement here, from the open air night market to the nightlife entertainment found here. Many of these vendors sell items that compliment the go-go bars next to them. You can also find many other items similar to the other night markets such as clothing and souvenirs. Bargaining is a standard at all night markets. Shopping around the Patpong night market can get you some of the best deals in Bangkok.

Since it’s already a vibrant nightlife area, the Patpong Night Market will give a much different experience. This market is open every evening, lasting from the evening till late in the night. The stalls are individually owned so you may be able to come across a few late night stalls still open for business after a long night of partying.

Rod Fai Market

Rod Fai night market has gone through a lot of development throughout its history. Its also called the Train Market since its original location was located next to train tracks. It was a very prominent market but was forced to move due to city development. It was moved to Srinakarin and has become even more significant to the Bangkok night market scene.

Rod Fai is mainly known for its vintage items. There are many shopping stalls that sell lots of collectibles, vintage merchandise, and antiques. There are also several food options. You can find bars, restaurants, and even a variety of street food vendors.

Because the new location has been such a success, Rod Fai has opened yet another night market of the same name located on Ratchada road. Both of these markets have the same hipster atmosphere and cheap goods, the only difference is their location. You can enjoy the Rod Fai night market on the weekends from sunset until midnight.

Night markets are a great place to go for night time entertainment in Bangkok. Bangkok’s night markets provide a mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment. The night markets are popular hangout spots for locals as well as tourists. You’ll surely come across unique items at the night markets that you won’t find anywhere else. Each night market offers their own categories of what they sell. They’re also spread around the entire city. Knowing what market holds what you’re looking for can make the night market experience that much better. Or you can just browse to just how much the night markets have to offer.