5 Buzzing Night Markets in Bangkok
Beautiful and awe-inspiring temples, local street markets, never-ending shopping malls, traditional Thai massages and even airplane bone yards are amongst just a small portion of daytime activities and sights that bustling Bangkok has to offer. On the flip side, after sunset, you may know the city for its famous party scenes, Khao San road, hip restaurants and stunning rooftop bars. But the night is always ‘still’ young in Bangkok, with buzzing night markets popping up all around the city filled with arts and crafts, more shopping, food trucks, and makeshift bars.
There’s no better way to recover from your heat stroke than to grab a cold brew with great company, get some light bites, wander and unwind at these buzzing and vibrant night markets.
Chang Chui
Chang Chui commonly dubbed as ‘The Plane Market’ (because of a massive decommissioned plane parked smack in middle of the market) is not like any other market you’d expect. Less shopping, more experience - is a nice way to put it.
This market is more of a creative and artsy hub with several wacky art installation pieces dotted around the area, art galleries and you’ll even find artists busking, live music and performances. In addition to this you’ll find a large selection of food, craft beers and small boutique stores selling vintage jewelry, arts and crafts and fashion pieces.
The combination of the two creates a stellar and laid-back vibe perfect for anyone with an appreciation of art, loves an instant-worthy spot and a desire to simply put - chill out.
Getting There: As Chang Chui is located quite a distance away from downtown Bangkok and the Sukhumvit area, it is recommended to get to the market by Taxi.
Location: 460/8 Sirindhorn Road, Bang Phlat, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri (16:00 - 23:00), Sat-Sun (11:00 - 23:00), Closed on Wednesdays
Neon Market
The Neon Market is a relatively new addition to the night market scene and offers a balanced mix of food, shopping and fun activities. You’ll notice the market is lit up with bright neon lights with colorful tents that gives the entire area a beautiful and buzzing glow.
Whether you’re hungry for light snacks or a hearty meal, the neon market offers a wide selection of delicious foods from meat and cheese and baked potatoes to tender ribs and seafood platters. What’s more? A number of bars built within and around massive shipping containers so you can enjoy a nice beer or quirky cocktail while glancing over the entire market.
In addition to all the food, there’s the shopping. You’ll find a number of stalls selling clothes, tote bags, phone cases, pillows, key-rings, souvenirs - just to name a few. So take your time, stroll and enjoy what the market has to offer.
What sets the Neon Market apart from other markets around the city is the activities and arcade section. Perfect for couples, families and groups of friends the market offers fun games and rides such as balloon darts, ferries wheel, carousel and even a mini zoo where you can pet turtles, snakes, bunnies and hedgehogs!
Getting There: You can get to the Neon Market by getting off the either Chidlom or Ratchthewi BTS stations and it’s just a 5-10 minute walk from there.
Location: 167 Phetchaburi Road, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun (16:00 - 24:00)
Train Market
The Train Market known locally as ‘Rot Fai Market’ is easily identifiable with its large colorful-lit tents that spans a large area of land home to roughly 2000 stalls. This market is known for its incredible array of vintage collectibles, antiques and memorabilia including hard to find and rare items like vintage leather jackets, French chandeliers, old cameras, Coca-Cola collectibles and even Japanese anime toys amongst others.
In addition to the vintage theme, there are also several traders selling modern fashion and apparels, accessories, children toys, homeware and furniture. The best of all is prices are reasonable! So explore, get lost in the sea of stalls and start shopping.
Like every night market, food and drinks play a huge role. Makeshift bars, noodles stalls, barbecue stands, ice cream parlors and traditional tea and coffee stands are scattered across the market offering mouth-watering flavors and refreshing drinks so you can continue to shop without having to drop.
Getting There: The Train Market is just behind the Seacon Square Shopping Mall and the best way to get there is with a Taxi
Location: Srinakarin Road, Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250
Opening Hours: Thurs-Sun (17:00 - 1:00)
Asiatique
Asiatique is not your average night market. With a history of being a group of warehouses and trading post by the Chaophraya riverfront, the area has been creatively transformed into a night market and modern lifestyle space with a giant Ferris wheel being its key calling point. As the area is pretty massive and spread out, Asiatique is split into several zones enabling visitors to easily navigate within the narrow alleys of the market to the wide and open space at the riverfront namely the Charoenkrung District, Factory District, Waterfront District and the Town Square District.
The Charoenkrung District is under four large warehouses comprising of over 1,000 stalls selling almost everything you can imagine from souvenirs to handicrafts, jewelry and clothing. Expect to devote a good hour or two here if you just want to shop. Prices are relatively reasonable so if you are looking to do your shopping including souvenirs all in one place, Asiatique is the place to be.
Upscale fashion stores, gadgets and homeware appliances can be found at the Factory District that even features an Apple Store. You’ll find independent cafes, food and drink stalls along with awesome laid back bars dotted all around the Town Square District. Last but not least, the Waterfront District is where you’ll find the amazing view of the river, local boats and riverside hotels and where all the high-end restaurants are located!
Asiatique also features a Calypso Cabaret, a ladyboy show that is one of Bangkok’s top attractions - so if you’re interested in a show, why not add it into your evening itinerary after a stroll through shopping, eating and enjoying the pleasant views.
Getting There: Best way to get to Asiatique is by getting off at Saphan Taksin BTS station and take a free shuttle boat operated by Asiatique
Location: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120
Opening Hours: Daily (17:00 - 24:00)
Liab Duan Night Market
Literally translating to ‘Along the Expressway’ where it is actually situated is located in the Ramintra-ekkamai neighborhood. Liab Duan is a little further out of the city center but easy to get to with either taxi or motorbike.
What’s great about this market is the shopping experience. Vendors, shops and stalls typically set up and sell their products on the ground, spreading their display as wide and creatively as they can - so if you’ll probably be looking downwards throughout your time at this market.
What you’ll find at this market is a flood of affordable fashion items - so be prepared to spend! We’re talking about sneakers, basic tees, dresses, accessories, bags and watches and here you’ll even find counterfeit and copycat products, whether it’s the Louis Vuitton wallet you’ve always wanted or that shiny Rolex. You’ll also find here independent fashion designers selling their own handcrafted products that do give off a very hipster vibe - so if you’re into exploring the world of ‘local fashion’ this is the market you’d want to wander into.
Aside from the fashion, you’ll also find a wide selection of food and drink stalls to keep you satisfied and refreshed while you shop!
Getting There: As there isn’t any MRT or BTS lines that take you directly to this market, it’s recommended to take either a taxi or motorbike.
Location: Pradit-Manutham Road
Opening Hours: Daily: 5pm - 1am
And there you have it, 5 buzzing night markets that are worth a visit to Bangkok! If you’re short on time don’t worry, just pick a night market that best suits your vibe and simply wander in.
