The 6 Most Popular Shopping Markets in Bangkok

By Mark Wiens 89 Comments

It’s incredible to think about how many shopping markets in Bangkok are available for you to explore!

You can be shopping for days!

I’ve been based in Bangkok since early 2009, and I’m still stumbling into markets I’ve never been to before.

In this blog post I’m going to share with you 6 of Bangkok’s busiest central markets and shopping paradises that should cover a variety of all your shopping needs and desires.

Sampeng Market (Yaowarat)
Sampeng Market (Yaowarat)



1. Sampeng Market (Yaowarat)

Yaowarat, or Bangkok’s Chinatown, is one of the most exciting and busiest parts of the city. Along with a fantastic array of Thai street food everywhere you looks, one of the most famous things about Chinatown are the shopping markets.

The most famous of them all is Sampeng Market, a seemingly everlasting sprawl of random trinkets, latest inventions, jewelry, fabric and everything else you can imagine. The market is often jam packed with shoppers, street food carts and transport dollies all scurrying through the narrow aisles.

Although you can buy individual products, Sampeng Market is also a place where many store owners or market stall vendors from other parts of Bangkok come to buy wholesale deals and then re-sell elsewhere. So you can expect to find some good deals at Sampeng, and if you’d like, you can buy things in bulk.

How to Get There: The easiest way to get to Sampeng Market is to take the Chao Phraya River Express boat to Ratchawong Pier, walk up road for a few minutes from the pier, and make a right into the busy alley. You’ll be right in the heart of the market and keep following the alley for shop till you drop action.
Open Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily

Shopping markets in Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market (ซื้อของที่ตลาดนัดจตุจักร)

2. Chatuchak Weekend Market (ซื้อของที่ตลาดนัดจตุจักร)

Easily the most world famous shopping market in Bangkok is the weekend Chatuchak Market (also known for short as JJ Market). This is a truly massive jumble of both makeshift stalls and permanent stores for the extreme shoppers.

Everything is available at Chatuchak Market… that is if you know where to look.

I’ve spent hours wandering around, looking for something I had seen on a previous visit at Chatuchak Market, and had no idea where to ever find it again, it’s that BIG (Hint: if you see a stall you really like, take note of its stall number location so you can come back if you want, otherwise it can be hard to re-find what you saw).

How to Get There: Take the BTS to Mo Chit station or MRT to Chatuchak Park
Open Hours: It’s a weekend market, so it’s open from 6 pm – Midnight on Fridays (but not everything is open, so it’s better to go on Saturday or Sunday), and from 9 am – 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Saphan Phut (สะพานพุทธ)
Saphan Phut (สะพานพุทธ)

3. Saphan Phut (สะพานพุทธ)

As a very local style Bangkok night market, Saphan Phut doesn’t get too much attention form visiting tourists. However, if you’re interested in seeing the latest local trends or observing the modern youth culture of Thailand, Saphan Phut is a great place to see.

While a lot of the clothing and accessories caters towards youth, there’s still a lot of random stalls (and always changing stalls) to be discovered. You may stumble into a vintage rock band t-shirt collection or an army fatigue clothing stand. Be sure to sample the fried squid eggs, particularly famous at Saphan Phut!

Like any of the shopping markets in Bangkok, you never know exactly what you might find!

Getting There: Take boat to Memorial Bridge, Saphan Phut pier
Hours: Night, 7 pm – 2 am

Pratunam Market (ประตูน้ำ)
Pratunam Market (ประตูน้ำ)



4. Pratunam Market (ประตูน้ำ)

Conveniently located in one of Bangkok’s most happening districts, Pratunam market is among the most thriving shopping markets in Bangkok. The market deals mostly clothing but there’s also a mishmash of other things like Thai souvenirs.

As a wholesale market, it’s not uncommon to see many foreigners from around the world buying in bulk to bring things back to sell in their home countries. Pratunam makes a great home-base when you’re visiting Bangkok if you’re into shopping. There are plenty of accommodation choices in Pratunam, and even some hotels like a Novotel directly above Platinum.

If you’ve had enough winding through the alleys you can always step into the craziness of Platinum Shopping Center, purchase electronics at Pantip Plaza, or even make the short walk to the modern CentralWorld mall.

Getting There: About a 10 minute walk from BTS Chit Lom station
Hours: 9 am – 8 pm

Shopping Markets in Bangkok
Shopping Markets in Bangkok – Khlong Toey Fresh Market

5. Khlong Toey Fresh Market (ตลาดคลองเตย)

One of Bangkok’s biggest and busiest fresh food markets is Khlong Toey. No matter if you’re looking to buy some fresh fruit or supply an entire restaurant with all necessary ingredients, you can purchase everything at this sprawling market. Amidst the backdrop of modern flashy buildings and sky-rises, butchers slice fresh cuts of meat and vegetables are sold by the bushel.

The market is one of the food distribution hubs of Bangkok, so there’s always plenty of energy and lots to observe. Walking around Khlong Toey is a very interesting and insightful experience in Bangkok.

Getting There: Take the MRT to Khlong Toey station
Hours: 24 hours a day, midday is fine for a visit

Click here to watch my Khlong Toey Market video.

Shopping in Bangkok
Wang Lang Market (ตลาดวังหลัง)

6. Wang Lang Market (ตลาดวังหลัง)

Located across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok’s Grand Palace and adjacent to Siriraj Hospital, eating and browsing through Wang Lang is one of my favorite things to do in Bangkok.

There’s always an oustanding selection of tantalizing pre-cooked snacks for people on the go as well as a handful of cheap sit down restaurants. Don’t forget to try the deep fried pork and the sweet waffle coconut pancakes (khanom tungtag) – check out this video of Wang Lang here!

Along with the abundance of food, Wang Lang market is a popular place to go shopping for trendy clothes or other little locally made gadgets. Catering to lots of students, the prices are pretty decent!

Getting There: River boat to Wang Lang Pier, can get there from Tha Chang Pier
Hours: Great to go midday, anywhere from 10 am – 5 pm

Conclusion

Along with delicious Thai food, browsing and buying things at shopping markets in Bangkok is one reason the city attracts so many visitors. There’s a market of everything.

There are many things to do when you’re in Bangkok, and if you love shopping, these six markets will be a great place for you to start.

Without the vast amount of entertaining markets, Bangkok wouldn’t be the same!

89 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Hamid

    7 years ago

    Hi mark. I want to come there in next week. I want to start bussines. Can u help me. Im from iran. I want to bring cloth or every thing new and good price . I want to buy wholesale new cloth or car instrument or accessori motore cycle. Can u give me addres factory in bankok or another city. Cloth factory and instrument accessori motore cycle

  • Tonmoy

    7 years ago

    I will visit on next month. One of my friend suggested to go to indra market. Can you suggest which will be better. Indra or Chatuchak market

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Indra is the same also as Pratunam area – it’s best for souvenirs and wholesale clothes, and open everyday. Chatuchak is best for everything, and only open on the weekends.

  • samiksha yadav

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark ,
    I have read your block its such a helpful thing , We are planning for Bangkok in april but we are not staying much time in bangkok . so , can you suggest some local good market for clothes near BKK airport ?

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hi Samiksha, good to hear from you… hmmm I’m not really sure of any markets near to BKK airport. You could go to Samrong Market, that might be the closest big market, but I’m really not fully sure.

    • KISAN KATOR

      7 years ago

      Hi, Mark, I am visiting Thailand,hua hin to kanchanaburi to bangkok, I am planning to book ibis Riverside hotel, for 3n, since I love have stay at picturesque place, does it have transport from there , and street food nearby, especially evening, please let me know. Thanks

  • Manuel

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark, we are looking to shop for a clay/pottery latern. Any Suggestion on where to buy such items in Bangkok?

  • frances mdonald

    7 years ago

    Are the restaurants in Asiatique expensive

  • Ying

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark! I’m looking to shop for some home decor (for our wedding venue) in Bangkok but unfortunately, we’ll be heading there during the weekdays so Chatuchak wouldn’t be a viable option. Do you have any other recommendations?

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hi Ying, great to hear from you, and congratulations. I think probably your best bet is Sampeng Market in Chinatown. You’ll find all sorts of things there. Hope you have a great trip!

  • Merlyn

    8 years ago

    I just love the details that you give on your video blogs about Bangkok.
    I love the city. And have visited it many times. I would also like to visit Pattaya though am not interested in the night life.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Merlyn, thank you very much, glad you love Bangkok too. I haven’t spent very much time in Pattaya, but hope you can visit.

  • lachy

    8 years ago

    Thanks Mark Wiens. A very helpful writing. you know, $ is always the matter. Do i need bargain for better price when i come to these markets?

  • mobi ahongshangbam

    8 years ago

    Thsnks mark. Your experience of bangkok help me a lot.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Mobi, you’re welcome, glad it’s helpful.

  • Darryl Owen

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark, Chatuchak market also has a plant/gardening market on Thursdays. It has all kinds of ornamental plants and fruit trees ect. as well as gardening related products. Worth a look if you like gardening.

  • Sherry

    8 years ago

    Great tips on market places the best list I’ve seen yet I also appreciate the directions what would also be super helpful is a map showing where these markets are thanks so much for the info!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Sherry, glad they are helpful, thank you for reading!

  • Veena fernando

    9 years ago

    Hi. How can I get this book as a real book ? Not as an e book. Can I getdown from e bey or something ?

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Veena, at the moment I only have my books available as eBooks. The benefit is that they are instantly available for download and access, and they can be updated easier as well. Let me know if you have any other questions.

  • Rahul Solanki

    9 years ago

    Hey! i have been following your blog and your youtube channel for about 2months now. I visited Bangkok 2 weeks ago and trust me, all the information you gave was usefull. Just 1more thing to add about Thai people, some of them speak pretty well english, however some of the pretend to understand english. When in doubt, we can sugges to use an english to Thai translator to get the accurate information.

    As, you said that you have living in bangkok for quite some time, i want to know where can i get vegetarian food. I mean, i dont eat eggs, no meat, no pork, and no fish. I know its quite difficult to find such a restaurant or such food in Thailand, but u might know it. During my last visit, i almost starved myself by living on just coffe and cold drinks.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Rahul, thank you very much, and glad that you had a nice visit to Bangkok. As for vegetarian food, I’ve written about a few places over on my other Thai food site here: http://www.eatingthaifood.com/vegetarian-thai-food/ Hope this helps.

    • ram

      9 years ago

      thanks for above information , i am planning to visit Bangkok ,
      can you give your email id or contact number

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      You’re welcome Ram!

    • josh green

      8 years ago

      hi there I’m a chef and two of us are going to Bangkok to do an event over there for the red bull family but our plan is to head strait to the market for all of our produce is khlong toey the best for all round produce ? and do they have a wide variety of fish there ?

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Josh, yes Khlong Toey is one of the biggest and best markets in central Bangkok. They do have a seafood and fish section as well. But go early in the morning, maybe 5 am.

  • Don Zehi

    10 years ago

    Hi MArk Sapanphut is clos for ever. By the goverment. Was there last night at 9pm .

    Just u know.

    Peace

  • Erica

    10 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    I am excited to head to Thailand in November for my honeymoon. I am super excited about visiting the markets, but the way we planned our trip we are leaving Bangkok Saturday around noon for Phuket. Do you think its worth it making the trek out to Chatuchak Weekend Market Friday night or should I forgo a trip there and head to one of the other markets?

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Erica, it really depends on what you want to get, Chatuchak is a good place for Thai souvenirs and clothes, but you could also go to a different market like Pratunam, or MBK, in the day-time and find similar things. The other thing is that not all shops open on Friday, so it might be best to go somewhere else.

  • Brad Bright

    10 years ago

    Hi Mark, great website, and great video on Bangkok and the way of life in Bangkok!
    I am a 28 year old Australian Man, traveling to Bangkok and also to Phuket with my partner in September this year.
    I was just wondering if there is any particular areas or markets that you would recommend to be a little unsafe or less “touristy” for tourists to visit or find accommodation ?
    Thanks and keep up the good work!
    Brad

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Brad, glad that you’ll be visiting Bangkok. Overall, the markets and areas of Bangkok are quite safe. But that being said, it’s still important to keep an eye on your belongings at all times. As for accommodations, there’s no real area to avoid (other than perhaps certain areas of Khlong Toey), but good areas would include Siam, Sathorn, Silom, or anywhere along Sukhumvit. All the best with your trip.

  • Lucy

    10 years ago

    I’ve been to Bangkok about errrrm a billion times, but realise how little I’ve done and how much more cool stuff there is to see when I read blogs like yours! Thanks for sorting my day out — Wang Lang here I come!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Lucy, cool to hear that, we’re always learning about new and interesting things to do and see – Bangkok is filled with endless possibilities. I think you’ll enjoy Wang Lang.

  • Aurélie

    10 years ago

    Hello!!

    I’m preparing my trip and I so need your opinion about the program… Is it possible to talk with you via email? or facebook whatever is easier for you…?

    Thanks a lot for all of your videos!!
    Aurélie

  • Vivi

    11 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    Glad i found this site! It’s very helpful 🙂
    By any chance, do you have any suggestion of wholesale places at Bangkok? Specifically artificial flowers & decoration stuff?

    Thanks a bunch! Have a great day! 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Vivi, you might either try Pratunam, Sampeng in Chinatown, or Bobae Market.

    • lathoai

      11 years ago

      Hey, Mark> I want some information about Bo Bae Market.and Bo Bae Tower. What can I buy from here? And time of operation. Is it a wholesale market? Pratunam and Bo Bae Market . Which one I have to choose to buy cheap and reasonable clothes ?

  • Eulene

    11 years ago

    Hey mark we are going for holiday to bangkok in feb2014 we are from South Africa and like most we love our food, please could you tel me what kind of meat do you get in bangkok……we love meat but do not eat any cats,dogs meat is it safe to try all the local foods then?

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Eulene, good to hear you’ll be coming to Bangkok. Meat is safe to eat in Bangkok, it’s mostly pork, some beef, and seafood. NO dog or cat meat in Bangkok!

  • NIHA

    11 years ago

    i hope to visit Phuket in this June. i want to know about the places where i can buy clothes, shoes and ornaments etc..

  • Mokshada

    11 years ago

    I am coming to bangkok in may this yr (2013). im 19 and im coming with family……We were planning to stay at baiyoke hotel……is it a smart choice??? coz i am really into shopping and if i could save a few bucks on the accomodation i would be really grateful…..
    Also i am a pure vegetarien. (no egg also) will that pose a problem in bangkok coz all i saw in the food market was meat….. 🙂
    BTW great information ….

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Mokshada, good to hear you’ll be coming to Bangkok soon. Yes Boiyoke Hotel is a good choice, and you’ll be surrounded by shopping! It’s possible to eat purely vegetarian in Bangkok – here’s some information I wrote about that: http://www.eatingthaifood.com/vegetarian-thai-food/

    • Mokshada

      11 years ago

      thank you 🙂

  • sherrill

    11 years ago

    where is the best area to stay, to take in all the markets you mention. Kind Regards

  • Naricha

    11 years ago

    Hi, so which market really sell cheap clothing in Bulk ? I am planning to sell them in my home country.

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Naricha, head to Pratunam and to a mall called Platinum Mall. Lots of bulk wholesale.

  • samira

    11 years ago

    hi i,m going to bkk after 5 years and i think it has changed alot.i,ve heard abou chatuchak weekend market from my brother,i will be at montien bangkok hotel which one of these markets is easy to get for me?

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hi Samira, you can get to many of these markets quite easily. To get to Chatuchak just take the MRT to Chatuchak Park or the BTS to Mo Chit. Hope you have a great visit to Bangkok!

  • Jane

    12 years ago

    Mark, I went to Wang Lang today as recommended. Wow – it was great. So much wonderful food – the sweet snacks were great. Easy to get to and not another falung in sight!

    Thanks for telling us about it. Keep up the great work!

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Great to hear that Jane, glad you enjoyed it!

  • Jay

    12 years ago

    Thanks! You inspired me to move to Thailand & your blog is helping me along my journey. Much love

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Awesome to hear that Jay! Thank you for your support and glad to hear that you’re be moving to Thailand. Are you already in Thailand? When will you be coming?

  • Lucky

    12 years ago

    Ohh Mark, why didnt you tell me those things, before I left BKK?? Next time I must visit try this Pratunam Market.

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Yes, Pratunam is a great market if you enjoy shopping for clothes Lucky, hopefully next time!

  • paul | walkflypinoy.com

    12 years ago

    great guide! and thank you so much. i now know the thai name of my favorite thai snack – khanom tung tag!

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      No problem, glad you enjoyed this post! Ahh, cool to hear that, next time you’re in Bangkok you’ve got to try the Khanom Tungtag at Wang Lang Market!

  • Noel

    12 years ago

    I can’t remember the last time I was in Bangkok and I think it’s time to make another visit. This post just confirm it. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      No problem, glad to hear that and thanks for checking it out!

  • Ayngelina

    12 years ago

    I love Chatuchak but wow I got lost so many times!

  • Sato

    12 years ago

    Hi Mark,
    I’m moving to Bangkok in July and your web site is helping me a lot to get ready for my life in Bangkok. I’m looking forward to visit all the markets you suggested and eat all the foods that made my mouth watery when I was reading in Migrationology. Thank you for this very useful website.

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      No problem Sato, nice to hear you’ll be moving to Bangkok and glad this information can help you!

    • ahram

      10 years ago

      Hi there for everythone planing to come to thailand its good to know yes the food is verry tasty but they put msg on everthing so you have to get food cooked on the spot and ask for ( me aw pongshulot ) wich means no msg all precooked food has msg in it ! I think this is important to know !

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Thanks Ahram, yup that’s a good tip!

  • Ruth of Tanama Tales

    12 years ago

    More markets to check out. Which one do you prefer? Where is the food better? Or, are there some specialties related to a particular market?

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      I really enjoy Wang Lang, but I also like walking around Khlong Toey because it’s one of Bangkok’s largest fresh food markets. I guess in Bangkok, it’s hard to say exactly where the food is better because there’s good food everywhere, but again, I’m a big fan of Wang Lang for food! Chatuchak is probably the best all-around market with everything (apart from fresh food), while Pratunam is really good for clothing and Sampeng is famous for things like fabric, buttons and earrings.

  • Steph (@ 20 Years Hence)

    12 years ago

    I had heard that the street markets in Bangkok were out of control, and this post confirmed it! I popped over and watched your video of the Wang Lang market, and now I can’t wait to try Moo Tod. It looked so good! It blows my mind how much fresh, tasty food there is in Thailand at bargain basement prices!

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      You’re right Steph, lots of markets and lots of street food in Bangkok to go with it! Thanks for watching the video!

  • Ava Apollo

    12 years ago

    So which is your favorite?