Thailand is a diverse country that is full of rich culture and delicious food! As a backpacker, one of my favorite ways to learn about a new country is through exploring local markets. World-renowned for its markets, Thailand is a phenomenal introduction to the many markets of Southeast Asia. Below, I will cover three markets that I have found to be integral to my time in Thailand thus far.
#1. Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok, Thailand)
To kick off the list, it goes almost without saying that the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is one of the best introductions to markets in the world! As the largest market in Thailand with over 1500 stalls, Chatuchak warrants a full day (or more) to explore. From local food like khanom krok and fried quail eggs to machete knives, locals and tourists alike come here to find great deals on a huge array of items!
Located north of Bangkok’s city center, the Chatuchak Market can be reached via the Sky Train (BTS).
The official address is as follows:
Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd, Khwaeng Lat Yao, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900
Open hours for the market are Fridays from 18:00 – 24:00 and Saturday/Sunday from 9:00 – 18:00, however plant sections of the market are open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 – 18:00.
From Asoke Station, visitors can get off at Mo Chi station and walking about 10 minutes. The best part is that you will not need a map to find it as you will see most people disembarking the train at this stop on the weekend, so follow the crowds to one of the best places in Bangkok!
Yet, what if you aren’t near a BTS station? Due to Bangkok’s phenomenal transit system, the market is also accessible by MRT, the city’s underground metro system. From Sukhumvit (or closer station), visitors can take the metro to Kampaeng Phet. Although locals take both modes of transit, the MRT might be slightly cheaper.
My favorite part of this amazing partially open air market is visiting many stalls to a cute new outfit or small souvenirs like bracelets or a bulldog purse to take home!
#2. Warorot Market (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
For extremely good deals on clothing head to Warorot Market (Kad Luang) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Located outside of the city’s Old Town, the market can be easily reached by walking about 10 minutes north of the Tha Phae Gate. Along the way, you will find inexpensive local Thai restaurants, a variety of bars, and local clothing shops. However, be warned: sometimes, locals will sell similar items to those in the market at a higher price, so I recommend visiting the market before buying from shops along this street unless something ~really~ catches your fancy.
The address of the market is as follows:
90 Wichayanon Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300
Open hours for the market at: 5:00 – 23:00 (daily), which means that there is plenty of time to shop when in Chiang Mai! However, the market becomes fully functional around 9 AM.
The market can be divided up into two main “sections”. If you heading to the market from Old Town, you will find that the left side of the market houses fresh seafood, produce, and a few clothing stalls along the way. While on the right you will see a larger section of jewelry, clothing, and handmade goods from northern Thailand.
If you want to shop till you drop then you have come to the right place! Chiang Mai is commonly regarded as ‘the’ city to shop in during a visit to Thailand due to inexpensive prices and interesting local goods that are harder to find in other parts of Thailand.
However, if the buzz of the market gets to be too much, a quick escape to the bridge that connects the two main sections (as seen below) can act as a nice rest spot before continuing through the market.
#3. Pak Khlong Flower Market (Bangkok, Thailand)
The two previously mentioned markets offer a range of Thai goods and the opportunity to find phenomenal souvenirs, however the Pak Khlong Market offers visitors the chance to see an authentic Thai produce and floral market in actions in one of the liveliest parts of Bangkok!
Located near Old Siam Shopping Center, the market can be reached on foot by walking toward the river along Atsadang Road and turning left on Chakkraphet Road.
The official address is:
Chakkraphet Rd, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200
Inside the market, the otherwise seemingly wild hustle and bustle of Bangkok will feel serene as locals scurry past to deliver large containers of spinach or rearrange sweet smelling flowers for sale.
Although described as a flower market, Pak Khlong truly has it all including fresh produce, local snacks, and bouquets of fresh flowers.
One of my favorite aspects of this market is that it extends to beautiful displays of fresh fruit sold outside such as in the image below.
Additionally, the market offers locals a chance to leave offerings and pay their respects to Buddha due to a small shrine located at the entrance of the produce section. Here, you can truly get a sense for local life and experience where locals pick up their produce and other essential goods.
Do you have a favorite Thai market that was not covered in this article? Please list the name and location in the comments below for me and our fellow backpackers / travelers to learn about.
Stampchaser Photography 