When you first explore Thailand’s tourist attractions, you’ll be filled with enthusiasm. You begin planning how much time you’ll spend at each venue and how much you’ll see – it’s a great feeling, right? But, that feeling eventually wears off as the day goes by. You come across such a bounty of thrilling experiences that are too difficult to fit into a day. Thailand is jam-packed with things to do, souvenirs to buy, street food to try, and sights to see – it stops being fun and starts feeling like work. The good news is that there is a way to solve this problem! Night Markets!
Thailand night markets are an institution at this point. They’re a great place to let loose and have a good time once the sun goes down, with street food to keep you energized, live performances, and plenty of shopping options around every corner. It has so many beautiful cities full of life, and these night markets are the perfect way to make your stay unforgettable!
You haven’t really been to Thailand if you can’t visit the night market. From mouth-watering local dishes to exotic drinks and knock-off clothing, here are the top markets in Thailand where you can experience the true culture.
Rod Fai Market
Location:
Srinakarin Soi 51
Ratchada, Thailand, Bangkok
This eccentric market is located on the outskirts of Bangkok, along the train tracks. It’s clear why this market is often referred to as the rail market. The Rod Fai Market is popular with tourists because it is a bustling outdoor night market specializing in antiques and vintage artifacts and bars and cafés.
If you’re seeking a good bargain, you’ve come to the perfect place. Not only are the goods presented and of higher quality than in other markets, but the costs are also lower than in other of the more touristy markets. Traditional locals often serve local cuisines and are bordered by rows of cheap stylish stores. With a little bit of bartering, you’ll be able to get anything you desire at a reasonable price.
The modern Rod Fai market, which is much closer to town, is conveniently positioned near the Thailand Cultural Center. While you’re saving time, you can relax with a beer on the market’s second level, where you can select from a number of various bars. This market is commonly referred to as a meeting place. This type of market encourages conversation, whether traveling alone or with friends. The profusion of contemporary and urban bar stalls will only start an exciting evening for all.
Jatujak Green
Location:
1 Kamphaeng Phet 3
Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
Jatujak Green Market, often known as JJ Green Market, is one of Bangkok’s most popular nighttime markets. As the market’s ambiance begins to bring the city to life, you’ll find yourself meandering along the aisles seeking something to sample, which should be a bowl of traditional Thai Not noodles! This meal is bursting at the seams with flavor. If you prefer to be safe and merely want a short snack and something more western, a local market cheese toasties will have you thinking about how you can recreate this at home. However, you must try a grilled skewer before leaving the market. There is a wide variety of savory meat, including chicken, pork, and even seafood. Be warned: these are devilishly wonderful.
If eating isn’t your thing, the unending aisles of apparel stalls will blow your mind. This place is a shopaholic’s dream! The very popular market begins to draw a throng around 6 p.m. and after that, but if you arrive early enough, you’ll not have to shove past people to get to where you want to be. Thursdays through Sundays are the busiest days for the market. To avoid rush hour traffic, skip taking a cab and walk from Mo Chit BTS Station to the market.
Cicada Market
Location:
83/159 Soi Hua Thanon 21, Nong Kae,
Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
In Hua Hin, Cicada Market is all about art, homemade products, and good moments. Its open-air market concept brings together the town’s artistic skills and individuals who wear their “freedom of expression” on their sleeves. In addition to the crafts market, there is an art gallery, a beer garden, and live music. On weekends, the night market is filled with people from Bangkok. It’s on Phetkasem Road, almost midway between Hua Hin and Khao Takiab.
Fisherman’s Village Walking Street
Location:
Bophut Beach Road, Bophut, Koh Samui,
Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
One of Koh Samui’s most popular weekly markets is the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street. The picturesque old part of Bophut serves as a charming backdrop to a vibrant market, complete with food vendors, dancers, artists, and, of course, an astounding range of things for sale at reasonable prices. This contains anything from one-of-a-kind handcrafted things to knock-off designer items, with plenty of interesting possibilities in between.
Phuket Weekend Market
Location:
7 Wirat Hong York Rd, Phuket Town,
Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Phuket Weekend Market is an intriguing mix of secondhand products, curios, live animals, souvenirs, and an abundance of delicious local food. It is known locally as Naka Market or Talad Tai Rot and is often referred to as the Chaofa Variety Weekend Market. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, it’s worth a visit as Phuket’s single largest night market. If you ask what’s for sale here, the answer is probably “how much time do you have?” because the list of things is seemingly endless.
The Phuket Weekend Night Market is split into two sections: covered and open. You’ll find used things in the covered portion, including a large assortment of jeans, T-shirts, trinkets, and souvenirs. It’s worth mentioning that this portion of the market may get fairly stuffy, especially during the scorching wet season. Booth after stall sells fluffy toys, mobile phones, other electronics, DVDs and CDs, shoes, bags, jewelry, fashion accessories, watches, more garments, and virtually anything else but the kitchen sink in the uncovered portion.
The food sector is located at the market’s western end. Delicious boiled buttered corn on the cob, spicy sausages, grilled chicken, fishcakes, exotic fruit, and even deep-fried insects can be found here. There are also a few tiny restaurants where you can sit down to complete dinner, including seafood. Of course, you can wash down your snack with an ice-cold beer.
Asiatique Night Market
Location:
2194 Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phraya Krai,
Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Compared to Thailand’s other night markets, Asiatique Night Market is unique. There are four sections to this massive riverfront market about Bangkok’s history as a commercial port. In addition to more than 1,500 shops and restaurants, it features a night market and a massive mall. The area where the Asiatique Night Market is located was formerly a thriving shipping port.
The boutiques, the Calypso Cabaret Show, and the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre can all be found in the Chareonkrung District. Shops and boutiques specializing in cutting-edge technology and fashion may be found in the Factory District. It’s a must-see for those looking for trendy clothing and home decor, and technology.
The Waterfront District is home to Bangkok’s best restaurants, including Korean, Italian, and Thai eateries. The district’s attractive riverbank location makes it a popular spot for live music and fireworks displays. As a result, it’s the ideal spot to take in some delectable cuisine and live music while taking in the stunning scenery. Finally, head to the Town Square District if you’re in a hurry. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, including KFC, Pizza Company, and sports bars and cafes.
Rong Kluea Market
Location:
58 Rd Suwannason, Aranyaprathet,
Sa Kaeo 27120, Thailand
It is no surprise that Rong Kluea Market is one of Thailand’s busiest shopping destinations, given its location along Thailand’s busiest border market route. With a wide variety of stores and stalls to choose from, you’re sure to find a steal!
Despite being included in our list of the top night markets in Thailand, there are roughly 1380 shops to choose from. You may get anything from low-cost electronics, clothing, and dinnerware to so much more with so many possibilities.
Many merchants come from their home nations to sell their wares here. Despite the large selection of low-cost items, you’ll also find some real gems. And who knows? You might even come away with an unusual souvenir.
Your stroll through the markets will be an adventure of its own, and you will want to remember it all. Be ready to use your camera extensively, as it is your ticket to unlocking many fascinating experiences. Make sure to take a few snacks and drinks with you if you will be exploring the markets for a while, as they can make the journey even better. And when it finally comes time to say goodbye to Thailand, you will look back on this night in your new home country with fondness.
There is something cool about Thailand night markets. Enjoying a good meal while surrounded by strangers with no idea what they will get, hanging out with friends while getting lost in the market, wondering what souvenir you should take home to a friend is just not your taste. There are always new and exciting things to do and experience at these markets. So don’t leave Thailand without first seeing one (or all) of these night markets. You’ll want to return to fulfill your wanderlust once again!
