8 Must-Visit Bangkok Night Markets for Food, Shopping, and Fun

The sweet fragrance of sticky rice, the throng of countless chatting shoppers, the promise of bargains around every corner—Bangkok night markets are an experience you’ll never forget.

When the sun goes down, the city comes alive, and whether you’re here to eat, shop, explore, discover, or mingle, if you’re in Bangkok, Thailand, a night market should be at the top of your itinerary. With that in mind, these are the 8 best night markets in Bangkok.

Why Bangkok's Night Markets are an Absolute Must-Visit

Night markets are an institution in Thailand, and in the beating heart of its capital, Bangkok, you’ll find the best that this country has to offer. They give you a taste of city life that you can’t get from fine-dining restaurants, luxury hotels, and modern shopping malls—an experience beloved by locals and tourists alike.

They have the best cuisine—an assortment of street food spanning everything from grilled seafood and meat skewers to ice cream—as well as traditional apparel, vintage clothes, handicrafts, and more.

It’s an open-air, fee-free bazaar with a lively atmosphere, and everyone is welcome.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Night Markets

Every evening market in Bangkok has something different to offer. The location, ambiance, vendors, food stalls, and entertainment—each Bangkok night market adds its own unique stamp to this tradition.

You could simply visit the most famous night market in Bangkok or the one you’ve seen in the most Instagram Reels, but just because it’s the most famous doesn’t mean it’s the best. And it definitely doesn’t mean that it’s the best for you.

So, to create our list of the best Bangkok night markets, we considered factors such as:

Authenticity and Local Flavor

Night markets are some of the best places to eat in Bangkok because of the sheer breadth of food on offer. The biggest markets have thousands of stalls, with dozens of food stalls, and this ensures there is something to meet most tastes.

Authenticity is key, though. Most tourists want an authentic Thai experience, one that isn’t limited to overpriced and underflavored pad thai and pre-processed treats. In researching the best night markets in Bangkok, we look at what locals enjoy, as well as what tourists praise. After all, the locals know good Thai food, and they understand fair prices, so if they’re happy, you can guarantee an authentic experience.

Average costs of Bangkok night markets (prices vary by market and purchase choice):

Type Average Cost
Food THB 30-100 ($1-3)
Entry fee Free
Handicrafts THB 300+ ($9)
Clothing THB 50-150 ($1.50-4.50)
Fresh fruit THB 20-60 ($0.60-1.80)

Variety of Goods and Food

A diverse range of food means even the most seasoned travelers can try something new; a wide selection of goods means you can shop late into the evening and discover some hidden gems.

It’s not the size of the market or the number of stalls that matter. If everyone is selling similar wares, it doesn’t matter whether there are 10 or 100 of them.

Variety is the spice of life, and it’s also the thing that brings Bangkok night markets to life. So, we look for everything from meat, fish, and vegetarian/vegan street food (delicious food for all preferences), as well as fresh food, vintage clothes, memorabilia, hand-made trinkets, textiles, and gadgets to find our must-visit markets.

Popular dishes and goods at Bangkok night markets:

Type Description
Pad thai A stir-fried noodle dish that blends sweet, savory, and sour flavors and is served with various meat (prawn, chicken) or vegan options (tofu).
Grilled skewers Grilled meats (including pork and squid) on a skewer.
Mango sticky rice A popular dessert of sweet sticky rice with fresh mango.
Som tum A spicy yet refreshing salad made with shredded papaya.
Fresh fruit Seasonal local and imported fruits like mangosteen, rambutan, and watermelon.
Clothing Branded t-shirts, trousers, and accessories.
Jewelry From homemade trinkets to replica watches.
Souvenirs Thai silk, plush toys, wooden handicrafts, and other locally produced trinkets.

Accessibility and Atmosphere

Bangkok is a very well-connected city. There are taxis, tuk tuks, ride-sharing apps, buses, MRT stations, and the BTS Skytrain, and that’s before you consider scooter/car rentals and private hires. But some night markets are more accessible than others, and if you’re shopping until the small hours, you want to know that you can return safely and promptly.

Accessibility is key, therefore, and so is the atmosphere. Some have live music and an upmarket vibe, while others keep things more traditional. Either way, at a good Bangkok night bazaar, you will get lost in the moment.

The best food and cheapest goods won’t count for much if you’re constantly checking your watch and waiting for your time to leave.

Average costs of Bangkok transport options (short journeys):

Type Average Cost
Buses Up to THB 10 ($0.30)
BTS and MRT THB 35-45 ($1-1.35)
Taxi THB 50 ($1.50)
Tuk tuks THB 50 to 150 ($1.50-3)
Ride-sharing services THB 100+ ($3)

The Top Night Markets in Bangkok You Can't Miss

Using the guidelines above, we have compiled a list of our 8 favorite Bangkok night markets. Check them out as you plan for a Thai trip of a lifetime:

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Located near Central Bangkok, Chatuchak Weekend Market calls itself the biggest weekend market in the world, with over 200,000 visitors browsing 15,000+ stalls every weekend. But it’s the Chatuchak Night Market we suggest adding to your itinerary. The varied food stalls come out, the crowds die down, and it’s peaceful vibes all around.

Enjoy live music, street performers, colorful wares, plant stalls, and more.

Asiatique The Riverfront

Another great night market, you’ll find everything from riverside eats to the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening. Many people recommend visiting Asiatique at sunset when you can get some amazing views, and if you hop on the Sky Ferris Wheel, those views get even better.

ICONSIAM SookSiam Night Zone

An interesting thing about this spot is that it’s actually located at one of the biggest malls in the city, filled with luxury shops, cafes, boutiques, eateries, and more. But at night, the SookSiam area turns into a floating market on the Chao Phraya River.

You’ll discover plenty of goodies, from the food stalls to the crafts and even some local entertainment. It’s clean, classy, comfortable, air-conditioned, and lively, making it a great place to avoid the heat and chaos of the city. It’s located in Riverside, and there is a shuttle boat for easy access.

Jodd Fairs

Jodd Fairs, Bangkok, is one of the most talked about night markets in the city, but it’s had a troubled past. Once a beloved Bangkok train market in Ratchada known as Rod Fai Market Ratchada, it then became The One Ratchada, and while that closed in 2025, its spirit lives on in Jodd Fairs Ratchada.

It’s as lively, colorful, and entertaining as the original at the Rama 9 location. It’s hip and creative, with stylish clothes, handicrafts, and various food options, such as curries, noodles, and snacks. However, it’s also smaller and offers a more intimate night market experience.

Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street

A walking street with everything from live music to food and art, this is more than just a night market in Bangkok to visit. It is an experience. It’s less crowded than many night markets, and as it’s full of street art, it’s a vibrant, creative place to admire—as well as take numerous pictures for your social media posts.

Pratunam Night Market

If you’re a fashionista, Bangkok’s Pratunam Night Market has everything your heart could desire. Located in Thanon Phaya Thai, it’s open in the evening until midnight, so plan accordingly. Take plenty of cash, as you’ll want to load up on low-cost retro and modern clothing.

Huai Khwang Night Market

Cheap goodies, food stalls, and entertainment make this a must-visit spot. Open 24/7, it’s filled with an authentic nightlife vibe during the evening hours, with stalls on either side of the road selling delicious food, cheap clothing, and more. You can even stop for a massage or manicure—perfect after a day of sightseeing.

Khlong Toei Market

If you’re looking for fresh ingredients to prepare your own Thai meal, this is the place to go. It includes everything from raw meat to seafood, spices, and more. It can be crowded and a little chaotic, but it will give you a taste of Thai life.

Tips for an Unforgettable Night Market Experience

From bustling weekend markets to the uniqueness of a train night market, Bangkok has it all. You’ll likely want to add all of these markets to your itinerary, but before you do, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your experience:

Embrace the Bargain

There will be bargains, and they may seem too good to be true, but they’re real! What’s more, most vendors are open to haggling, so if you want to save yourself a few baht, work on your negotiation skills.

Go Hungry, Stay Hydrated

It’s never a good idea to visit a Bangkok night market on a full stomach, as you’ll be bombarded with an assortment of fragrances and delicious fare. Take cash, go on an empty stomach, and be adventurous. Just make sure you stay hydrated—it will be hot and you’ll be walking around a lot.

Dress Comfortably

Walking around a Bangkok night bazaar will take it out of you. It’s hot. It’s humid. And it’s busy. So, wear loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing and comfortable shoes.

Keep an Eye on Your Belongings

Leave important documents (such as your passport) at the hotel room, take cash, and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Bangkok is generally a safe city, but as with any major metropolis, there are pickpockets and scammers, and you need to stay aware.

Learn a Few Thai Phrases

You don’t have to be fluent—a few basic phrases will suffice. It shows the locals that you’ve made an effort, and it could make your life easier when ordering food or buying wares. Even a simple “thank you” can make a big difference.

Check Opening Hours and Days

Night markets often have limited hours, and many of them open for just a few days a week. They may also close during certain holidays. Check the schedule in advance and plan your visit for optimal times. For big markets like the Chatuchak Night Market, it helps to grab a map and plot your way through the market, as it’s very easy to get overwhelmed and lost.

Final Thoughts: Your Night Market Adventure Awaits

The above list covers the best Bangkok markets, but there are many more if you’ve had your fill and still have time to spare.

The SW1 Market in Sukhumvit is just a 5-minute walk from the famous Soi Cowboy, a street known for its nightlife. Bangkok Patpong Night Market is perfect if you’re looking for counterfeit goods, and if you want some Chinese flair, you can check out the Yaowarat Night Market on Yaowarat Road in Chinatown. This Bangkok Chinatown Night Market stays open until midnight and will take you on a foodie tour of China.

Looking for a true train market in Bangkok? Take a day trip from Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors sell on an operating railway and move out of the way when the train arrives. Other great day trips from Bangkok include:

As you can see, you have plenty of options to choose from! So, keep this list of Bangkok night markets in mind when planning your trip to BKK.