As much as I have explored Bangkok during the daytime, I have explored it during the night time, too. I find Bangkok’s nightlife highly fascinating and I spent a lot of time visiting different places at night.
While most places around the city start closing around 9 pm, there’s a different Bangkok you get to experience after that. There are many places that open in the evening and stay open till late at night. This includes clubs, jazz bars, adult entertainment zones, and night markets etc.
The exciting nightlife of Bangkok deserves a dedicated article. But today, I want to talk about night markets of Bangkok. These night markets are famous for clothes, accessories, merchandise, souvenirs, cheap knockoffs of top international brands, and mouth-wateringly delicious food offerings.
Some of these bazaars attract the flock of tourists looking for cheap gifts to take home while some are popular among the local youth.
So, allow me to introduce 5 of my favourite night markets in Bangkok. If you wish to experience Bangkok’s nightlife, I would recommend all these markets to begin with. If you are into jazz and blues, I suggest you pay a visit to some of Bangkok’s famous jazz bars, too.
1. New Rot Fai (Ratchada)
The Rot Fai night market in Srinakarin is one of Bangkok’s largest and most popular night markets. It has a large collection of things to shop from and its street food offerings could calm every foodie’s hunger.
The Rot Fai market in Srinakarin, however, is not one of my favourites. Mainly because of its location and the fact that it’s a huge, crowded, and chaotic market. Instead of spending my time in reaching there and then wandering around the crowded place, I prefer the new Rot Fai market located in Ratchada.
Opened in 2015, the New Rot Fai market in Ratchada is not as big as the original. But it has the same vibes and it’s convenient to reach. Once inside the market, you should notice that it’s actually pretty much like the original Rot Fai but in a smaller size.
At New Rot Fai – also spelt ‘Rod Fai,’ you will find antiques, clothes, accessories, and plenty of stalls selling interesting Thai food. There are bars that play some loud music, too.
Tip: Planning to get a tattoo or two while in Bangkok? Head over to Maitree Tattoo at New Rot Fai market which will do the job at highly competitive rates.
New Rot Fai Market in Ratchada opens on Thursdays – Sundays between 5 pm and 1 am. The best way to reach here is by taking an MRT train to Cultural Centre underground station.
2. Patpong
Situated in Silom area, Patpong is basically known as the world’s largest red-light districts. I’m not sure how much truth lies in this claim but the fact is that I don’t care.
Adjacent to the famous red-light area is located the Patpong night market which is highly popular among tourists who often come here in search of cheap souvenirs to take home.
In makeshift shops of Patpong, you will find ‘A-grade’ copies of branded watches, sunglasses, wallets, and other accessories. There are many items sold here that you can buy as gifts for your friends or to decorate your house.
If you think prices of these fine-looking knockoffs are too high, you are absolutely right. Those shopkeepers (who are too good at being rude) will quote prices as if they’re selling you the real deal. So carry your bargaining superpower along and use it every time you want to buy something.
You won’t find as many stalls selling food here but there are some places near the market where you can feed yourself.
Tip: Ran out of cash? You will find money exchangers in Patpong. Be careful while exchanging your cash, though. Even better, use your credit/debit card to withdraw cash, just in case.
Patpong night market opens daily between 6 pm and 1 am. Sala Daeng and Si Lom are the nearest BTS and MRT stations, respectively.
3. ChangChui
Chang Chui was the first night market I visited in Bangkok. I and Khalyf – a friend from Malaysia – took a ferry and then a bus to reach ChangChui where we were to meet someone.
ChangChui night market is very different from other markets mentioned above. It’s less crowded and it has an urban feel. Most of ChangChui’s visitors include young locals and expats along with some enthusiastic tourists.
Enter ChangChui and you will find a huge shell of an Airbus nicely decorated with lights. Take a walk further and you will come across the hip and happening bars, fancy diners, and boutiques selling high-end fashion. You will also find modern art pieces – mostly made of recycled materials spread across ChangChui.
Post an Instagram story near that Airbus, buy some art or clothes, grab a drink or two, and enjoy your dinner. Once you are done exploring the market, sit down and enjoy live performances by locals artists.
If you are staying somewhere in backpackers’ heaven Kaho San road, it’s fairly easy and quick to reach ChangChui. If like me, you are coming from downtown areas, it can be quite time-consuming to reach here. It’s better to leave early and combine a ferry ride with a bus or taxi to reach ChangChui.
Tip: Head over to Coppia Bar to enjoy drinks in the company of some peppy music.
ChangChui is divided into two parts. The ‘green zone’ stays open between 11 am to 9 pm. The ‘night zone’ opens at 4 pm and closes at 11 pm. The whole market stays closed on Wednesdays.
4. Asiatique the Riverfront
Located at a site that used to be the docks of the East Asiatic Company facing the Chao Phraya River, Asiatique presents a fine blend of a shopping mall and a local market. It’s basically a large open-air shopping mall which carries the charm of Bangkok’s exciting nightlife.
Asiatique is divided into four parts called ‘districts.’ Each district offers something different. The Waterfront District, for example, includes several riverside restaurants. Bangkok’s tallest ferris wheel – Asiatique Sky – is also present here.
As its name suggests, the Fashion District is where you will find trendy fashion offerings. There are some stores selling latest gadgets, too.
There are about 1500 stores and 40 restaurants/cafes at Asiatique. The famous Thai puppet show takes place here at Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre. It also takes pride in being the venue of the popular Calypso ladyboy cabaret.
If you are visiting Bangkok with your family, Asiatique is one of the best places to spend your evening. There’s a large open space that is used for concerts and to celebrate festivals. If you happen to be in Bangkok during Christmas, Asiatique is where you should be celebrating.
Tip: Like ChangChui, Asiatique is also an Instagram-worthy place. Snap loads of photos.
Asiatique the Riverfront opens daily from 5 pm until midnight. The best way to reach here is to take a BTS to Saphan Taksin and a short walk to the pier. Hop on a free Asiatique ferry shuttle that runs every 15 minutes. Once you get off, walk for about 15 minutes to reach Asiatique.
If you can handle Bangkok’s chaotic traffic, take a taxi.
5. JJ Green
Let me end this list of my favourite night markets in Bangkok with JJ Green. Located near the popular Chatuchak weekend market, JJ Green is known for its boho vibes and relaxed atmosphere. It’s usually less crowded and chaotic unlike other markets of Bangkok.
Young locals frequent here in search of vintage offering and to enjoy their drinks. Tourists also find their way to JJ Green – usually after visiting Chatuchak market, which closes at 6 pm.
One part flea market, one part tented market, JJ Green has some unique offerings to choose from. In addition to clothes and accessories, you will find used auto parts, worn-out retro movie or advertorial posters, cameras, licence plates, musical instruments etc. here.
Things are priced relatively low here so bargaining might not be as necessary as at Patpong. While JJ Green is one of the best places to shop at, you might be disappointed if you came here looking for food.
Tip: Make sure not to get confused with nearby Chatuchak weekend market.
JJ Green opens Thursday – Sunday between 6 pm and 1:30 am. To reach there, take a BTS to Mo Chit or an MRT to Chatuchak Park and walk up Kamphaeng Phet Road. JJ Green is located in a park where you should look for a board that says ‘Jatujak Green.’
My Favourite Night Markets in Bangkok: Summing Up
From the more crowded New Rot Fai market to the open air mall Asiatique, these were 5 of my favourite night markets in Bangkok. Cheap knock-offs, chic clothing, trendy accessories, vintage collectives, interesting handicrafts, and delicious food – you will get everything in these markets.
These night markets are not just some places to shop and dine at. They speak of Bangkok’s interesting nightlife – something which should be experienced by every visitor to get the most out of their trip.
In addition to these markets, there are other night markets you can visit for different offerings. Some of these markets are now closed but are still listed as ‘open’ on maps. So make sure you check with locals before visiting a market.
That’s all, ladies, gentlemen, and everyone else. You were reading about 5 of my favourite night markets in Bangkok. I hope you found this article worth your time and I would like to thank you for reading.
Have you visited Bangkok? What do you think about the nightlife? Which are your favourite night markets? Do share your thoughts with me.
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Cover Image Source: Geoff Greenwood on Unsplash