Anyone who goes to Thailand will sooner or later end up there, that is, at a Thai market. After all, there are plenty of markets there, and they are also one of the most exciting spots in the country. I thought this opinion was exaggerated, but I’ve been there, checked it out, and I have to agree. Simply put, you can’t leave Thailand without going to a local market. 🙂
At the markets, you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to fakes. Thailand’s markets are famous for their excellent quality food products, such as fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and exotic fruits. Of course, shopping is not the only attraction of Thailand’s markets. There, you can also taste authentic Thai cuisine. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about local culture and traditions. At the fair, you can attend street art shows. Particularly famous are the fairs in and around Bangkok, which attract both local residents and tourists from around the world.
However, before I go on to describe the fairs, I have one piece of advice. It may seem trivial, but this post would be incomplete without it. Haggle as much as you can, as the prices quoted by vendors are often negotiable. Practice your skills and at the end, brag in the comments about how you did.
In this post, I’ll talk about markets in and around Bangkok, although I also recommend others, such as the one in Chiang Mai on Saturdays.
Table of Contents
Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak
Floating Market near Bangkok is one of the most fascinating places to visit not only in the Bangkok area but in all of Thailand. This picturesque market stretches along numerous canals.
When I first saw this market in a photo, I knew I wanted to visit it. And although it has become much more touristy in recent years, it is still a remarkable place, in my opinion. Here, vendors offer products and dishes straight from the boat, which creates a unique atmosphere.
Along the canals, there are stores selling souvenirs and clothes. I myself bought a lot of things here, ate fried bananas in considerable quantity, and just positively admired the place. Whether you’re a fan of exotic fruits or traditional Thai markets, you’ll love it.
How to get there: You can buy a tour from an office in Bangkok (the most popular option, combined with the Mae Klong market below) or come to the market on your own. It’s about 80 kilometers from the Thai capital.
Train Market in Mae Klong
The market located at the Mae Klong train station is another unusual place in the Bangkok area. What makes it special? It’s located on active railroad tracks! This unusual combination makes Train Market one of the most exciting places to visit in Thailand.
Interestingly, it is much more local and authentic. Most of the shoppers are locals, and most of the stalls sell fresh vegetables, fish, and seafood rather than souvenirs and clothes.
The atmosphere of the place is amazing – the bustle of the street, the smells of the food, and the sounds of trains passing right by create an unforgettable impression. It is also a great opportunity to observe the daily life of Thai people. Here, you can find Thai delicacies, unique handicrafts, and a variety of everyday items. All this is arranged in stalls set up along the railroad tracks.
What does it look like? Several times a day, a train passes through the market. Vendors, buyers, and even tourists freeze for the moment of passage. That’s when all the goods are pulled off the tracks. Cool drinks are served to the train driver in the café area. I had the opportunity to do so; it’s worth asking because it’s a really interesting experience.
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, in my opinion, both markets near Bangkok are worth a visit. These are places that are hard to see anywhere else, especially in such close proximity.
Salinas: One of the Places to Visit Along the Way
While driving towards Mae Klong or returning to Bangkok, you can see the salinas, where salt is still produced. You can stop at a roadside store and buy various salty products, as well as observe how such a place is worked. There is no denying that the work is extremely hard, outdoors, in extreme temperatures.
Interesting Markets in Bangkok
It is in Bangkok that you can find the most fairs. There are really a lot of them, catering to lovers of arts, crafts, food, or clothes. You will meet both locals and tourists there.
Bangkok is huge, so markets are plentiful; I’ve only visited two myself:
- One in Chinatown, which I recommend especially for food lovers (you’ll find everything here, down to fried scorpions).
- The other is the night market in Bangkok: Patpong (here you’d better be careful that they don’t drag you to some erotic show, unless that’s what you want).
I’m not going to write that the markets I visited are the best because I’ve only seen two. As a precaution, I will say: if you are planning a trip to Bangkok, be sure to visit other places. Look for what interests you, don’t just follow the guidebooks. This is a great opportunity to discover Thailand and bring back amazing souvenirs. You can find more posts about Thailand here:
What To Do in Bangkok: Top Sights to Discover in Thailand’s Capital
