Bangkok is an incredible city for shopping enthusiasts, and there is no shortage of markets and shopping malls open during the day for travelers to browse. Although you might be tempted to pick up your souvenirs during the day, that would almost certainly be a mistake.
Some of the best food markets in Thailand, and especially in Bangkok, are only open at night. From flowers to antiques and clothing, you can find just about anything for sale in the variety of night markets in the city. Here are the top places to shop until you drop at night in the Thai capital city.
Silom Road: If you walk along Silom Road by day, it might not stand out to you at all. It looks like an average commercial shopping space in the heart of the city, and it is not popular with locals or tourists. After the sun goes down, however, Silom Road wakes up and becomes a totally different environment. It is primarily a tourist entertainment area, but the vendors at the best street food destinations set up stalls on both sides of the road to sell accessories, cheap clothing and souvenirs. While you can definitely pick up a few cheap items, make sure you do your research and check reviews before booking vacation apartments online, the point of visiting Silom Road should be for the experience. Visitors can mingle in the streets, enjoy a beer and just watch the unique characters roaming the streets. Just after midnight, most of the vendors and locals will start packing up for the end of the night.
Pak Klong Talad: Unlike some night markets that cater to tourists and night owls, Pak Klong Talad is a more traditional market that is busiest in the hours just before dawn. Almost all of the items for sale are either plants or cut flowers, which means that walking through the market is a treat for the senses. Even visitors who don’t plan on buying anything will appreciate the glimpse into everyday local culture that Pak Klong Talad allows. Most of the deliveries are made between three and five in the morning, which actually makes this a great spot for travelers who are suffering from jet lag and can’t make themselves sleep in later than sunrise.
Saphan Phut Night Bazaar: This market is a great place to visit if you want to get a feel for the modern youth culture. Saphan Phut Night Bazaar overlooks the Chao Phraya River, and it sells things like books, clothing and used items. The food is cheap and the atmosphere is genuine, which makes it one of the least touristy food markets in Thailand.
Talad Rot Fai: This unusual market is a mixture of hipsters selling retro-cool items and antique shops who offer up incredible handcrafted furniture for shoppers. This market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, and it is busiest when visitors stop by with a drink in hand to browse through the items for sale. You can expect to find things like mid-century desks, locally carved statues, vintage toys and quirky antiques. Along with being a great place to pick up unusual items, Talad Rot Fai is a local hangout for those who just want great company without the typical crowds in Bangkok.
Khao San Road: It would be impossible to list the night markets in Bangkok and not mention Khao San Road. During the day the street is still busy, and it is considered to be the backpacker headquarters in the city. After sunset, many vendors set up shop and sell drinks, food and souvenirs to a blend of locals and tourists.
Bangkok is a vibrant city that truly comes alive at night, and these exciting markets are a great way to experience the local culture after dark.
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