Top Markets and Bazaars in Bangkok – A Shopaholics Haven

Chatuchak is one of the biggest open air markets in the world. It is a market that sells just about anything, yes even squirrels and chickens. Ideal for purchasing cheap retail items as well as vintage artefacts the market is a vibrant mix of cheap knock offs of branded goods, books, clothes, watches, bags, shoes and a wide variety of street food. Antiques, handicrafts and souvenirs form one end of the market while other areas are likewise sectioned off for a better understanding of where to go and what to buy. Remember to have an early start such as 10 am in order to avoid the crowds. And if the staggering girth of the market seems overwhelming head over to the information centre at the Chatuchak Post Office complete with bank ATMS and foreign exchange booths. Diagrammed maps and toilettes are located throughout the market which is open from 9 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday.

This is Thailand's oldest floating market that is over 100 years old. The place is now an iconic tourist attraction full of tourists on package tours. But apart for this Damnoen is an ideal place for savouring Thai culture. Along the way you will come across a Thai candy maker, knife craftsman and a pomelo farm. Hire a boat and float along the bi-canals of the market and you will come across a quieter residential quarter that is a peaceful district to explore. However jostling and paddling your way around wooden canoes selling flowers, fruits, food and souvenirs is quite an experience. You can easily join a floating market tour readily organised by a luxury hotel Bangkok is home to and even enhance your riverside experience by dining at the River Barge Restaurant of the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok. Damnoen Market is open from 7 am to noon.

Located in the Peninsula of Phrapradaeng; Bang Nam Pheung is a weekend market. It is a place for savouring a variety of street food. The place has a charming rural feel to it and is quite a treat from the touristy commercial precincts of the more popular markets. Close by is a 250 year old temple well worth a visit. The market is open from 8 am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday

This is the place to go for the best in tropical fruits and vegetables. Huge juicy mangoes and pots full of exotic curries will leave your taste buds quite satisfied. Many vendors only offer take away options although a small eating area provides limited facilities for dining on the spot. Although taking home a bag of luscious mangoes will be any visitor's top priority.

Located along the Maha Rat and Tha Phra Chan this exotic and fascinating market is a must visit for something out of the ordinary. Treasured amulets and talismans are sold and sought out by monks, collectors and individuals in risky trades. You will see potential customers already decked up in many amulets bargaining for a piece they want; there are magazines that explain the amulets properties and some are so highly treasured that they command a large price. Even if you do not buy an amulet head over to the market for the experience and fascinating activity that takes place there.