Joanna James
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is known for having probably the best nightlife in Southeast Asia. Thus, the city has some pretty amazing after hours shopping options.
If you have been shopping in Bangkok's markets before you must have heard of the amazing Chatuchak Weekend Market. Although many don't know it, the Chatuchak Market operates on Friday nights as well, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. The smaller lanes that lead off Chatuchak Street don't function, but the stores along the main street are in full swing, giving its visitors a great nighttime shopping experience. With delicious street eats, cheap clothing and accessories, and a host of trinkets and fancy items, the Chatuchak Friday Night Market definitely is one of the coolest night shopping options in Bangkok.
Located at the Esplanade Complex, Rod Fai Market 2 is one of the newcomers on to the night shopping scene. Controlled by Pairod Rolraew, the owner of Rod Fai Market 1 at Srinakarin, recently opened this thriving and hip new night market. The market operates Thursday through Sunday, weekly, from 5.00pm to 01.00am. Thus, if it's a great place to spend the entire evening, as you can shop all night. There hundreds of stores, shops and stalls at Rod Fai Market 2 which offer cheap clothes, retro furniture, antiques, handicrafts and ornamental jewelry, music records, cheap footwear, and many other items that are sure to amaze its visitors. Oh, and did we also mention that the market is almost teeming with street food delights along every corner?
Located in the upscale Wat Phraya Krai, surrounded by Bangkok resorts, the Asiatique The Riverfront offers one of the most exclusive after-hours shopping experiences in Bangkok. The Asiatique The Riverfront is what many would call the result of combining a shopping mall with a bazaar. Thus, you can experience the class of a mall, while enjoying the atmosphere of a market. Easily accessible from resorts such as the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, the bazaar along the river is particularly known for being a great place for shopping at night. Everything from international brands to mid-end local brands can be found here, and you can shop daily at the Asiatique The Riverfront till midnight.
Khao San is another one of Bangkok's most famous nighttime shopping attractions. Primarily known as "paradise for the backpacker", Khao San is operated daily from 7.00pm till midnight. Being a backpacker shopping destination, the many streets of Khao San are filled with stores offering everything from cheap clothes flip flops & retro music records. The market is also known for having a few popular pubs and may amazing street food joints. Thus, although the market doesn't have the flair of many of Bangkok's other markets, Khao San offers a wide range of goods and items and amazing prices. You won't finder a larger spread for these prices anywhere else in Bangkok! Thus, it is a must-visit night time shopping attraction for young travelers and budget travelers.
Siam Gypsy Junction is newly created 1.6km stretch of stores and stalls selling a variety of items and is becoming ever popular with each passing night. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 6.00pm to 01.00am, this market is known for its amazing second-hand goods, collectibles, vintage clothing and vinyl records, comic books, porcelain goods, sweets & candy, and an assortment of goods that are unlikely to be found in most other places. The market is spacious and offers a great shopping experience, so make sure you don't miss out on it!
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