Joanna James
Shopping and Bangkok are synonymous. Therefore, it would be a crime to leave without at least visiting one of the markets mentioned below. Some are quite unique and definitely worth a visit!
Spanning nearly 35 acres and more than 15,000 stalls ranging from food, art, fashion, souvenirs, books, crafts and more, this has easily become the largest weekend market in the world! Therefore, it is no doubt that, locals and tourists alike flock to the market for their one-stop shopping needs. This is one place where you can literally "shop till you drop".
This venue is no easy feat for the inexperienced shopper, but don't be disheartened. Despite the daunting size of the market and the crowd, they are well organized; the market is divided into different sections that specialize in different goods. Put on your most comfortable footwear and outfit, take your backpack along with water and you're set to go.
This is more popular amongst locals and University students and is quite a hidden gem for the tourists. It is located along the Chao Phraya River, a major river that runs through the city, which provides quite a scenic view for the many luxury hotels and resorts like Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. The preferred mode of transport is by a riverboat to the Wang Lang Pier, which itself is an experience in itself. The market is known for fashionable clothes and a variety of spicy southern Thai food in abundance.
This is an amalgamation of two shopping experiences: a mall and a night bazaar under a huge warehouse complex roof. There are more than 1000 boutiques and 35 restaurants to browse from. This is one of the more organized markets and you easily find what you are looking for: souvenirs, jewellery, and clothing. You can never have a boring moment, as there are many shows scheduled every night to keep you entertained. The location is quite scenic and it would be a great idea to stay at a luxury resort in Bangkok that is adjacent to the river
It is a plane market; surrounding a hard to miss shell of an Airbus, that is taking the market scene in Bangkok to new heights. Literally! It has an interesting concept; made of recycled and reusable structures promoting sustainability while simultaneously creating a space for designers and artists to exhibit their creativity. This space provides a great artistic experience; there are a few unique stalls that are interactive like ceramic painting workshops. They are also a host of a striking restaurant that serves fancy, high nutritional insects! If that sounds too extreme, you can always go towards the back of the market where they serve cold beers and host jazz performances. The plane market as a whole will definitely be quite the memorable experience. Open from Tuesday to Sunday 4 pm to 11 pm. Entry charge is applicable.
Quite popular amongst tourists due to it being located in Silom, a well-known nightlife district. It is usually very busy due to many Go-Go bars in the vicinity. Since there are many tourists, the vendors usually quote a higher price for their items, so should you find anything interesting and worthy, remember to bargain as much as you can!
Quite a different one to be on this list but it is the biggest fresh flower market in Bangkok. They are usually sold in packs of either 50 or 100 but are priced quite cheap. It is located near the temple of the Reclining Buddha. If you are early to rise, it is recommended to visit during early mornings to witness the transformation of the street with colourful blooms before you head over to the temple if you are someone who likes to visit historical places.
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