Joanna James
Bangkok's shopping markets are found fitted into tight corners, strewn across streets or dominating entire regions. Above all, the experiences are timeless and here's a look at 5 such attractions.
Chinatown or Yaowarat as it is known among locals is a beehive of activity, regardless of which time of the day that you choose to call by. Its street markets are wonderful enclaves of eager shoppers, busy traders and narrow aisles that connect one to the other. From these, Sampeng Market retains pride of place and that too for good reason. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, the Market is full to the brim with various odds and ends including jewellery, fabric and of course, street food vendors where time can be spent sampling some of the finest fares in all of Bangkok. Wholesale and retail purchases are common with the former receiving more attention given that vendors from other parts of the city are known to commune in search of lucrative deals and bargains themselves.
Fashionable items and Thai souvenirs are found in large quantities at Pratunam Market which falls into the category of a wholesale market where plenty of trading occurs on a daily basis. Vacationers arriving at BTS Chit Lom Station will have to go on a 10-minute walk in order to reach Pratunam Market but the tiny bit of exercise required will surely pale in comparison to what lies ahead. An endless supply of winding alleys will get you up, close and personal with all the best buys that are on show here.
Under the subject of fresh produce, none quite captures the attention nor will there be similar marketplaces that can rival Khlong Toey Fresh Market for quality and consistency. This sprawling market which is also one of the food distribution hubs in Bangkok paves the way for a pleasing and awe-inspiring time in the city. Set against the modernity and richness of cosmopolitan Bangkok, the Market is where scenes of butchers slicing fresh meat and large stocks of veggies passing from one hand to the other can be caught sight of in one glance. Khlong Toey Fresh Market is open 24 hours a day and can be accessed by riding the MRT to Khlong Toey Station and from here, its glorious presence will soon be upon you.
For inspired and insightful foodie journeys that will have you asking for seconds in no time, perhaps, a trip to Wang Lan Market might be thought of. Found across the Chao Phraya River from the famed Grand Palace, the Market is home to an incredible selection of delectable food sold from sit-down restaurants. For example, snack on some sweet waffle coconut pancakes at the start of your travels before heading over during lunch for a good helping or two of some of the best deep-fried pork in town. Adding value to the Market are its clothes and electronic shops from where affordable and trendy purchases can be made.
Found around 20 minutes from properties such as Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel which is one of the hotels in Siam Bangkok worth staying at during your travels in the city, the Chatuchak Weekend Market rounds up this fascinating take on some of Bangkok's most iconic shopping markets. Scattered throughout its entirety are various makeshift stalls and permanent stores from where a host of products and services can be availed of. Open on Fridays from 6 pm to midnight and from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays respectively, at times the Market's enormous size cannot be comprehended without investing a considerable amount of time inspecting and touring through it.
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