Top 5 Night Markets for Souvenirs and Street Food: Dining and Shopping in Bangkok

Occupying pride of place along Bangkok’s eastern fringes, the Liab Duan Night Market opens its doors to shoppers at 6 pm and closes as late as 2 am. Considered one of the few retail hotspots in the city that are equally popular among residents as well as travellers, it is also perhaps the best spot to uncover Bangkok’s street food scene. Renowned for its clothing and accessories shops, tourists on the lookout for souvenirs will find that there are a great number of stalls selling Thai products including handicrafts. The market area also includes fairground rides and live musical shows so tourists can do more than simply dine and shop at this vibrant Pradip Manutham Road bazaar.

While it may not be as popular as some of Bangkok’s larger after-dark thoroughfares, the Hua Mum Night Market down Kaset-Nawamin Road is another must-experience highlight for foodies and souvenir hunters. Those with a penchant for traditional Thai dishes and local street food will find themselves overwhelmed with the meal options on offer while those looking for fresh local produce will hardly find a more laid-back shopper’s market away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.

With a whopping 15,000 stalls to its name, tourists would be hard-pressed to find a more dynamic night market than the Chatuchak Friday Night Market. This Friday night market on Kamphaeng Phet Road is home to some of the best antique and handicraft retailers in the Thai capital while those looking for clothes and cosmetics will be equally delighted with the diversity of products on sale. Street food vendors are also part and parcel of the bazaar where it can get quite overwhelming due to the large number of locals and tourists frequenting the venue.

Whether you are based at Maitria Hotels & Residences or any other conveniently located hotel in Bangkok, a tour of the Rod Fai Night Market is a veritable rite of passage for first-time visitors. With out-of-commission shipping containers serving as stalls, this colourful marketplace not only features live music but also a host of bars and street food kiosks.  Families and couples can also enjoy the festive ambience of this thoroughfare close to Srinagar Train Market regardless of the timing of their shopping spree.

As a night market that attracts a decidedly more fashionable clientele, the Indy Night Market is an unconventional retail landscape that is a collection of boutiques rather than a traditional bazaar. Known for its one-of-a-kind products and unique fashion items, the locale also offers shopaholics the chance to savour Thai eats and an array of refreshingly local beverages. So, whether you are staying at the best place to stay in Bangkok or are backpacking your way through the city’s hostels, don’t forget to drop by this eclectic local shopper’s hub.