Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
MARKETS AS SIGHTS?
Even if you don't have a shopping list, several of Bangkok's markets are well worth a visit. Here are some of our
favourites:
6pm-midnight Wed & Fri-Sun; Udom Suk exit 2 & taxi) Set in a sprawling abandoned rail yard, this market
is all about the retro, from antique enamel platters to secondhand Vespas. With mobile snack vendors, VW van-
based bars and even a few land-bound pubs, it's also much more than just a shopping destination.
Phut (Memorial Bridge)) Every night this market near Mae Nam Chao Phraya becomes the city's largest depot for
wholesale flowers. Arrive as late as you're willing to stay up, and be sure to take a camera, as the technicolour
blur of roses, lotuses and daisies on the move is a sight worth capturing. During the day, Pak Khlong is a whole-
sale vegetable market.
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Nonthaburi Market
(Tha Nam Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi; 5-9am; Tha Nonthaburi) Located a short
walk from Nonthaburi Pier, the northernmost extent of the Chao Phraya Express Boat, this is one of the most ex-
pansive and atmospheric produce markets in the area. Come early, as most vendors are gone by 9am.
Ratchawong, Hua Lamphong exit 1 & taxi) This crowded wholesale market runs roughly parallel to Th
Yaowarat, bisecting the two districts of Chinatown and Phahurat. Pick up the narrow artery from Th Ratchawong
and follow it through its many manifestations - from handbags, homewares, hair decorations, stickers, Japanese-
animation gear and plastic beeping key chains.
5-10am; Khlong Toei exit 1) This wholesale market, one of the city's largest, is inevitably the origin of many
of the meals you'll eat during your stay in Bangkok. Get there early, and although some corners of the market
can't exactly be described as photogenic, be sure to bring a camera to capture the stacks of durians or cheery fish-
mongers.
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Bang Nam Pheung
(Bang Nam Pheung; 8am-3pm Sat & Sun; Bang Na exit 2 & taxi) An easy escape
from the city, this buzzy weekends-only market is on the Phra Pradaeng Peninsula, a vast rural-feeling district of-
ten referred to as Bangkok's 'green lung'. The emphasis is on food, and it's a great place for unrestrained outdoor
snacking. To get to the market, take the BTS to Bang Na and jump in a taxi for the short ride to the pier at Wat
Bang Na Nork. From there, take the river-crossing ferry (4B) followed by a short motorcycle taxi (10B) ride.
There is an information centre and a bank with ATMs and
foreign-exchange booths
at the
Chatuchak Park office
, near the northern end of the market's Soi 1, Soi 2 and Soi 3. Schematic
maps and toilets are located throughout the market.
There are a few vendors on weekday mornings, and a daily vegetable, plant and flower
market opposite the market's southern side. One section of the latter, known as the
Or Tor
