How to Survive Night Markets in Bangkok

The night markets in Bangkok are widely known as a paradise for food lovers. For those who enjoy nighttime activities, they offer a cozy yet vibrant experience to add to any travel bucket list.

Typically, Bangkok’s night markets provide an affordable, authentic culinary and shopping experience. However, as their popularity has grown, various types of night markets have emerged, each catering to different tastes.

Here, we’ll recommend some of Bangkok’s top night markets across different categories: the authentic and iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market, the trendy Train Market Srinagarindra, and the upscale Asiatique The Riverfront. Plus, we’ll share tips and culinary highlights you won’t want to miss!

Chatuchak Weekend Market – The Biggest Market with over 15.000 Stalls!

night markets in bangkok_chatuchak_3

Image Source: ForeverVacation

For an authentic experience of Bangkok’s traditional markets, we highly recommend visiting the 📍 Chatuchak Weekend Market. It can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor, as it contains over 15,000 stalls—making it the largest traditional market in Thailand and one of the largest in the world.

You can find almost everything in this market, but for tourists, it’s the ideal place to pick up traditional crafts, whether for yourself, as a gift, or as a souvenir. From clothing and accessories to home decor, ceramics, and more, there’s something for everyone.

And, of course, we can’t forget about the fantastic Thai food you have to try. Food and beverage stalls are located in sections 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 26, and 27, which are easy to spot since they’re near entrances and along the main road of the market.

night markets in bangkok_chatuchak_1

Image Source: Prepare Travel Plans

To taste authentic Thai tom yum, we recommend eating at 📍 Raan Yaam Jae-Euang. It’s one of the best and the oldest eatery in Chatuchak Market. It also has other Thai food such as fried garlic shrimp, yam ruam mit (Thai salad), and sunflower sprouts with crispy pork belly.

As dessert lovers, we highly recommend you try mamuang nam pla wan or mango with fish sauce syrup (we recommended Uncle Prayong which you can find in section 3) and Thai coconut ice cream. There are many variations of coconut ice cream, and we suggest finding the authentic one which usually only contains coconut ice cream, sticky rice, konjac, and peanuts.

night markets in bangkok_chatuchak_2

Image Source: Agoda

📌 Tips and Info for Chatuchak Weekend Market:

  • Chatuchak is also open during weekdays (except Monday and Tuesday), but for a night market experience, visit on Friday when it’s open from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.
  • For a less crowded experience, visit early in the morning on weekdays.
  • Get a map and get lost! It’s actually not as overwhelming as it may seem—the market is quite organized and easy to navigate.
  • Don’t forget to bring cash.

🛎️ Find accommodations near Chatuchak Weekend Market here!

Train Market Srinagarindra – Trendy & Modern Night Market for Hipsters

night markets in bangkok_srinagarinda (2)

Image Source: The Unusual Trip

📍 Location

Open Hours: Friday to Saturday: 5.00 pm-1.00 am | Sunday: 5.00 pm- 12.00 am | Closed on Monday and Tuesday

For hipsters and retro lovers, Train Market Srinagarindra is a must-visit. With a trendy, modern approach, this night market is popular among young locals and is quickly becoming a favorite among tourists.

Unlike the traditional and narrow alleys of Chatuchak, Srinagarindra has wider walkways, perfect for a relaxed night stroll. The atmosphere and crowd here are more laid-back.

There are workshops where you can see retro cars and motorcycles, retro fashion (new and high-quality secondhand items), cassettes, videotapes, and many other interesting vintage items. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s fun to browse and check out these items.

night markets in bangkok_srinagarinda (1)

Image Source: Food and Travel

As for food, Srinagarindra is filled with trendy snacks, fresh fruit bowls, and “viral” foods featuring gigantic portions of meat bone, exotic bugs, and bite-sized (cooked or alive) fresh seafood. Food stalls here are lively and often offer communal seating, but there are also cafes and bars where you can enjoy beer or cocktails for a second round.

If you’re looking for more trendy and youthful night markets in Bangkok, you may want to check out 📍 The One Ratchada, 📍 Jodd Fairs (a local favorite before Srinagarindra was established), 📍 Indy Market, and 📍 Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market.

Asiatique The Riverfront – An Upscale Night Market with Scenic River Views & Ferris Wheel

night markets in bangkok_asiatique the riverfront (2)

Image Source: Expique

📍 Location

Open Hours: Everyday 11.00 am- 12.00 am

Asiatique The Riverfront is more than just a night market—it’s an entire outdoor shopping center, food fair, and amusement park located at the historic port of the East Asia Company. Compared to the previous recommendations, this night market is definitely pricier, but it’s reasonable for what it offers.

There’s no admission fee to enter and explore Asiatique The Riverfront. Fees are only required if you’re interested in taking some of the amusement park rides, like the iconic Asiatique Sky Wheel, where you can enjoy beautiful night views of Bangkok from above. Check admission ticket details here!

The location is divided into several zones: starting with the Factory Zone, which features shops and boutiques; the Town Square District, home to various restaurants and cafes; the Charoenkrung District, which has souvenir shops and the Calypso Cabaret Show venue; and the Waterfront District with the Asiatique Sky Wheel.

night markets in bangkok_asiatique the riverfront (1)

Image Source: Bodega

While it can be a great place for a family outing, we recommend it especially for a date night with your significant other when visiting Bangkok, Thailand. There are many romantic activities to enjoy, such as a cozy dinner at a restaurant, a relaxing walk through the Waterfront District, a shared moment on the Ferris wheel, or even a romantic dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

🛎️ Find honeymoon accommodations near Asiatique The Riverfront here!

Night markets in Bangkok are built differently, it could be challenging and overwhelming to explore, however, it’s possible to survive the bustling and vibrant markets in Thailand. Whether it’s a traditional market, a youth hub, or an upscale shopping center, most of them are quite organized, clean, and provided with fresh ingredients for their food and beverage. Because you’ll often find raw seafood, fruits, and exotic bugs to try. No need to worry when you feel a little bit adventurous!