2015 Oct 14
by Yasonil Piyatissa
Let’s play a quick game of Taboo where some of the verbal clues given to you are ‘market’ and ‘shopping’. Was the first word you guessed ‘Bangkok’?
Bangkok is famously known for being a international hub with an endless chain of shops that’ll dry your wallets and overflow your bags. It is guaranteed to leave you with a small financial crisis, which you will gladly ignore due to its momentary irrelevance, and a huge feeling of sensational satisfaction! Bangkok is a shopaholic’s paradise with its cheap prices and unlimited supply of choices. And the cheapest and most excitingly bizarre pit stops of this shopping haven are its many markets.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Open only during the weekends (as the name suggests) from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays and 6pm to 12am on Friday nights is Bangkok’s largest market. It houses over 8,000 makeshift stalls and nearly 15,000 vendors. Chatuchak offers you a range of items from toy dogs to fresh flowers. And trust me you will need much longer than just a weekend to really browse through this gigantic market. Oh, and try not to get lost along the way!
Wang Lang Market
Sprawled west from Tha Wang Lang beside Siriraj Hospital is the market that’s hot boxed from the aromatic smoke and flavours from the million little snacks that the million little vendors are preparing. Before you visit this market make sure you build up an appetite because as you step foot in it you’ll be bound to start shamelessly attacking the famous thai street snacks such as muudaeng yang (delicious deep fried bite sized pork pieces) and kanomkrok (tiny baked Thai cupcakes). Bangkok is known for not only filling your bags but also your tummy!
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Chaotic and authentic. The best way to start off a Bangkok marketing day, as this market is open only from 7am to 11am. However, it is completely worth setting your alarm to rise up early for this trip as you will never see a sight as ethnically mesmerizing as this in a market! Little wooden canoe boats squeeze through the canals selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meals and drinks while gently bobbing up and down on the water. This market is probably one of the touristiest markets in Bangkok.
Pratunam Market
Smack bang at the intersection of Ratchaprop and Petchburi roads is the largest clothing whole seller. It is open for 24 hours and sells clothes in bulk for cheap prices. And as many of us travel to Bangkok for the cheap and trendy clothes and accessories this market is usually at the top of a tourists list. One visit to Pratunam market gives you the opportunity to fill an entire wardrobe which could include all items ranging from pajamas to shoes.
Or Tor Kor Market
This is a high quality market which caters to the upper class. It offers the finest and freshest produce such as vegetables, fruits, meat and flowers at cheap prices. The Or Tor Kor market is a complete change of setting compared to the ideal Bangkok markets. The aisles are wide and clean and there’s actually room to freely do your shopping compared to the usually cramped up spaces.
The busy markets of Bangkok are definitely places to visit and experience the authentic lifestyles of the Thai people. The frantic streets and city sounds only add to the effect of it. This is a destination that will definitely kill your boredom and keep you thrilled throughout your visit there!