Visiting markets is one of the best way to find authentic foods on your travels. This cannot be more true for Bangkok markets!
While in Thailand capital, you will find a market for everyone’s taste. From antiques, flowers, clothes and bazaar markets, there is no lack of choice.
In many of Bangkok markets, food is an integral part of the market experience. So which markets are best to visit for local produce and delicious foods?
With such an overwhelming choice of markets, we selected the top 7 Bangkok markets to visit for food that will make you salivate.
Table of contents
- 1- Khlong Toei: One Of The Largest Bangkok Markets
- 2- A Local Foodies Paradise – Wang Lang Market
- 3- Floating Markets: A spotlight on Taling Chan Floating market
- 4- Bangkok Chinatown Market
- 5- A Hidden Gem: Local Bangkok Market in Sathorn District
- 6- Bang Rak Food Market in Silom Foodie Neighborhood
- 7- Chatuchak Market: One of the Biggest Weekend Markets
- In Summary
- Love it? Pin it!
1- Khlong Toei: One Of The Largest Bangkok Markets
One of the largest Bangkok market is Khlong Toei (also spelled Khlong Toey) and is a must visit for every food and market fan.
Located near a sea port and in one of the biggest slum areas, this market is animated and always crowded.
Beyond the immense size, what makes this market so attractive are the low prices. Chefs, cooks and locals frequent this market for the fresh products and low prices on the raw meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits and more.
Fruits and vegetables vendorIt is safe to say that many of the meals you will eat in Bangkok have their origins at this famous Bangkok market.
This market is huge and you can easily spend a whole morning walking through the aisles. This market is also very raw…and authentic. This means that there are some corners of the market that are bloody and filled with different cuts of raw meats. One particularly disturbing section was seeing the live turtles for sale for food.
Fish stand at Khlong Toei marketFresh products are the main attraction. There are a couple of food stalls, where you should sample Thai dumplings, grilled meats, Thai sweets and more.
Food vendor at Khlong Toei marketOne of the unique particularities of this market are the “porters.” You will notice men walking around with big baskets and dollies ready to carry all the fresh produce, meats and seafood that have been bought in bulk.
Porter at Khlong Toei marketNot heavily frequented by tourists, this market is worth the trip for food lovers or visitors looking to get off the regular tourist path.
Hours
This market never sleeps. Merchants and restaurateurs usually come around 1 am in the morning to buy goods for their shops, but the market stays open all day for people who want to get their daily cooking supply.
How To Get There
It is located on Rama IV Road. The closest MRT station is Khlong Toei which is about 10 mins walk from the market.
Take the exit marked Khlong Toei market. Then walk east on Rama IV Road for ten minutes until you reach the large intersection of Rama IV and Narong Road. The market will be on your right-hand side.
Alternatively, you can take a bus going east along Rama IV road across the street from the MRT station (numbers 45, 46, 72, 102, or 107).
Authentic Food Quest Tips
Go early in the morning since the main action starts at 6:00 am and lasts until 12:00 pm.
2- A Local Foodies Paradise – Wang Lang Market
Across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace, is one of Bangkok’s best markets for food. Taking the river boat to get there is part of the experience you don’t want to miss.
Boat to go to Wang Lang marketWang Lang Market is a sensory overload. Down long and tight alleys, you will find street foods and restaurants taking up every available open space.
Restaurant alley at Wang Lang marketTake in the different smells and whiffs of new flavors. Be tempted by the colorful foods that will grab your attention. Don’t be afraid to take a sample or buy little snacks. Taste the full experience of Wang Lang market.
Food sampling
Food vendor selling colorful crepes at Wang Lang marketCompeting for your attention will be vendors from the clothing stalls selling the latest Thai fashions, trinkets and accessories. Keep meandering your way through the alleys as you digest all the delicious foods. When you are ready for a “pick-me-up” drink, treat yourself to a Thai iced coffee or tea.
Rosemary getting iced coffeeHours
Wang Lang market is a daytime market, open from about 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
How To Get There
Take the boat that crosses the Chao Phraya river at Tha Chang the pier directly across the Grand Palace. Get off at Wang Lang pier. You will land right in the middle of the market.
Authentic Food Quest Tip
Go with an open stomach and adventurous mindset and snack your way through the market.
3- Floating Markets: A spotlight on Taling Chan Floating market
Like most of Floating Markets in Bangkok, Taling Chan market is located on the periphery of the city while still accessible from downtown Bangkok.
If you haven’t tried the bus system in Bangkok, going to Taling Chan will provide you an opportunity to ride the rustic buses. If the bus isn’t your thing, take a Grab Car for a good half hour ride to the market from downtown Bangkok.
Taling Chan market is a lovely small market with many food vendors selling fruits, juices, desserts, and meals. The section of the market that is a floating market is at the end of the main street. There you will find a long patio on the water overlooking a few boats preparing food for breakfast and lunch.
We found the food section away from the water to be more interesting than the floating market part. This is really more like a few boats cooking and selling food on water.
Food Vendor on boat at Taling Chan floating marketAfter asking locals and doing research online, it seems that floating markets around Bangkok are more of tourist events and there are in fact no “traditional” floating markets around Bangkok and more.
Traditional floating markets means that Thai locals would come to sell their products directly from boat to boat.
Taling Chan floating marketWe liked Taling Chan because of the variety and quality of the food presented. In addition, the market also has a fair share of locals shopping and eating at the market. Unlike other floating markets around Bangkok, this one caters to the local market.
Thai crispy pancakes
Fruit stall at Taling Chan marketHours
Taling Chan market is a weekend market, open Saturday and Sunday only from about 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
How To Get There
From the Siam BTS Station, take the bus 79 going west that will drop you off on Chak Phra Road, a few meters or steps away from the Taling Chan market entrance on your left. On the way back, wait in front of the 7-Eleven store on Chak Phra road to be picked up by the same bus.
Authentic Food Quest Tips
Go to the market at the end of the morning and to enjoy a leisurely lunch near the water.
If you would like to visit a floating market and explore the local way of life along the canals, browse and book a floating market tour on the TakeMeTour website, Thailand’s largest selection of local experiences.
4- Bangkok Chinatown Market
No exploration of Bangkok markets is complete without a trip to Chinatown (referred to among locals as Yaowarat). Bangkok’s Chinatown has a history older than the city itself and is today a renowned street food destination and the local favorite dining district.
Entrance of Chinatown Bangkok bustling with tuk-tuksDuring the day is the best time to explore the Chinatown. Make your way through the long winding alleys and discover secrets of Yaowarat market.
Chinatown or Yaowarat market alleyYou will see a lot of Chinese products and vendors selling dry foods, mushrooms, tea leaves and more. Make sure to sample local Chinese tea and check out the surprising products for sale.
Chinatown food vendor with ducks hanging upside down like prized trophies!
Chinatown is packed at night and that is when the street food vendors make their appearance. The energy level multiplies and the streets are bustling with locals and visitors having dinner on small street side tables and chairs.
Be sure to stick around after 6pm and catch the action as well as a delicious meal.
Street food vendor in ChinatownHours
Visit the market during the day before 6pm and experience street food at it’s best after nightfall.
How To Get There
Take the bus (number 4) to Chinatown or the MRT to the last station Hua Lamphong, and then walk about 10 mins west to Chinatown or hire a tuk-tuk to drop you off in Chinatown.
Authentic Food Quest Tips
Avoid visiting the market on Mondays because street vendors are not allowed to operate. If you want a guided experience around Chinatown, consider taking a tuk-tuk food adventure of Bangkok at night with Expique. You may read our review of a food tour in Bangkok at night.
5- A Hidden Gem: Local Bangkok Market in Sathorn District
Close to where we were staying in Bangkok was a local market that we frequented called “Marine Market.” This market is an example of a typical market you may find in many of the local neighborhoods.
These markets are great for getting fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. It is good to keep these types of markets in mind because the grocery stores often have a limited selection of fruits and vegetables and they are oftentimes significantly more expensive.
Fruit vendor at Marine market 
Colorful vegetables at Marine marketThe vendors at these markets also sell hot foods. With the markets opening in the late afternoon, they are a great place to pick up dinner to go, or even eat at the market. If you want to eat Bangkok food like a local, eat at the market closest to where you’re staying.
Food vendor selling Thai curries at Sathorn market, BangkokJust like the fruits, the food is also very fresh. For example at the Marine market, you can buy fresh fish and have it prepared on the grill, while you wait.
Fish stall at Marine marketHours
Open on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays from about 3 pm to 8 pm.
How To Get There
Located across the supermarket Tops Market On Yen Akat Road in Sathorn, this market isn’t easily accessible by public transportation. The bus (number 22) will drop you off near Thanon Chan & Nang Linchi Road a couple minutes away walking from the market. The closest MRT station is Lumphini and the closest BTS station is Chong Nonsi both about ½ hour walk away. Best will be to hire a taxi or tuk-tuk from there.
Authentic Food Quest Tips
Find the local market in the neighborhood where you are staying and enjoy fresh fruits, produce and food at very affordable prices.
6- Bang Rak Food Market in Silom Foodie Neighborhood
Bang Rak neighborhood also known as Silom District, has many interesting places to eat and is a must visit for any food lovers.
Bang Rak market is one stop to make on your food trail in Bangkok. Although Bang Rak market is not a famous food market, it is a very local market in a historical part of Bangkok.
Located near the BTS station, you will find grilled pork and sticky rice vendor waiting for you at the bottom of the BTS stairs.
Eating sticky rice and pork skewers at Saphan Taksin BTS stationAt this market you will find fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat vendors. There we tried some of the best crab cakes in Bangkok.
Crab cakes at Bang Rak market
Fresh crabs at Bang Rak marketIt is a nice market to shop for products. Inside you have the wet market while outside you find food vendors and restaurants.
It is best to be there in the morning as the stall close early for lunch.
Inside Bang Rak marketHours
Open from about 6:00 am to 12:00pm daily.
How To Get There
The market is located behind the Shangri-La in Bang Rak. It is within walking distance from the BTS station Saphan Taksin. Take the stairs down exit #3 and turn left heading north into Charoen Krung Road. You will find the entrance of the market on your left after about 10 mins walk.
Authentic Food Quest Tips
Charoen Krung Road is a foodie haven. Take the time to stroll the street, stop by the Chinese inspired medicine shops and sip some local energetic juices. If you like roasted duck, a lunch at Prachak Pet Yang is a must-do.
7- Chatuchak Market: One of the Biggest Weekend Markets
One of the best markets for souvenirs, clothes, crafts and more, is the Chatuchak Weekend Market. It is a huge market and it really caters to visitors and tourists. It is not the best market for the food, but since you will probably be visiting the market for gifts, don’t miss out on sampling some of the local delights.
Gift store at Chatuchak marketYou can easily spend a full day shopping at this market. When you get hungry, let yourself be tempted by the multiple vendors you will see around. Eat grilled squid or octopus and finish your snack with fresh fruits.
Food vendor selling quail eggs, grilled octopus and squid
Vendor selling fresh cuts of fruits at Chatuchak marketAfter all the walking you will at Chatuchak market, you are bound to get thirsty. Before you leave the market, try any of the delicious juices you will see around. One thing to keep in mind is to haggle. The prices at the market are “tourist prices.”
Don’t be afraid to test your negotiation skills and bargain for better prices.
Fresh juices at Chatuchak marketHours
Saturday & Sunday, opened from 9:00 am -6:00 pm; Friday, opens at 6:00 pm until about midnight.
How To Get There
Take the BTS to Mo Chit station or the MRT to Chatuchak station.
Authentic Food Quest Tips
While the market is officially opened on Saturday and Sunday, you can shop on Friday evening, avoiding the weekend crowds and daytime heat.
In Summary
Bangkok markets offer a wonderful scene to get a taste of Thailand.
With the 7 Bangkok food markets highlighted here, you will have a chance to try the diverse Thai cuisine. It will also give you the opportunity to observe the local Thai food culture.
From floating markets to wet markets, and the Bangkok night markets, you will get a well-rounded experience of the types of markets you will encounter in Bangkok. The video below takes you through a culinary journey of some of the markets.
What are your favorite food markets in Bangkok or which one of these 7 Bangkok markets would you like to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Looking for more tips to find authentic and local foods on your travels? Get your free ebook on The 5 Best Ways to Find Authentic Food While Traveling and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Savor The Adventure!
Love it? Pin it!
Claire is a culinary explorer and the engineer brain behind Authentic Food Quest. Together with her partner, Rosemary, they created Authentic Food Quest to inspire people to travel deeper through authentic food. Through food, they believe, people can have more meaningful connections on their travels. Take the quiz and find out your Food Traveler Profile.
Hi! Welcome to Authentic Food Quest. We are Claire and Rosemary. Our goal is to invite you to explore the local flavors on your travels. Follow our quest for authentic foods from around the world.
Oh, thanks for sharing. The husband and I may be going to Bangkok next year so this will be helpful!
You are so welcome Samantha and glad the information is timely. A trip to Bangkok without visiting the markets would be incomplete…build in the time for a few market visits. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions as you prepare for your trip. Cheers!
This is a great, in-depth list, so many to explore! I like the looks of those pancake things 🙂
Thank you, Tamara for your feedback. There is indeed so much to see and explore at the markets in Bangkok. Yes, the Thai pancakes are tasty 🙂 Thanks for your comments!!
Awesome markets! I’ve been to most of these what a great list!
That’s awesome Stephen that you’ve been to most of these markets. Do you have a favorite? Glad you enjoyed the list! Thanks for your feedback.
Wow, there is so much variety. I would love to visit each of these, but am especially interested in the floating markets as I have never experienced anything like that before.
The floating markets are quite a fun experience. The key is to find the ones off the beaten path and that are not too touristy. Glad you enjoyed reading about the variety of the markets. Thanks Rhonda.
Bankok has always been on my bucket list – now I have 7 more reasons why I absolutely have to go! Great post and great photos.
Thanks Mimi for your positive comments about the post. Hope you can make it to Bangkok soon…the city is amazing and the food scene is out of this world 🙂 Cheers!
Sounds like a pretty amazing street food scene among the outdoor markets here in Bangkok – I would love to get to Taling Chan Floating market – even though smaller than the others, that it’s floating is such a foreign and novel concept for me!
You are right Meg, the concept of a floating market is novel for those of us living outside of Asia. The Taling Chan market is one that we enjoyed tremendously. It is certainly worth visiting 🙂 Thanks for your comments.
I love street foods! I enjoyed shopping at the Floating Market but I feel like it’s a little bit more pricey there 😛
The floating market is indeed geared towards tourists and this is reflected in the prices. However, if you shop from the vendors that are around the market and not in the floating part, the prices get much more attractive. The floating market is an experience and certainly worth experiencing!! Thanks Edira!!
What an amazing post! I enjoy going to places like these when we go to other countries. You sure see some amazing foods. You are so fortunate to have been able to explore these amazing places! Some day…
So glad you enjoyed the post, Diane. We certainly appreciate your comments. Our goal is to highlight the local specialties and invite travelers to “eat the local culture” on their trips. Cheers!
I didn’t realize there were so many markets in Bangkok. A friend is there right now and just posted a picture of the floating market which looks pretty cool. I’d like to try some of the street food you mentioned. The Thai crispy pancakes look tasty.
The Taling Chang floating market is quite interesting. From the food to the produce and entire experience of eating on water, it is worth visiting. Hope you can get to Bangkok soon and see the market for yourself. Thanks Dana for your comments.
That is a very comprehensive guide. I love to visit the local markets in every place I go. I would love to see the floating market as it isn’t something you see every day!
You are so right Chrysoula, visiting the local markets are so much fun. For those of us not in Asia, the floating markets are quite unique! They are definitively worth visiting. Hope your travels take you to Bangkok soon. Glad you enjoyed the post.
I would absolutely love to experience a floating market even though they’re for tourists 🙂 Amazingly in depth review, like always. It really takes the work out of searching for good eats in these destinations with hundreds of places to get a bite.
Thanks so much Mar for your comments on the post. Appreciate it. The floating markets are quite a fun experience!! You are right, our hope is make the local eating experience much easier for travelers to Bangkok. Thanks again.
I have heard a lot about the food in Bangkok!! Can’t wait to try it out!! I really like Chatuchak Market!!
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions as you prepare for your trip to Bangkok!! We will be happy to provide tips and recommendations around the eating experience. If shopping is your main focus, you will love Chatuchak Market!! Thanks for your comments!!
Wonderful compilation. I am unable to recollect the names of the market I have been to there but the pics are reviving my memories. One thing that amazed me is the use of plastic packets, almost everything is served out in them.
So glad the post brought back memories of your trip to the Bangkok markets. Indeed there is a lot of to-go and plastic used. Hopefully, more sustainable solutions will be introduced soon 🙂 Thanks Indrani for your comments.
Really informative post, we are heading to Bangkok in February so have pinned this for reference. Thanks!
Awesome Paul, so glad you liked the post and have pinned it! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions as you get ready for your trip. The food scene is amazing. You will love it!! Cheers!
There should be a warning to eat well before visiting this post… The pictures and the the display of good food made me yearn for a trip to the many markets… What a feast for the eyes and stomach. yum! 🙂
Love your comment Elizabeth…lol!! So glad you enjoyed the yummy tour through the markets in Bangkok. Appreciate it!!
I love the energy and vibrancy of food markets. Your photos are fantastic! I felt like I really got to experience the market through your eyes. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
erin | sandsunandmessybuns.com
It is our pleasure Erin to “walk through the Bangkok market experience.” Hope you can get to Bangkok soon and experience them for yourself!! Thanks for your feedback!.
Oh my word… Everything looks so fresh and surreal. I have always wanted to travel to Bangkok. Thanks for giving us… The audience an in-depth tour of the food markets. I was living vicariously through your words. It looks and sounds amazing.
Thank you so much for your positive feedback. So glad this article was able to “transport” you to Bangkok and the food market scene! It is quite an incredible and vibrant city with so much eat” 🙂 We appreciate your comments.
I love love love markets. It’s weird but I’m not the biggest fan of fish, I mean I’ll eat it but for some reason I love the smell of fish in a market. Am I weird? The Taling Chan floating market looks absolutely awesome and I’d love to see that. Great list!
Thanks Christopher for your feedback. That is so interesting that you love the smell of fish at the market. I find that it can get overpowering at times. The Taling Chan market is a fun experience and one that you should check out the next time you are in Bangkok. Cheers 🙂
Bangkok is on my food bucket list!
Hi Maggie, you will absolutely love Bangkok for the food!! The street food, the shop house restaurants, markets and more. You are in for a delicious time. Let us know if you have any questions. Cheers!
[…] we mentioned previously in our article 7 Bangkok food markets that will make you salivate, this floating market is not a traditional floating market but rather, a tourist attraction. […]
[…] We first saw these tiny rolled up pancakes when visiting Wang Lang Market, one of the 7 Bangkok markets that will make you salivate. […]
[…] We meandered through small and narrow alleys making our way through Itsara Nuthap alley on Soi 6, one of the markets within Yaowarat […]
I should not have read this before lunch. The photos made me so hungry! 😉
We have found that there is never a good time to look at food photos!! What did you end up getting for lunch? Thanks Elaine.