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Visiting markets is one of the best ways to find authentic foods on your travels. This is especially true for Bangkok food markets!
While in Thailand’s capital, you will find a market for just about everything from antiques to flowers to clothing. In many of those markets, food is an integral part of the experience.
So what are the best food markets in Bangkok for local produce and delicious food?
These top 7 markets are sure to help you explore authentic Thai food.
Table of Contents
Map of Bangkok Food Markets
Here is where to find the best Bangkok markets for food.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: For your travels to Thailand, there’s a new app that gives you access to food and travel guides and discounts. Check it out and get unlimited access to Bangkok’s must-eat restaurants and bars with TAGTHAi Pass. Download the app here.
Top Food Markets in Bangkok
1. Khlong Toei – The Biggest Food Market in Bangkok
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 fresh ingredients and low prices on raw meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits and more.
It is safe to say that many of the local specialties you will eat in Bangkok have their origins at this famous Bangkok market.
This fresh 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 is the live turtles for sale as food.
What To Eat At Khlong Toei Market
Fresh products are the main attraction. There are several street food vendors and food stalls where you should sample Thai dumplings, grilled meats, Thai desserts and more.
One of the unique particularities of this market are the “porters.” You will see men walking around with big baskets and dollies ready to carry all the fresh produce, meats and seafood that have been bought in bulk.
Not heavily frequented by tourists, this market is worth the trip for food lovers or visitors looking to get off the regular tourist path.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Visiting Bangkok food markets can be overwhelming. Consider taking a food tour with a local guide to best navigate your way. See our guide to the 6 Best Bangkok Food Tours You Want to Take
Practical Information
Hours
This market never sleeps. Merchants and restaurateurs usually come around 1:00 am to buy supplies for their shops. However, the market stays open all day for people who want to get their daily cooking ingredients.
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 market 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).
Pro Tips
Go early in the morning since the main action starts at 6:00 am and lasts until noon.
Address: Sunthonkosa Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Hours: 24/7
2. Wang Lang Market – Best Street Food Market in Bangkok
Across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace, is one of Bangkok’s best street food markets. Taking the riverboat to get there is part of the experience you don’t want to miss.
Wang Lang Market is a sensory overload. Down long and tight alleys, you will find Bangkok street food stalls and restaurants taking up every available open space.
Take in the different smells and whiffs of new flavors. Be tempted by the colorful foods that will grab your attention.
What To Eat At Wang Lang Market
Don’t be afraid to take a sample or buy snacks from the food stalls. Taste the full experience of Wang Lang market.
Competing 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 Thai street food. When you are ready for a “pick-me-up” drink, treat yourself to a Thai iced coffee or tea.
Practical Information
Hours
Wang Lang market is a daytime market, open from about 9:00 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.
Pro Tips
Go with an open stomach and adventurous mindset and snack on delicious food as you navigate the market.
Address: Siri Rat, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok
Hours: Every day 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
3. Taling Chan – Experience a Bangkok Floating Market
Like most 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 taking the bus isn’t your thing, take an Uber instead and plan for a 30 min 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.
After asking locals and doing research online, it seems that floating markets around Bangkok are more of a tourist attraction and there are in fact no “traditional” floating markets around Bangkok anymore.
What to Eat At Taling Chan Market
We liked Taling Chan floating market because of the variety and quality of the food presented.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, easily accessible, is another Bangkok food market we also recommend.
At the Taling Chan floating market, you’ll find a fair share of locals shopping and eating at the market. Unlike other floating markets around Bangkok, this one is very authentic and caters to local market.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you would like to visit a floating market and explore the local way of life along the canals we recommend taking a floating market tour. Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of Thailand’s most colorful markets with numerous boat vendors.
Practical Information
Hours
Taling Chan market is a weekend market, open Saturday and Sunday only from about 7:30 am to 4:00 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.
Pro Tips
Visit in the late morning and to enjoy a leisurely lunch by the water.
Address: 333 Chak Phra Rd, Khlong Chak Phra, Taling Chan, Bangkok
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
4. Chinatown Market – Lively Night Food Market in Bangkok
No exploration of Bangkok food 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.
Daytime is the best time to explore Chinatown without all the hustle and bustle. Make your way through the long winding alleys and discover secrets of the Yaowarat market.
What To Eat at Chinatown Market
You 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.
The night market in Chinatown is packed with street food vendors. The energy level multiplies and the streets are bustling with locals and visitors having dinner on small street side tables.
Be sure to stick around after 6:00 pm and catch the action as well as some delicious Thai street food.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you want a guided experience through Bangkok Chinatown, we recommend a Bangkok Backstreet Food Tour. Along with a Thai chef and culinary expert, you’ll spend 4 delicious hours navigating the back alleys of Chinatown while savoring Bangkok street food.
Practical Information
Hours
Visit the market during the day before 6 pm and experience street food at its 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.
Pro Tips
Avoid visiting the market on Mondays because street vendors are not allowed to operate.
Address: 68 Pho Phanit Alley, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Hours: Open daily 5:00 am – 6:00 pm
Chinatown Night Market in Bangkok
Address: 148 Maha Chak Rd, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong & Yaowarat Road, Bangkok
Hours: Open daily 24/7
5. Local Bangkok Market in Sathorn District – A Hidden Gem
Close to where we stayed in Bangkok was a local market that we frequented called “Marine Market.”
This is an example of a typical market you may find in many of the local neighborhoods.
These locals markets in Bangkok are great for getting fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices.
It is good to keep these types of markets in mind because grocery stores often have limited selection of fruits and vegetables at significantly more expensive prices.
The street food 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.
Just like the fruits, the delicious 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.
Practical Information
Hours
Open on Monday, Friday and Saturday from about 4:00 pm to 8:00 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.
Pro Tips
Find the local market in the neighborhood where you are staying and enjoy fresh fruits, produce and street food at very affordable prices.
Address: 9 Nang Linchi Road, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok
Hours: Friday, Saturday and Monday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
6. Bang Rak Food Market in Silom Foodie District
Bang Rak neighborhood, also known as Silom District, has many interesting places to eat and is a must visit for any food lover.
Bang Rak market is one stop to make on your food tour 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 vendors waiting for you at the bottom of the BTS stairs.
What To Eat at Bang Rak Market
At this fresh market you will find fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat vendors. There we tried some of the best crab cakes in Bangkok.
It is a nice Bangkok food market to shop for products. Inside you have the wet market with fresh seafood while outside you’ll find food vendors and small restaurants.
It is best to be there in the morning as the stalls close early for lunch.
Practical Information
Hours
Open from about 7:00 am to noon 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 a 10 minute walk.
Pro 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.
Bang Rak Wet Market / Bang Rak Bazaar
Address: 1522 Soi Charoen Krung 49, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
READ MORE: The 15 Most Delightful Popular Thai Desserts to Indulge In
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 that caters to visitors and tourists. It is not one of the best markets for the food, but a gem for unique Thai gifts.
Nevertheless, while exploring Chatuchak Weekend Market, don’t miss out on sampling some of the local delights.
You can easily spend a full day shopping at this market. When you get hungry, let yourself be tempted by good food from the multiple vendors you will see.
What To Eat At Chatuchak Market
Try fresh seafood such as grilled squid or octopus, then finish your snack with fresh fruits.
After all the walking you will do 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.
Practical Information
Hours
Saturday & Sunday, opened from 9:00 am -6:00 pm; Friday, opens at 6:00 pm until about 12:00 am.
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 open on Saturday and Sunday, you can shop on Friday evening, avoiding the weekend crowds and daytime heat.
Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday 6:00 pm – 12:00 am, Saturday 12:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
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Frequently Asked Questions – Bangkok Food Markets
Is Chatuchak Market Still Open 2022?
Chatuchak Market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Is Chatuchak Market Worth Visiting?
This market is a must-visit for tourists. With more than 15,000 shops and stalls, it is a shopper’s haven as well as a great place to explore Bangkok culture and pick up some souvenirs.
What Is the Biggest Market in Bangkok?
Chatuchak Market is the biggest market in Bangkok covering over 1 kilometer. When it comes to food, Khlong Toei Market is Bangkok’s biggest fresh market.
What Is One Type of Food Market Bangkok Is Known For?
Bangkok floating markets are well known, though the current floating markets around the city are more of a tourist attraction these days. We recommend Talin Chan and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, as some of the more authentic floating markets. You’ll find small wooden boats tied up along the riverbank, cooking on small barbecues and selling excellent Thai street food.
In Summary
Food markets in Bangkok offer a wonderful scene to get a taste of authentic Thai food.
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 to night markets, you will get a well-rounded experience of Bangkok food markets.
What is your favorite food market in Bangkok or which one of these 7 markets would you like to visit? Please let us know in the comments below.
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Love Bangkok Food Markets? Pin It!
Claire is a culinary explorer who travels the world in search of the best local foods. She is always looking for her next culinary adventure to bring you the best bites while exploring new places.
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.
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!
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 🙂
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 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!.
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!!
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!
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.
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!!
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.
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 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.
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 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!!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!!
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!