While Bangkok has plenty of impressive sites, parks, and shopping malls its markets are among the most popular attractions for many tourists. Being such a large city there are markets of varying sizes in every corner of Bangkok, but from a tourist’s point of view the three you’re most likely going to want to visit are – Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Patpong Night Market, and Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Patpong Night Market

Hotels near Patpong
Patpong is one of Bangkok’s most famous areas. Essentially this is an alley (or sois, called Patpong 1 and Patpong 2) lined with go-go bars and places to eat. By day, Patpong is pretty much deserted, but come the evening it’s heaving with tourists and market stalls! At Patpong Night Market you can buy all manner of goods including CDs, DVDs, counterfeit designer watches, clothes, bags, and cosmetics, and a vast range of Bangkok souvenirs.

Visiting Patpong Night Market is definitely recommended for the experience, even if you don’t intend to buy anything! Be aware that although prices may be lower than in your home country, they are likely to be a lot higher here than in Bangkok’s other markets. Patpong Night Market is here for the benefit of tourists and isn’t frequented by locals. If you see something you like, make sure you bargain hard to get the price down.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar

Hotels near Suan Lum night bazaar.
For a slightly more sedate experience than Patpong, try Bangkok’s Suan Lum Night Bazaar. The fact that locals also enjoy shopping here is a good sign, and you’ll find that the quality of goods sold at Suan Lum is usually higher than at Patpong or at Chatuchak, though of course the prices reflect this.

Suan Lum is open from 5pm to midnight, and the free live music every night is a popular addition to the market itself. The large food court features some great places to eat and there are plenty of beer gardens to enjoy too. Take the metro to Lumphini for the Suan Lum Night Bazaar.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Hotels near Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Also known as Jatujak or simply JJ Market, this weekend market is monstrous in size and reputed to be the largest outdoor market in the world! Covering 35 acres there are said to be anywhere between 9000 and 15000 stalls here each weekend, opening at 7am and closing around 6pm. You can buy anything and everything here and don’t need to worry about food with countless food stalls selling all sorts too.

Although the market is a little way out from the main tourist areas (situated in northern Bangkok) try to get here early in the day to avoid the worst of the crowds and the Bangkok heat. Kamphaeng Phet metro station comes out into the market, or you can take a bus from the Khao San Road area which will take around an hour.