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Discover Bangkok’s Most Authentic Fresh Food Market
Do you love fresh food markets? If so, you will want to visit Khlong Toei Market. This market sits near the popular expat area of Thanon Sukhumvit. Moreover, many people list it as one of Bangkok’s ‘must-visit’ markets for fresh food lovers. In fact, most restaurants probably buy your food here during your Bangkok stay.
Khlong Toei means “Pandan Leaf Canal”. Pandan leaf is a sweet-smelling leaf that flavors Thai sweets and freshens the air. However, the canal smells quite different these days.
In January 2010, CNN listed Khlong Toei Market as one of Bangkok’s most real markets. They also called it a place to avoid when hung over because some sections are not for the squeamish. Therefore, this market offers a truly authentic experience.
A Bustling Market in Bangkok’s Concrete Jungle
Khlong Toei Market is a very ‘fresh’ market. Consequently, it offers cheap raw meat, seafood, produce, and other items like clothing and kitchenware. Deep within Bangkok’s concrete jungle, this little village area sits tucked away near busy Rama IV Road. However, it keeps a different, more relaxed feel.
Some sections can get a bit bloody and raw. Nevertheless, don’t worry because there are other fruit and vegetable sections to explore. Furthermore, your guide can help you find what you really want to see most.
A seemingly chaotic mix of stalls and pavilions spreads over a huge area. Meanwhile, porters and motorcyclists weave through the crowded lanes. Additionally, Khlong Toei Market is a photographer’s dream. It packs in shouting vendors who sell their live produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, and hot food.
This eye-opening and exciting market gives great insight into how locals live. Moreover, it shows where your food comes from. However, be careful because lots of produce gets carted around and they won’t stop for you. Finally, if all that action makes you hungry, it’s easy to grab a snack at the market.
The Raw Reality of Fresh Meat
The very raw fresh meat section can be quite confronting. For example, it includes whole animals, huge piles of guts and pig feet among plenty of other organ meat and exotic meats. Therefore, the smell can be overwhelming if you’re not used to it. However, it’s normal life for locals here.
Various kinds of birds come plucked and ready to cook. Meanwhile, some are still waddling around in cages. In fact, it’s possible to buy a live duck to take home for dinner! There really is everything here. This includes things you won’t be used to like cow placenta, frogs and rats. Additionally, you’ll find fruits you won’t have seen before.
It wouldn’t be a Thai market without a range of insects for the brave. Furthermore, Thailand is famous for fruits like sweet tamarind, rose apples and seedless guavas, which you can get here. The avocados and yellow watermelons are must-try items.
Seafood and Specialty Sections
The seafood section offers a wildly different experience compared to most markets in other countries. For instance, some of the fish are still flapping on the benches while stall owners splash water over them. They don’t care about passers-by, so you might get wet!
You’ll also find mountains of curry pastes and strong-smelling shrimp pastes. Additionally, there’s the common fermented fish sauce among the pre-made goods. Finally, there’s also a beautiful section filled with fresh flowers.
Things to remember about Khlong Toei market
- Although the market is near the expat enclave of Sukhumvit, this market is in a different world to the glitz and glamor of the nearby district.
- You’re welcome to take photos, just don’t get in anyone’s way.
- It’s best to leave your nice shoes in the hotel. There’re puddles of dubious origin all over the place and stall owners aren’t shy with water. There are huge crowds during the busy hours so let your guide advise you in the best and safest way to approach a visit to Khlong Toei Market.
- The market isn’t air conditioned and can be very hot in the daytime.
- Khlong Toei Market is open virtually 24 hours, but best times are 6am to 2am daily.
There’s nothing glamorous about Khlong Toei market but be prepared for an eye opening and truly authentic Thai experience. If you want to visit Khlong Toei market it’s best you talk to us at Your Thai Guide so we can guide you through the experience.
For avid market goers there are plenty more markets nearby to add to your day like Sukhumvit Soi 38 Night Food Market or maybe try finishing the day at Train Night Market Ratchada.
If the market thing gets a bit much you could try breaking up the day a bit with a visit to some nearby parks like Benjakitti Park or Lumphini Park.
