Have you heard of Thailand’s famous railway markets before? Would you like to experience the glorious carnival of crowded color for yourself? Let Your Thai Guide show you some of the best markets in Bangkok.
These markets are referred to as the ‘Train Markets’ because they were originally located next to Bangkok’s suburban train lines behind the Chatuchak Weekend Market. The original Bangkok train market had to relocate to Si Nakharin Road (Train Night Market Srinakarin) and since then, a second train night market has opened, closer to the city center. Known as the Train Night Market Ratchada, it is smaller but more centrally located.
Some say the range of food and drink options at Train Night Market Ratchada is better than the old market and that’s why it is usually so crowded. Visit this market and decide for yourself. There’s plenty of shopping, food and entertainment options at Train Night Market Ratchada. To make the most of your time, ask your private guide for their local advice on finding the items that interest you the most. This will ensure the best market experience.
SHOPPING
Market shopaholics will love the Train Night Market Ratchada. In addition to fashion, vintage knick-knacks and souvenir items, any self-respecting foodie will enjoy the experiences available at the market’s food stalls. Lucky it’s easy to separate the two, one side of the market is for the wandering shopper, while the other side is for the serious foodie.
If you love home décor and hand-made products you’ll find vintage-style boutiques selling old-fashioned plates and leather goods. There’s plenty of bazaar-style shops such as hairdressers, pedicurists and many more. Feeling brave? You might like to get a new hairstyle in Thailand, the hairdressers in the market have windows overlooking the market action outside.
Train Night Market Ratchada is a shopping paradise. There’s a huge range of clothing available and it’s cheap! A T-shirt will set you back about 100 baht. You can also buy shoes and mobile phone accessories as well as other items that make great gifts or souvenirs.
FOOD
There’s so much food at the Train Night Market Ratchada that you’ll need to visit more than once to try them all. Talk to your guide about what you would really like to try or let them make some suggestions for you.
There are traditional Thai dishes like grilled skewers, tasty fish wrapped in leaves, or even insect dishes. Have a bit of a look around first before you decide. Train Night Market Ratchada has plenty of cuisines from other countries too. From Japan, there’s sashimi, sushi and takoyaki. From Korea, there’s crepe or doraemon donuts. Ratchada train market also has many European style dishes such as fried chicken and fried cheese. Train Night Market Ratchada also has many of the more familiar Thai seafood dishes as well such as fish balls and fried squid.
For seafood lovers, there’s plenty of grilled seafood restaurants and some of them serve their spicy seafood on paper. They provide plastic gloves and a basket for you to eat your meal.
Other foods you might like to try while you are at Train Night Market Ratchada are:
- Enoki Mushrooms Wrapped in Bacon
- Deep Fried Mussels
- Noodles with tender duck meat and spicy broth
- Don’t miss the watermelon ice cream! The ice cream is served in watermelon peel not just for looks but also for the taste! Watermelon ice cream is 30 to 60 baht, depending on the size of the melon. Dishes like these are interesting and unique and they make for great selfie opportunities.
Train Night Market Ratchada is definitely worth visiting with an empty stomach!
ENTERTAINMENT
Later on, head to the end of the market to find the hip and bustling entertainment area where there’s a wild array of bars and cafes selling cheap drinks and pumping out techno music. They’re made from shipping containers or old cars and lend the market a chaotic and fun feel. Head up to the rooftops of the bars for a great view across the market.
If you prefer live music then try the Frankfurt Bar. Frankfurt won’t let customers bring food in from outside, whereas some of the other bars will let you bring food in to eat as you enjoy the music.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Food is from 5 baht to 500 baht
- On weekends, the crowds are so packed that there’s no room to walk past people at the stalls buying things. If you don’t like crowded spaces, consider visiting the market earlier in the evening.
- The best time to visit is after 7pm as some of the vendors don’t open straight away.
- Sometimes there are long queues for the toilets and they will cost you 3 baht per visit.
Train Night Market Ratchada can be visited Thursday to Sunday from 6pm until Midnight.
Admission Price: Free entry.
Train Night Market Ratchada is one of Bangkok’s top night markets although there are plenty of others you might like to try. Here’s a few nearby that you might like to add to your list:
