I travelled light as I had an inkling I could pick up some wares at the markets over here, and I wasn’t wrong. Everywhere I went in Thailand there was a market of some sort.
The quintessential tourist clobber
Bangkok
Some great markets in Bangkok offer a mix of local culture, street food, and some sweet merch.
Silom
A buzzin’ night market in the heart of the city’s financial district. You can pick up everything from souvenirs to clothes and electronics and is very popular with tourists. Haggling is expected and honestly a bit of craic—going through the rigmarole and act of putting a price on their calculator and trying to meet somewhere in the middle.
I picked up a nice, completely legit, Liverpool jersey and some good bluetooth headphones for feck all due to my impressive negotiation skills. They call me Marvelous McGurrin Haggler around these parts now.
Beauty of a retro jersey
Didn’t stand the test of time sadly
Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, is a mad aul spot with some very narrow alleyways to get lost in. I’ve touched on that in more detail here.
Chiang Mai
Not to be outdone by the capital city, Chiang Mai has a couple of standout markets that capture the essence of Northern Thai culture.
Jing Jai Market
Jing Jai Market was just up the road from where I was staying so I took a doss up one of the evenings. It’s a more curated, artsy market and had a really good Christmas vibe. Heard a cover band play some Boyzone so that was a real treat and also experienced some Tok Sen massage.
Nice Christmas Market atmosphere
It features local artisans selling handmade products, organic food vendors, and vintage clothing. It has a more relaxed, hipster vibe compared to the bustling Sunday Market.
Sunday Market
I chanced upon this after the marathon and was really impressed. Along the aptly named Walking Street the place is thronged with people every Sunday evening with locals and tourists flocking to explore its vibrant stalls.
Here you’ll find all the usual bits and bobs, odds and ends, bric-a-brac, whozits and whatzits, knick-knacks, and—if you’re lucky—some doohickeys and doodads, that you’d expect at a market.
Sunday Market does be absolutely wedged
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
This is arguably the most famous market in Chiang Mai but was a bit further out from where I was staying so never explored it properly. The one time I did pass through it had much the same stuff as the Walking Market.
Pai
Pai has a nightly market along their walking street as well. Hard to miss it given the town is so small but highly recommend it anyway. Lined with street food vendors, artists, and craftspeople, it offers a chill, backpacker-friendly atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to grab a snack, browse handmade jewellery, or pick up a unique souvenir.
Pai Walking Street
I feel only scratched the surface of what the markets have on offer and if I wasn’t travelling light I’d be coming home with souvenirs and presents aplenty.
Dildos and dreams
DavAI SummAIriser
Want a quick summary of this post?
