Avoiding the Tourists: Bangkok’s Other Budget Clothing Markets
Chatuchak, Bobae, Indra, and Platinum Mall.
Sure, you’ve been there and seen them all. You’ve probably elbowed your way into a stall in Pratunam to cross-examine a blouse. Or have had way too many iced coffees at Platinum Mall. As you probably already know, these places are always busy. They start early in the morning and picks up throughout the day. If you happen to go there on weekends, prepared to spend at least half a day (and then later realise you haven’t covered much ground).
If you prefer to do your clothes shopping in the down-low or just want a change of pace, here are a few other options. Some of them might not be as centrally located as the other Bangkok clothing markets but they are fairly easy to get to.
TALAD ROT FAI SRINAKARIN NIGHT MARKET
Have you been to the Prawet district in Bangkok? Exactly. Srinakarin is not by any measure in a typical Bangkok tourist’s radar. But the area is changing. With Talad Rot Fai becoming more popular, and Rama 9 Park (Bangkok’s largest public park) a short drive away, there is more reason to visit this Bangkok suburb. While this may be in off-the-beaten path, this shopping gem is famed for its night market and bazaar. Bangkok locals come here for vintage items and antiques.
Bathed in colourful fairy lights at night, Talad Rot Fai is a lively open-air bazaar complex. Converted containers and old warehouses house over 2,000 shops, ranging from cafes, restaurants, pubs to vintage shops. It comprises of three major sections: Market Zone, Warehouse Zone and Rod’s Antiques.
WHY GO
Vintage items of all varieties: Home decor items, art, furniture, toys, household goods, and electronic appliances.
Retro-style and everyday clothing, accessories, and shoes.
Vintage-style car parts, even old cars, motorbikes, bikes, used auto parts, collectibles, Japanese anime toys, and many others.
OPENING HOURS: Thursday to Sunday, 5PM to 1AM (It’s a night market!)
LOCATION: 1 4 Srinakarin Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand / 1 4 ถนน ศรีนครินทร์ Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the BTS sky train (Sukhumvit Line) and get off at Bangchak Station. Hail a cab from there to get to Talad Rot Fai on Srinakarin Soi 51.
UNION MALL
For a less crowded shopping experience, nothing beats Union Mall, a hidden gem of budget shopping in Bangkok. The mall is just steps away from both Pahon Yothin stations of the BTS and MRT , making it very convenient to travel to.
It’s an excellent alternative to touristy shopping malls and busy street markets. On weekends when the crowds in other budget shopping malls are just unbearable, many young locals go to Union Mall. This shopping mall has spacious walkways and well laid out shops, so it’s big but not big enough to get lost in unlike many comparable Bangkok shopping malls.
WHY GO
Boutique stores selling clothes with unique styles and designs. Inside the mall’s 1,500+ clothing stores, there are many boutique ones selling unique and trendy clothing designed by young local Thai designers. It’s a young clothing designer’s paradise.
A place to shop for clothing inspired by Korean and Japanese fashion. If you’re into Korean Pop or Japanese Pop, Union Mall has a fairly wide range of this fashion trend sought after by younger shoppers. Some are made by local Thai designers while some are imported from Korea, Japan, and China.
SHOPS ARE SKEWED TOWARDS YOUNG WOMEN
Perhaps it doesn’t come as a surprise that most shops in Union Mall cater to young women. A myriad of shops sell locally designed clothes, dresses, shoes, bridal dresses, and shirts. The shops at Level 5 is dedicated to self-care and is called the ‘Beauty Zone’ where women can get themselves a massage or mani-pedi in between shopping.
OPENING HOURS: Everyday, 11AM to 10PM
HOW TO GET THERE
Get off at Phahon Yothin MRT Station or BTS Station (Sukhumvit Line).
VICTORY MONUMENT MARKET
Much busier than the first two places mentioned, Victory Monument bustles with life with its big shopping malls, outdoor markets, street food, and pubs. This area is also a major transportation hub so you can get off from one tourist attraction easily to the next. Goes without saying, best to avoid the area in the morning and evening rush hour.
Shopping aside, the street food in Victory Monument is one of the best in Bangkok. There is an alley near the canal with stalls selling boat noodles. There are public squares on opposite sides of the monument selling every Thai street food imaginable.
WHY GO
Lots of food and shopping concentrated in one area. Victory Monument is an important commuter hub, and as such makes it a great place for shopping. It offers many shopping options – in malls, in street markets and in small stores set up along road alleys. Shopping malls like Century Mall and Victory Point and street markets along Ratchathewi Soi 3 to 9 are places to find the best bargains for men and women’s clothing, bags, belts, shoes, costume jewelry, and mobile phone accessories.
OPENING HOURS: Everyday, 10AM to 10PM
HOW TO GET THERE
Get off at BTS Victory Monument Station (Sukhumvit Line).
