Bangkok Nightmarkets

Suan Lum Night Bazaar

Suan Lum night bazaar is, in my opinion, Thailand’s best night market. Forget Patpong which is tedious as most stalls sell the same overpriced copy watches, DVDs, handbags etc. Chiang Mai’s famed night market has gone downhill in the last few years although prices are cheaper than Bangkok. Suan Lum is in the centre of town easily accessible by underground or taxi and it is easy to walk around once there as the walkways are covered and traffic controlled. When it gets too hot I like to pop into one of the air conditioned shops or sit and have a drink and some food in a fanned garden setting and watch life go by. All sorts of Thai products are available at very affordable prices. There are furnishings for the home, clothes, jewelry, aromatherapy oils, souvenirs and the usual Thai market stuff etc. Bargaining is expected so never pay the asking price. There is a large area on one side of the market with many Thai, Japanese and German food stalls, popular with the locals as live music is played nightly and cold beer is plentiful. It is a good atmosphere but if loud music is not your thing, head to the quieter side. For culture lovers, Joe Louis Puppet Theatre is located at Suan Lum. The difference in this show is that the Puppeteers are an integral part of the show and it is a performance you will never see anywhere else in the world. Shows are performed nightly and right next door are many cafes for a post performance tipple.