The Best Food Markets in Bangkok

If you're looking for the best food markets in Bangkok, you've come to the right place! Check out our picks and eat your fill!

Including:

• What is the most famous food market in Bangkok?
• Is Bangkok cheap for food?
• Do you tip in Thailand?
• The Best Food Markets in Bangkok

What is the most famous food market in Bangkok?

Arguably, Khlong Toei Market is Bangkok's best food market. It's so renowned that it was featured on the Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil.

Is Bangkok cheap for food?

If you're happy to eat local cuisine, you'll eat well and cheap in Bangkok. However, if you're hankering for a taste of home, Western cuisine is nearly always more expensive. Why? Well, because locals don't usually order it. Supply and demand!

Do you tip in Thailand?

Unlike America, tipping is not mandatory or customary in Bangkok - or Thailand as a whole. However, stall owners or restaurant servers are sure to appreciate a tip - though they'll never ask for one. Do the right thing and throw a little something their way!

The Best Food Markets in Bangkok: Khlong Toei

Khlong Toei - sometimes known as Khlong Toey - stands as Bangkok's largest market and is a must-visit for aficionados of both food and markets. Chefs, cooks, and locals come from far and wide for fresh ingredients and great rates on raw meat, seafood, produce, and more.

While exploring the expansive aisles, you'll be immersed in a vast array of fresh offerings. The market's authenticity occasionally reveals curiosities you'll wish you hadn't seen, such as live turtles. Best leave those little guys alone, yeah?

The market also boasts a selection of street food vendors and stalls, enticing you with Thai dumplings, grilled delicacies, and delectable desserts.

The Best Food Markets in Bangkok: Wang Lang Market

Situated on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace lies one of Bangkok's most vibrant street food markets - the perfect time to cross the river by boat!

Wang Lang Market immerses your senses. Bangkok's street food stalls and eateries occupy every available spot along winding and narrow pathways. Don't hesitate to sample local treats from these stalls, fully embracing the Wang Lang market experience.

You'll also encounter clothing vendors vying for your attention, offering the latest Thai fashions, trinkets, and accessories. But you're here for the food, which you'll find plenty of! Traverse the alleys at your leisure, savoring the delectable Thai street food. When it's time for a refreshing drink, reward yourself with a Thai iced coffee or tea.

The Best Food Markets in Bangkok: Taling Chan

Taling Chan market, like several other floating markets in Bangkok, sits on the city's outskirts yet remains reachable from downtown. Get a bus - or an Uber if you don't fancy Bangkok's confusing bus system - and check it out!

This charming, compact market boasts numerous food vendors offering a variety of fruits, juices, desserts, and meals. The floating market segment resides at the far end of the main street, featuring a waterside patio where a handful of boats prepare breakfast and lunch.

Taling Chan's floating market draws tons of locals and tourists alike to shop and dine there. And, unlike many floating markets in Bangkok that exist solely for tourism, this one caters to the local community. If you want an authentic Thai floating market experience, you know where to go.

The Best Food Markets in Bangkok: Chinatown Market

No list of the best food markets in Bangkok would be complete without a visit to the city's renowned Chinatown district. Known locally as Yaowarat, it actually predates Bangkok city. So, if anything, Bangkok is a district of Chinatown! Anyway, enough flirting. What about food? Well, thankfully, Bangkok's Chinatown is a revered street food haven and a beloved dining hub for locals that comes alive at night.

If you want to beat the crowds, head there during the day. You'll find an array of Chinese products and vendors peddling dried foods, mushrooms, tea leaves, and more. Make the most of it by trying local Chinese tea and exploring what's on offer.

As night falls, the streets transform into a lively night market teeming with street food vendors. The energy escalates, and locals and tourists alike gather at small street-side tables for dinner. Arrive after 6PM to witness the vibrant scene and relish delicious Thai street food, capturing the dynamic essence of Chinatown.

The Best Food Markets in Bangkok: Marine Market

Near the Sathorn district, you'll find a hidden gem tucked away from the prying eyes of travelers. Known locally as Marine Market, it's arguably the most authentic market experience on this list. That does come with a caveat that it may not be the most English-friendly, so bear that in mind.

Local markets like these are great for getting fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. They frequently beat out supermarkets in both cost and selection, so if you're staying in an Airbnb and need to cook, check them out.

The street food vendors at these markets also sell hot foods. With the markets opening in the late afternoon, they are a great place to pick up dinner. You can even buy fresh fish and get it grilled on the spot. Nice.

The Best Food Markets in Bangkok: Bang Rak Food Market

Bang Rak - or the Silom District to its friends - is a haven for food enthusiasts, boasting numerous enticing dining spots. While not as renowned as other food markets, this local gem resides in a historical area of Bangkok.

Positioned near the BTS station, the market welcomes you with grilled pork and sticky rice vendors stationed at the base of the BTS stairs. Inside the market itself, myriad fresh produce, seafood, and meat stalls await. The crab cakes are to die for, so don't miss out on them!

We recommend visiting in the morning, as many stalls close early for lunch. But if you get there at the right time, you won't be disappointed!

And those were our picks of the best food markets in Bangkok! Need something to take your mind off of all that delicious food? Check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!