Thai people's daily life begins and revolves around local markets. Some start at dawn, when vendors open their awnings, and last until dusk, when the last costumers leave.
Each local market has its own peculiar charm that you should not miss. Add them to your itinerary and find out what Thai people buy every day, from staple food, fresh vegetables, perky flowers, to pleasant surprises such as fried bugs.
Highlights
- Get a little lost on a corner of the world's biggest weekend market.
- Personalize your own garland by picking and arranging the flowers in a private workshop.
- Walk, eat or dance the night away at Thailand's largest open-air mall.
- Hunt fresh fruit in Bangkok's biggest wet market.
- Capture the seconds before the train passes through the narrow alley of Maeklong Train Station Market.
10-Day Thailand Rain Forest and Beach Escape:
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My husband and I are planning a 3 week…
Alisa was a great listener to all the things we wanted to incorporate into our trip. We discussed everything throughly, and when I had questions, she had answers the next day. I really appreciate her responsiveness and detail with me. I feel like we are in the best hands with Alisa and Asia Highlights. More
, Mar 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
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What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
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Chatuchak Market
Covering an area of 35 acres, Chatuchak Market is the largest weekend market in Thailand, also in Asia. It sells almost everything from iconic Thai pants, Morrocan lamps to gardening tools, all at a heavenly affordable price, yet you still can bargain on it.
What to look for
The market is ordered according to sections. After entering, the main walkway then splits into smaller alleys, Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, and so on. Each alley is grouped into 27 sections which are semi-categorized; you may find a variety of goods in one section.
Clothing and accessories dominate the market from sections 2 to 6 and 10 to 26; sections 8 to 11 are for handicrafts. While exploring the market, a map will come in handy. But should you need assistance, the information center is available near the northern end of the market, as well as ATMs and money changers.
What to eat and drink
Being tired and hungry is never an appropriate way to end your tour. Find your lunch at food stalls between sections 2 to 4 and 23 to 27. The choice is quite wide, from tasty chicken biryani at a Thai-Muslim restaurant to pad thai (Thai's original fried noodles) and many others. Last but not least, you can finish off with a tasty fruit shake to restore the smile.
- Opening Hours: Wednesday to Thursday 7am - 6pm: plant section only, Friday 6pm - 12pm: wholesale only, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 6pm: whole market open
- Location: Kamphaeng Phet Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak
How to get there: By Sky Train to Mo Chit Station (Sukhumvit Line), take exit no 1. Leaving the station, you will come across rows of canvas; keep following the way until you reach a small entrance of the market's clothing sections, around 9 km from the city center.
Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
Pak Khlong Talat is open 24 hours a day, once a street-side flower market, now the city's largest flower market. It sells all kinds of flowers such as roses, jasmines, orchids, lilies, most of them sold in packs of 50 or 100.
The best time to visit is during and after midnight, when the truckloads of fresh flowers arrive at the market and are welcomed by wholesellers and florists for their fresh flower stock of the day; a very chaotic but fascinating scene.
What to look for
Understand more about flowers, used as offerings to religious deities in Thai society, and handpick your most favorite flowers while learning how to make your very own garland in a private workshop. Contact us to arrange it for you.
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Location: Chak Phet Road
- How to get there: Take the Sky Train to S6 Saphan Taksin Station (Silom Line), take exit 2 and walk to Chao Phraya Express Boat Pier. Take the Express Boat from Sathorn Pier (Central Pier) up the river to Memorial Bridge Pier (Saphan Phut).
Asiatique The Riverfront
After its extensive renovation in 2011, Asiatique The Riverfront became Thai's first and largest open-air mall, a one-stop entertainment site that has successfully combined shopping, dining, sightseeing, activities and events.
What to look for
The mall is divided into four main districts, each huge enough to spend the whole evening without getting bored. Handicrafts and souvenirs can be found in Charoen Krung district, while the Factory district is for street-wise fashion, boutiques and also restaurants; the Town Square district is where you can find sports bars and cafes.
The last district, Waterfront Promenade, has more upscale choices of diners from Western to Thai food and is said to be Bangkok's longest promenade, with 300 meters.
- Opening hours: 17:00 to midnight
- Location: 2194, Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phraya Krai
- How to get there: ??By BTS, get off at Saphan Taksin and take the free shuttle at the end of the pier. The ferry starts from 4pm to 8pm and departs every 15 minutes.
Klong Toey Fresh Market
As the name explains, everything in Klong Toey Fresh Market is fresh. It is Bangkok's main seaport as well as the biggest wet market. Goods are sold in bulk to distributors of the smaller markets all over the city, so expect it to be lively and swarming.
What to look for
The bustling wet market scene of Thailand is very typical and unique. You can be more than just a spectator - find your own fresh fruit, dust off your bargaining skill and have it as your glorious snack. Main commodities here are fresh vegetables, raw meat, seafood and unique things such as fried bugs.
- Opening hours: 6am - 2am
- Location: Rama IV Road, Khlong Toei
- How to get there: Take the MRT subway to Klong Toey Station. Take the escalators up, and then walk east on Thang Rakfaiko/Rama IV Road until you reach the intersection of Rama IV and Narong Road. The market is on your right-hand side. The market is also reachable by bus, lines 45, 46, 72, 102, or 107.
7-Day Central Thailand Exploration:
Maeklong Train Station Market
Maeklong Train Station Market is one particular place you can hardly forget, partly because it is daring. The market is a single-track market that is divided by a narrow path, wide enough for a train to pass inbetween. Don't worry, it is a slow train, and the machinist tends to wait with proceeding until the path is cleared.
Minutes before the train's arrival, it will blow the horn, a sound you can't ignore, and in split seconds the sellers will pull their carts and awnings to clear the railway, this is why the market is called talat rom hoop or market umbrella close. After the train passes, vendors nonchalantly pull up their awnings and the business proceeds, as if the train had never passed.
What to look for
The train passes four times a day from Ban Laem Station to the Maeklong Station at 7:30, 10:10, 13:30 and 16:40 and another four times back to Ban Laem. It is important to arrive at least 30 minutes before the train's arrival, so you won't miss the moment.
- Opening hours: 6am - 5pm, daily.
- Location: Muang Samut Songkhram, Samut Songkhram
- How to get there: Take a train from Wongwian Yai Station and stop at Mahachai Station, cross the river to Tha Chalom Pier and take another train at Ban Laem Station and get off at Maeklong Railway Market.
Tips for visiting a local market
- Bargain! It's a market after all; if you don't bargain then you're not being culturally appropriate. But small gestures of support for the locals, along with a wide smile will always be appreciated.
- Don't buy items made from animal products such as ivory or crocodile skin.
- Keep your belongings safe! Markets are always busy, and it's possible that at one time or another you may need to struggle just to walk five steps. In that kind of condition, always remind yourself to keep your belongings safe, to prevent being pick-pocketed.
- Choose a clean street vendor if you want to try street food. Always be aware of its hygiene. Our guide will help you find clean and recommended street vendors.
- Go early! Most of the markets open very early and get packed around 10am. Have an earlier adventure and avoid the crowds.
- Beware of Scams! Always be aware of your surroundings. When buying souvenirs always check the products to avoid scams.
You might like to read
- Best Time to Visit Thailand
- The Most Beautiful Places in Thailand
- Top Attractions in Thailand
- Top Attractions in Chiang Mai
Explore Local Markets with Asia Highlights
Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you create your own unforgettable dining experience.
We are experienced in our field and will gladly assist you in arranging your local market tour that best suits your requirements.
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Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.
moreOur guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!
moreOur China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.
moreShe was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,
moreOur tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.
moreHe picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreOur day trip to Hangzhou was phenomenal. Derek, our guide, was impeccable. By far the best guide we have had so far. He is extremely knowledgeable about the country’s history and geography and was always excited to share his insights.
moreXian es encantadora, el hotel Eastern house boutique muy buena elección por parte de la agencia, los desayunos muy completos para complacer todo tipo de gusto, lo recomiendo 100%, el itinerario fue muy acertado fueron 2 días en la ciudad xian, compartimos con la guía Susana, la atención, la amabilidad y sobre todo su profesionalismo fue lo que marcó la diferencia, sus detalles, estaba siempre en el lugar y momento correcto para hacer de xian un lugar inolvidable.
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