Talad Rot Fai Ratchada Market

Talad Rot Fai Ratchada is a market very popular among local Thai people. It is an unusual weekend night bazaar open from 18.00 till midnight, from Thursday to Sunday, on Ratchadapisek Road in Ratchada area. Although Bangkok hosts several markets almost every weekend around town, Talad Rot Fai has a unique and charming atmosphere which made it one of a kind. It is famous for being a retro and antiques market with lots of vintage clothing, retro items and other cool stuff. The market has been opened in January 2015, after the huge success of the first Talad Rot Fai Market, which in turn has been recently moved to a new location on Srinakarin Road, in the far east of Bangkok's downtown. Frequently referred in English as the Train Market, but with no connection to the famous railway market in Mae Klong, the new Talad Rot Fai has quickly gained notoriety among the local population and tourists also. It is smaller than the Srinakarin branch, however, the bazaar in Ratchada boasts an easily accessible location, especially for tourists staying in the central areas of the capital, compared to the long and difficult path necessary to reach the east suburbs of Bangkok, at present not served by any subway or skytrain service. Located just behind Esplanade Cineplex on the busy Ratchadapisek Road close to central districts, the new branch is only a two-minute walk from the Cultural Centre MRT Underground Station, and so easy accessible from every area of downtown. The market is spread into long avenues and divided in different areas: food, bars, shopping and activities. Antiques and kitsch curios items can be found in the central avenues, such as second-hand vintage clothes and toys. Among the must-see items on sale are the vintage and handmade shoes, cool T-shirts, old eyeglasses, hats and new trendy accessories like stone bead bracelets. Most prices are affordably, however there is always a minimum margin for bargaining. On the periphery, there is a combination of more general shops selling clothes, shoes and handbags. Within the three alley of food area there are plenty of snack stalls that offer each treat for gourmands, from spicy somtam to homemade mini pizzas and cheap sushi. The highlights of market are Jompalang, big bowl of noodle, Midnight Pangyen, shaved ice with toppings of your choice, and even fried insects. Up towards the back end of the market there are a row of bars, with several old VW Vans, adorned with fairy lights, pumping out a mixture of Thai songs and western pop hits.
Getting there: Located just behind Esplanade Cineplex on Ratchadapisek Road, Ratchada neighbourhood, close to central districts, the market is accessible by an easy trip in subway, or with journey that combines skytrain and subway. Cultural Centre MRT Underground Station is just few minute' walk from bazaar. If you prefer to use a taxi, be sure that the driver has understood you want to go to Talad Rot Fai Ratchada Market not the Srinakarin branch.Read More