Pratunam Market
Soi Phetchaburi 21, Bangkok, Thailand, 10400
A warren of alleyways near the soaring Baiyoke Sky building in Bangkok, Pratunam Market offers wholesale fast fashion from local factories between dawn to mid-afternoon. Later, Pratunam Night Market fills with the scent of grilled Thai food and the glow of neon, with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to off-brand electronics.
The basics
Nobody goes to Pratunam Market for quality goods. Most of the wholesale garments sold here are rejected by factories that were already churning out fast fashion. Pratunam Night Market is more rewarding, with a range of delicious foods and a broader selection of goods, from makeup and jewelry to accessories, bags, and clothing. Some Bangkok evening street food tours stop at the night market for street eats, while you can also choose to visit on a market tour. You’ll generally travel by tuk-tuk.
Things to know before you go
- Pratunam Night Market is an atmospheric choice for street food fans, bargain hunters, and souvenir shoppers.
- Pickpockets operate around the market, so watch your phone and your purse.
- Haggling is expected, but be polite.
- There are public bathrooms available for a small fee.
- Few vendors take cards and those that do charge a percentage. Bring Thai baht.
- Dropped curbs make the market surprisingly wheelchair-accessible, and parents will do just fine with strollers.
How to get there
Pratunam Market sprawls across a network of back streets around Ratchaprarop Road in Pratunam, about a 4.5-mile (7-kilometer) drive east of the Grand Palace. You can catch the Airport Rail Link to Ratchaprarop station or the Skytrain to Chit Lom (E1). Head in the direction of the towering Baiyoke Sky building.
When to get there
Pratunam Market operates from early morning to the evening, with different experiences throughout the day. Serious wholesale purchasers generally show up before dawn; during the daytime, prices are higher, although you can still get discounts for buying multiple items. Most travelers will find the best selection of souvenirs and street eats during the evenings at the Pratunam Night Market, with most stalls open at weekends.
The best market experiences in and around Bangkok
From shopping by boat to dodging trains, Bangkok offers some of Thailand's best market experiences. The weekend Chatuchak Market boasts a selection of more than 8,000 stalls serving up everything from clothes to Thai barbecue. The Taling Chan Floating Market is surprisingly central, while the out-of-town Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a popular choice. Maeklong Railway Market is more than an hour from Bangkok, but many travelers find the sight of a train trundling through market stalls worth the journey.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!