Bangkok Vintage Night Market at Ratchadaphisek

Filed under: Bangkok, Things To Do In Bangkok Written by:Chris Mitchell.

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Chatuchak and Suan Lum Night Bazaar are two of Bangkok’s most famous markets that attract lots of Thais and tourists alike - but the Ratchadaphisek Night Market is a bit more off the beaten track and great for those searching for vintage thrift.

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Here’s a quote from a nifty article from today’s Bangkok Post about Ratchadaphisek Night Market, which happens every Saturday right by Ratchadaphisek MRT station from dusk to midnight. Unfortunately the Post puts its stories behind a firewall after 24 hours, hence why I’m quoting the info here:

Weekend markets for cheap shopping abound in Bangkok. But the Saturday night market above Ratchadaphisek underground station seems to be the one and only comprehensive vintage market in the capital. It has everything you could want, from new kitchenware, trees, antique books, varieties of collectables, used clothing, shoes, cameras and computers, to used auto parts, bikes, motorcycles and vans.

A few years ago, it was merely a venue for the gathering of fans of scooters, cars and vans, especially Volkswagens. Small groups of people came here every Saturday night to show off their vehicles and exchange rare parts.

Its popularity grew. Eventually, the gathering has become a weekend night market where thousands of people come to shop until they drop, from dusk until around midnight every Saturday.

A wide array of goodies here will appeal to all generations. Thrifty shoppers will enjoy shopping for used shoes and trainers for 60 to 100 baht. Fashion lovers can buy cheap and chic sunglasses for 99 baht and beautiful handmade rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings for 70 to 300 baht.

This night market is a haven for collectors in pursuit of rare books, movie and advertising posters, kitchenware and anything old. Music lovers can find both Thai and foreign vinyl dating back 20 to 50 years ago here. Prices vary from 200 to 5,000 baht, depending on popularity and scarcity. Most records are 200 to 300 baht, except for songs-for-life band Carabao’s for 5,000 baht and luk thung singer Surapol Sombatcharoen for 1,000 baht.

Those who collect old lottery tickets can find complete sets of lottery tickets for 850 baht for a set of four.

Tonnes of antique furniture, kitchenware, radios, TV sets, turntables and vintage goodies are here for you to buy for decorating your home. Beautiful hand-painted plates, bowls and trays, which were once common in every household, are sold from 60 baht to more than 1,000 baht. Even big Thai-style jars for keeping water are available here.

Also popular are tin and plastic toys, Disney and Sesame Street dolls, posters and other goodies, and animal lovers don’t have to go home empty handed as lovely puppies, kittens and hamsters are also sold here. If you already have enough pets, handmade dog beds for 250 to 500 baht and glittering leads for around 300 baht seem to be good choices.

Art enthusiasts can sit for a quick portrait for 150 to 200 baht, or better portrait for 300 baht. If you don’t like portraits, beautiful art posters, both old and new, are available here at reasonable prices.

For heavy metal fashion fans, handmade leather accessories stalls are must-sees. Three leather key chains are sold for only 100 baht, with wrist bands available for a little more. At one stall, handmade leather bags, gun magazines and boots are sold for thousands of baht.

If you want to check out Chatuchak market, it’s also conveniently located by an MRT station - Chatuchak MRT, or Mo Chit BTS Skytrain if you prefer. It’s only on at weekends. Suam Lum Night Bazaar is also right next to Lumphini MRT station and opens nightly from around 5pm.

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Posted on May 4th, 2008.