12 Best Wholesale Markets in Bangkok

Pratunam Market is a major market selling clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices. Enter the small alleys and jam-packed small streets and you will find yourself in the middle of a clothes-maze. Prices are very cheap, and most shops offer retail prices for single pieces.

How to get there

Keep your eyes peeled for the Amari Waterfront Hotel and once you see it, you know that Pratunam market is right around the corner! The market is nestled right at the intersection of Ratchaprop and Petchburi road. You can walk the markets to your heart's content, as they end at Baiyoke towers.

What's on sale

Are you a bargain shopper looking for clothes, shoes and other accessories? Pratunam market is the place to go. Most shops will even offer up the goods for insanely cheap wholesale prices, so you can go in expecting a great deal. The market itself is open round the clock, but the retail shops open at 10 am and close at 9 pm.

What prices to expect

Prices at Pratunam are truly out of this world. The best bargains are usually to be had outside in the alleyways rather than inside the main building. T-shirts could level out at 80-90 baht, bags average out to 50 baht, pants average at about 150 baht and knitwear at a max of 200 baht.

Newbie tip:

Getting hot? Baiyoke towers is chock full of shopping opportunities and it is very efficiently air-conditioned. Escape the heat of Bangkok and get out of the hustle bustle of the market by ducking into the tower for a cool breeze.

Click here to get directions on Google maps

If shopping is your game then Bo Bae should be the name on your lips. This is the place to visit if you’ve got an extra suitcase to fill and don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s rather like the more famous Pratunam Market: a centre of wholesale clothing. It’s been running for over 30 years, and there are over 1,000 shops within the Bo Bae Tower.

Head outside to the open-air market along Padung Krung Kasem canal for even more bargains. There’s everything you could possibly imagine here, from wigs to diamante flip flops. Don’t have enough luggage allowance? Shipping services are also available for those who want to send packages back home.

How to get there

Bobae Market is near Yotse Bridge and is located directly on Krung Kasem Road. If you're OK on public transport, try taking the BTS to National Stadium. From there, Bobae Market is a 10 minutes drive or a twenty minute stroll.

What's on sale

Bobae Market is pretty much a clothes and textile shopper's paradise. With a variety of styles to choose from, in addition to good quality fabrics at amazing prices, Bobae should be on the top of any clothes horse or clothing trader's list. In addition, Bobae has a fantastic selection of fun jewelry that is some of the cheapest I've seen in Thailand, especially if you buy in bulk.

What prices to expect

We're looking at rock bottom prices here: you'll usually have to buy in multiples but can occasionally persuade a shop owner to sell you a single piece. For a set of three dresses, I've seen as low as 550 baht. That's a steal.

Newbie tip

Don't miss out on Bobae Market's food selection: yes, they have a variety of delicious Halal Food, but they also have an incredible selection of fresh fruits and vegetables that are, of course, native to Thailand.

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Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’.

The 35-acre (68-rai) area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. Veteran shoppers would agree that just about everything is on sale here, although not all at the best bargain rates. But if you have one weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed.

How to get there:

Chatuchak is easy to find and navigate. Since Chatuchak is located near one of Bangkok's most well known bus terminals, you can easily take the BTS to Mo Chit station and stroll until you see the beginning of the market. In addition, you can also take the MRT to Chatuchak Park Station. From there, you can follow the crowds.

What's on sale

Literally everything. Since there is 35 acres of ground to cover, Chatuchak stalls have everything you could possibly want, including antiques, books, pet needs, ceramics, clothing and shoes, plants and gardening, food, furniture and more.

What prices to expect

The thing about Chatuchak is that there are is so much variety in terms of quality and selection that prices vary greatly. You can find jewelry pieces for 20 baht or 500 baht. Tshirts level out at 150 baht and quality, unique clothes could run you 400-500 baht. Definitely shop around, there are almost 10,000 stalls!

Newbie tip

Keep your wits about you in Chatuchak! It's definitely crowded enough that you need to mind your wallet and your purchases. Also, the stalls are arranged in sort of a semi-circle, with a central soi framing the market. Inside, there are individual sois that you can explore.

Click here to get directions on Google maps.

Sampeng Lane Market pretty much sums up the whole shopping experience of Chinatown – and, to some extent, the surrounding Old City area; it’s hot, busy, and the narrow lanes often become overly congested with vendors selling everything from fabrics, cheap clothes and electronics. As well as the steady flow of pedestrian traffic, pushcarts, worn-out vespers and the occasional truck overflowing with fresh produce all add to the madness.

But this definitively hectic nature of Sampeng is all part of the fun. Plus, this really is one of the cheapest places to come shopping in Bangkok, with impressive discounts available when you buy in bulk (10 or more items at a time gets you into wholesale territory). The most popular items to look out for are silk sarongs, jewellery, copied DVDs, women’s shoes, home décor and appliances, kids’ toys, cosmetics, handicrafts, dried food and all your usual tourist souvenirs.

How to get there

Located in the heart of Chinatown, Sampeng is located on Soi Wanit 1, which is a long and narrow lane. From here, the market expands horizontally and reaches the central avenue of Chinatown. Note that Sampeng Lane is also part of the market but primarily sells textiles.

What's on sale

Sampeng itself is home to many objects originally made in China that have been sold to Thai resellers. You can expect to find the typical fabric and clothing offerings, but also miles and miles of trinkets that include purses, tools, electronics, jewelry, watches, cosmetics and even household goods. Those looking to resell jewelry will have an absolute field day in Sampeng's busy stalls. Resellers, note that there are plenty of watches, glasses frames and sunglasses to purchase, as well.

What prices to expect

The more you buy, the more of a discount you'll get. Go into Sampeng expecting to buy in bulk, it's the only way you'll really make the most of it. Jewelry is mostly priced at 120-150 baht and other accessories are about the same. Think of the markups you could charge at home.

Newbie tip

If you're a serious shopper and looking to resell in your home country, try to befriend a few shopkeepers or try to cultivate a business relationship. A language barrier shouldn't be too prohibitory!

Click here to get directions on Google maps.

There is a lot of young energy at Saphan Phut, as can been seen from the picture below. There's a trendy vibe here and always lots of fun offerings. This is a cool place to visit even if you have no intention of buying anything.

How to get there

It's not know as the Memorial Bridge Night Market for nothing! Located near the bridge right next to the river, Saphan Phut also shares a market space with the flower market. The market itself can be found right at the intersection of Maharat and Chakraphet road.

What's on sale

Clothing items are available, such as t shirts and pants, as well as shoes and purses. Saphan Phut also offers video games, DVDs and other electronics that attract a younger crowd. You can be sure that you'll find a bargain on your favorite movie or game and maybe even find a cool new tech toy.

What prices to expect

Prices here are so cheap that many say bartering is completely unnecessary. In addition, a lot of Thais will shop here, ensuring that it is a great deal for all of your entertainment needs!

Newbie tip:

Trying to reach Saphan Phut on a Monday or a Wednesday? Don't bother! They're closed both of those days and don't open until nearly 6 pm. However, some parts of the market stretch late into the night, with some stalls running until 2 am!

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What you will find here are beautiful Chinese temples, Taoist places of learning and traditional Chinese medicine shops selling all sorts of fascinating remedies. The small alleys and streets between Yaowarat Road and the Chao Phraya River are crammed with market stalls and small shops jostling to sell just about everything imaginable; from hair accessories, tea sets, hardware and food, to fabric, strange vegetables imported from mainland China and Chinese funeral items.

Once crossing Chakraphek Road you will enter Pahurat – one of Chinatown’s premier attractions. Goods such as flip-flops, toys, household items, and herbs can be bought here. Within these first few blocks lie Pahurat's textile-selling action, so choose one of the many small alleyways and dive into the heart of it all. Within, you'll find a labyrinth of shops and vendors selling all kinds of colourful textiles. Chinatown in essence is like one big flea market.

How to get there

Formally called Pahurat, the Chinatown markets can be found off of Chakraphek Road, between Yaowarat Road and the Chao Phraya River. It's easiest to get to Chinatown from the Chao Phraya River Express- get off at Ratchawong Pier.

What's on sale

Dealing in gold? Yaowarat Road's Hua Seng Heng is one of the best places in Bangkok to purchase gold as its reputation for reasonable prices and exceptional quality precedes it.

In addition, off of Yaowarat is Itsaraphap Lane, which has a delightful assortment of cooking spices- think nuts, herbs, etc. Then check out Klong Thom for vinatage goods like old game consoles, electronics, toys and vinyl.

What prices to expect

Get your bargain on in Chinatown, but also expect to pay some of the lowest prices that you will in Bangkok. Ask a local Thai what the appropriate prices are for items that you're interested in and then start haggling. Chinatown is a stupendous deal for those looking to buy an assortment of goods for a home or shop.

Newbie tip

Take it easy! The Chinatown markets are expansive and can be overwhelming. Take time to admire the variety of goods that each shop offers and stop to get food at one of the delicious stalls. If you're into tea or cooking, be sure to take home some authentic goodies.

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Rot Fai Market (Train Market) in Bangkok is an authentic open-air bazaar selling an incredible array of vintage collectables and memorabilia from yesteryear, from antique furniture to hippy fashion and Mao kitsch.

With three sections to this huge market space, there are also many traders selling modern fashion and apparel more typical of other night markets in Bangkok; however it’s the one-off and hard to find items that really make Rot Fai Market superior to all other night markets in the city. Where else in the Thailand would you find a pristine 1950s Cadillac next to vintage leather jackets, French chandeliers and 1960s action figures from Japan? Combine all this with cool restaurants, bars and snack stalls and you have a fun night out from sunset to midnight, Thursday to Sunday.

How to get there

It's not called the train market for nothing! Rot Fai got its original name from its close proximity to abandoned train tracks. When it was moved to accommodate the BTS expansion, the name stuck and vendors got an even bigger area to showcase their goods.

Rot Fai is also easy to find: it's located behind the well known Seacon Square Shopping Mall that is easily accessible by taxi or BTS. If you intend to take the Skytrain, get off at On Nut Station and either walk or taxi to Seacon Square.

What's on sale

Unlike most other markets listed before it, Rot Fai is known for its eccentricities in terms of sales offerings. It's got an amazing variety of goods that range from vintage cameras to kooky old clothes and appliances.

If anything, Rot Fai is cool and the vibe continues to its food stalls and little bars, where trendy food and drink is the norm. If you're an enthusiast of anything vintage, be sure to visit Rot Fai for the most unique offerings.

What prices to expect

Called Bangkok's biggest hipster bargain basement, Rot Fai is quite cheap. Since it's off the beaten path, vendors rarely have prices that are inflated because of tourists. You can bargain all you'd like, but rest assured that the price they offer is generally a bargain.

Newbie tip

Looking to shop and have fun? Visit Rot Fai on a Saturday evening, near midnight. That's when the market really starts to rumble with great food, music, performances and sports showings at the local bars. A note to the claustrophobic: it does get quite crowded, so if you're looking to shop in peace, go earlier!

Click here to get directions on Google maps.

Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Klong Talad) is the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok. The market has all kinds of popular flowers and flora-related items, including roses, forget me nots, orchids, lilies and more. Most of them sold in packs of 50 or 100 flowers in each, and prices are amazingly cheap. Part of the Old City, Bangkok Flower market is located on Chak Phet Road near Saphan Phut or the Memorial Bridge. Shops and vendors are housed inside two to three-storey shop-houses on both sides of the main road. The market lies just south of Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and has access to a river pier, so it makes for a great one-day trip when combined with other historical attractions in the Old City.

How to get there

Located on Chakphet Road, you can take a taxi to the location, which is situated right next to both the Memorial Bridge and the Saphan Phut Chao Phraya pier.

What's on sale

Flowers, flowers and more flowers. Pak Klong Talad offers every beautiful variety of bloom you could imagine, perfect for personal bouquets or for more ornate decorating projects. The plants originate from the provinces that surround Bangkok, as well as the northern province of Chiang Rai.

What prices to expect

Every Westerner knows that flowers can be incredibly expensive. Not so at Pak Klong Talad, where a bunch of 12 roses could be as little as 80 Baht.

Newbie tip

The flower markets are open 24/7, but the best time to go is generally early in the morning at 3 or 4 am until 6 am, when the growers are delivering huge, fresh cut bundles of flowers straight from the truck.

Click here to get directions on Google maps.

Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, but on the Thonburi side, Klongsan is a market that not many tourists are inclined to visit. As it is geared toward local Thai, it may be the perfect place to experience a truly authentic Thai market. You also won't be inundated with tourist prices and can stroll at your leisure.

How to get there

You can reach the market from the BTS- get off at the Saphan Taksin station. You'll have to cross the river, but it's easy with the Phraya Express Boat. Afterward, you can take another ferry across to Klong San Pier.

What's on sale

The contents of this market are varied; some stalls sell trendy items that mirror Western fashions at good prices and others sell little trinkets that would not be out of place as souvenirs. There are also a variety of delicious food stalls, if you get hungry and want to experience truly authentic Thai food.

What prices to expect:
You'll feel far from the overpriced and overrun markets of Bangkok that often trap tourists. Prices, however, are not fixed so feel free to bargain on goods for a few less baht than they're marked.

Newbie tip

Go after dark so you can enjoy the live music and good beer that flows abundantly on the river banks!

Click here to get directions on Google maps.

Klong Toey is one of Bangkok's greatest fresh food markets. If you've dined out in Bangkok, chances are your restaurant got their ingredients from the crazy streets that make up Klong Toey. If you fancy taking home some authentic Thai chili, this is your place.

How to get there

You can access the market easily if you take the MRT, as there is a Klong Toey station, though you'll have to exit south on Rama soi 4 and then walk under the Rama soi 3 Overpass.

What's on sale

Every food you could imagine is on sale at Klong Toey, making it a central hub for Bangkok's cooks and restaurant owners. You can buy an abundance of extremely fresh veggies and fruit, in addition to spices and other goods. It's a bit chaotic, but just go with the flow and watch the cooks of Bangkok buy their daily ingredients.

What prices to expect

Most places sell by the kilo, if you're looking to buy. Also, don't try to haggle! The market has fixed prices and they apply to everyone- tourist and local alike!

Newbie tip

Here's a little hint: Klong Toey is called a ‘wet market' for a reason: the streets can be quite sloshy, so be mindful of this when selecting footwear!

Click here to get directions on Google maps.

Wang Lang Market covers a huge area on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River and is well known to Bangkokians due its proximity to Siriaj Hospital. The market has its own pier, Wang Lang Pier, so you can take a boat straight there.

The goods on offer here appeal more to locals than visitors, but this also means the vibe is more authentic than you’ll find at the tourist hotspots of Chatuchak or Patpong. You will find plenty of stalls selling clothing, footwear, beauty products, and, as there are two prominent universities close by, an abundance of cheap and fashionable ladies’ clothing for sale. There’s also a warehouse section on the road leading away from the river with 2nd hand clothing piled high. This section is more of a curiosity for most visitors, unless you are in the market for some 20-year-old T-shirts!

How to get there

It is located directly across from the Amulet Market, if you're feeling like you need a bit more luck.

What's on sale

Food, glorious food! You can sample the best of Thai cuisine on these market streets and munch your way through the maze of stalls. At the edges of the market, vendors also sell quite realistic knock off bags and trendy clothes and shoes for the younger crowd.

What prices to expect

Low prices make this market particularly hospitable to University students in Thailand, so you're bound to be able to fill your belly and not empty your wallet. Additional offerings, like clothes and shoes are also offered cheaply.

Newbie tip

If you're looking to experience the best of both worlds at Wang Lang, go around noon! That's when the food will be piping hot and the vendors will be in a great bargaining mood!

Click here to get directions on Google maps.

Ranked the 4th best fresh market in the world by a famous travel guide, Or Tor Kor is so much more than a local market. Products displayed here are selected among the best found in the entire country. With such an incredible range of beautiful fruits, extremely fresh vegetables, meats and seafood, Or Tor Kor should be on the list of Must-See of any chef or budding Gordon Ramsey, and it's just next to Chatuchak Weekend Market!

Or Tor Kor Market is a nice place to stroll around, whether you are just browsing, taking photos, or actually doing some grocery shopping. Fresh, large-sized fruit of all types and varieties is what it is mostly known for, but you will also find a wide range of vegetables, seafood, pre-cut meats and flowers.

How to get there

You can easily get to Tor Kor by taking the MRT to Kampheng Phet Station and exit at door #3, following the signs for the Marketing Organization for Farmers. Voila!

What's on sale

Tor Kor sells beautiful produce, prepared foods and kitchen goods. You'll be sure to find whatever your heart or your stomach desires in this airy, light market.

What prices to expect

Prices here are definitely going to be higher than what you see at other fresh markets in Bangkok, simply because the produce is a cut above the rest. Fruit and veggies here are meticulously checked for scrapes or spots, and vendors ensure that you're always getting the best, even if it means you pay a bit more.

Newbie tip

Try the local fare and also visit a couple of different fresh markets in Bangkok- you'll definitely see the difference between them, as Tor Kor is much more serene than most.

Click here to get directions on Google maps.