Ibrahim Jabbari
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.
