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Night Shopping

The great thing about shopping in Bangkok is that most malls and department stores stay open until at least 21:00 - and some even as late as 22:00.

So there's plenty of time to make the most of the city's attractions during the day, and fit in a bit of retail therapy either before or after dinner. Many markets offer great after dark shopping opportunities too - and incredible bargains in the moonlight. The two most popular after dark markets are undoubtedly the Patpong Night Market and Suan Lum Night Bazaar.

Patpong night shopping

In fact, because of the Patpong Night Market the area's seedy edge has been softened considerably. At night the area teems with tourists and backpackers shopping for that illusive bargain. Some pretend to look interested in the fake Gucci handbags before temptation gets the better of them and they venture inside to witness one of the famous shows they've heard so much about. If you go for this it pays to be careful; while now rare, there have been reports of tourists being ripped off (especially when buying a drink for one of the 'hostesses') and clobbered with hefty bills after heading upstairs into one of the bars.

Location: Silom & Sathorn

Open: from early evening to early morning

Suan Lum night Bazaar

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is a market in Bangkok's Pathum Wan district, at the intersection of Rama IV and Wireless/Sathorn Roads, opposite Lumphini Park at the Bangkok Metro's Lumphini Station. When locals refer to this market in English their pronunciation sounds like "Suan Lum Night Paza". Located on land owned by the Crown Property Bureau, it opened in 2001. The lease on the property ran out in 2006 and the market will reportedly be closed in 2007.

The Night Bazaar is open from 3pm to midnight, with some shops open until later. It has vendors selling gifts, clothing, jewellery, fruit, compact discs, hand-made products and fine arts, such as paintings and sculptures. There is a large beer garden, with an array of food available, and live entertainment. On the other side of the market there is a quieter area with many restaurants offering both inside and outside garden seating.

Location: Silom & Sathorn

Khao San Road Shopping

And the best time to embark on a Khao San shopping spree? Well, unless you want to end up bad tempered and dripping sweat, we say in the evening. Not only is it cooler, but the range of things on sale also becomes even more intriguing (except on Mondays).

From dusk onwards, creative, baby-faced Thais come and sprawl out on the ground everything from funky hair accessories and exotic blouses to one-off T-shirts and vintage clothing. Many of these items are lovingly crafted by their own tender hands.
Location: Khao San Road on Rattanakosin

Ratchada-Lad Phrao junction night market 

Fast becoming a favourite among people who have a penchant for used items, Ratchada-Lad Phrao junction night market is where to find ridiculously-priced trainers, leather bags, shoes, jeans, books, CDs, antiques, furniture, home decorative items, and an assortment of knick-knacks. Although most of the goods are pre-owned, new stuff is also available.

Browsing inside the market, you can't miss a long stretch of cute vintage motorbikes and scooters waiting to be taken home. Feeling peckish? No worries, there are many food stalls dotted around the venue. A friendly atmosphere and laid-back crowd make this market an interesting alternative to the city's ubiquitous shopping malls.

Open: Every Saturday from early evening to around 23:30
Where: On the corner of Ratchada-Lad Phrao junction
How to get there: Take the MRT to either Lad Phrao station or Ratchadapisek station
Shopping tip: Due to the lack of proper lighting, make sure you look carefully for flaws or damage. And remember to bargain hard!

Location: Ratchadaphisek

Klong Thom Market