The much hyped Artbox Singapore finally took place over the Good Friday weekend and many who went didn’t know they were actually participating in a mosh pit until it was too late. If you were one of those leaving in anger and disappointment after five minutes of sweaty body-to-body contact, here are some some equally amazing markets happening in Bangkok you can look forward to.
Artbox Thailand
The original market that Artbox Singapore took reference from is arguably Bangkok’s most popular pop-up market for good reason. The last edition on Apr 2 at Chatuchak saw a cluster of 100 food stalls, over 150 clothing stalls, 20 home decor stalls and 50 craft stalls opening late into the night. You can look forward to the upcoming EatBox happening soon. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Bangkok Farmers’ Market
The monthly farmers market has moved around a lot since vacating K-Village. But they are still keeping it alive. Expect a parade of organic produce ranging from food and flowers to eco-friendly products, plus organic workshops, baking class, ponies and live music. The next one is going to be held at Gateway Ekkamai from Apr 29-30. Don’t worry about missing it; their events are planned all the way until the end of 2017.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
The popular Chatuchak Weekend Market can be a daunting shopping experience. The sprawling web of 15,000 stalls is one of the world’s largest markets, spread over 27 acres plot of land. You’ll find anything from food, furniture, books, plants, clothes, antiques to puppies and exotic pets. Section 3, just outside the Kamphaeng Phet MRT station, is the most design-forward part of the market, home to both established and up-and-coming Thai artists. It opens from Wednesdays to Sundays.
Next to Chatuchak Park, Kamphaeng Phet Rd.
Container Market
This intimate, minimalist flea market has been referred to as a “smaller version of Artbox” and finds its home on the Thonburi side of the river. Focusing on clothes, cute accessories and home decor products, you’ll find all the booths set up in shipping containers in a guaranteed Instagram-worthy atmosphere.
The Bloc, Ratchapruek Rd. BTS Bang Wa
K-Village
The hottest location for weekend markets, K-Village is home to both recurring and the occasional pop-up events. The second weekend of the month sees the K-Village Farmers’ Market arrive at K-Square with the usual foodie goodness and organic produce.
Another mainstay is Urban Eatery, which usually takes place the last weekend of every month, featuring international dishes, mini cafes, handicrafts, clothing, home decor and more in a vintage garden atmosphere. Catch them at the summer-themed market this Apr 28-30.
93-95 Sukhumvit Soi 26. BTS Phrom Phong
The Knack Market
The monthly retro riverside market returns on every last weekend of the year with booths selling art, crafts, books and vintage items, as well as some yummy street food. They also promise live music performances in the complex’s open-air yard. The next one is happening on Apr 29-30.
The Jam Factory, 41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd.
Noise Market
The annual music-focused flea market will make its long-awaited return on Jun 3-4, at the usual spot, on the lawn of Musuem Siam. Each market will feature a theme and for the June’s edition, it’s under the concept of “precycling” to help encourage festival-goers produce the least amount of trash possible. Launched in 2013, this market has made a name for showcasing rising Thai indie talents, who are joined by stalls selling crafts, CDs and music-related paraphernalia, food and drink. There will also be indie film screenings throughout the day in the open-air amphitheater organized by the people behind the Bangkok Underground Film Festival.
Made by Legacy
The eight edition of hit Brooklyn-style vintage flea market took over the rooftop of a mall back in Jan 2017. It sees 165 booths selling vinyls, vintage clothing, vintage furniture, arts and crafts and food. The rooftop set up brought back vibes from the original Made by Legacy back in 2012.
Rod Fai Market
Tucked behind Paradise Park, this is the original vintage shoppers’ mecca (though it used to be over near Chatuchak). The area is vast, and though best known for its vintage furniture stores and carries a great deal more besides, from cheap electronic goods to pets. Following the huge success of the first Talad Rod Fai, the market’s owner Pairod Rolraew has just opened another branch in the more accessible Ratchada area. What was once a parking lot behind Esplanade Complex has been given a mega face-lift. Though smaller, the new market boasts a similar vintage atmosphere to the original. Expect a vibrant bazaar of street fashion, food and home decor—a welcome sight given the closure of the Ratchada Night Market a few years ago.
Esplanade Complex, next to MRT Thai Cultural Center and Sri Nakarin Soi 51, behind Paradise Park
