Bangkok is bursting with markets of all different kinds, and Pratunam Market is one of the biggest and most popular in the city. So what makes it stand out from the others?
Fabulous bargain shopping opportunities aside, the real appeal of lively Pratunam Market is the totally unique insight it gives into the local way of life — it’s an immersive experience which mustn’t be missed when visiting Thailand’s dazzling capital city.
Locals love it, tourists love it — and you’ll probably love it too.
Let’s find out more…
What is Pratunam Market?
One of the reasons why Pratunam Market is so heaving with local colour is that it sells everything at wholesale prices.
The Thai vendors practically live here, so expect to see people at work here, cooking, hunched over sewing machines, laughing and gossiping or busily hauling cartloads of their wares from place to place through the twisted alleyways.
Pratunam Market is popular with tourists from all over the world — and particularly those from Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
By Jef1947 (CC BY 2.0 licence)
If fashion is your thing, this is the place to come and load up on clothes, shoes and accessories at bargain prices.
Small shops and stalls selling a huge variety of garments are squeezed into this network of streets and passageways. This may be a wholesale market, but most vendors still offer single items at incredibly low prices.
You can find everything you could think of here, from t-shirts, jewelry, hats and shoes, to pretty modern dresses and even fancy dress costumes.
But fashionistas needn’t stop there. Just across a footbridge from the main market is the glittering Platinum Fashion Mall.
This indoor wholesale and retail shopping complex is all about style, and is divided up into three ‘zones’ which sell clothes and accessories for women, children and men — although the majority of shops cater for the ladies.
Platinum. By Walter Lim (CC BY 2.0 licence)
Things are more organised here and rather more relaxed than out on the streets, and there is also a large food centre with multiple restaurants to choose from if all the shopping makes you work up an appetite.
Pratunam Market is buzzing all day every day, and the ambience changes depending on what time you decide to visit.
Pratunam morning market kicks off at the break of day (5am) and it is at this time most of the locals come to do their wholesale shopping, meaning things are rather more calm and serious up until around 8am or so when the tourists start to arrive.
After 9am (particularly between 11am to 2pm) things can get fantastically busy with Thais and Farangs jostling for space amid the chaos.
In the evening the mood of the market changes again.
By Biyu Lau (CC BY 2.0 licence)
Pratunam night market has an electric atmosphere, particularly clustered around the Palladium World Shopping complex. This place comes alive in the evening – crammed with stalls selling clothes and souvenirs, and street food sellers touting their tasty treats.
The best street food can be found in the Baiyoke area which serves up delicious dishes like lemongrass salted grilled fish and Tom Yum soup.
Where is Pratunam Market?
The market is situated at the intersection of Ratchaprop road and Petchburi road. Take the BTS Sky Train to Chit Lom station – it’s only a short walk along Chid Lom Road from there to the intersection.
You can also catch the Saen Saep Canal Express Boat and alight from the aptly named Pratunam Pier. The market is just a short walk away — follow the crowds!
By David McKelvey (CC BY 2.0 licence)
Sellers open and close their stalls at different times, but generally most are operational between 7am and 7pm. Pratunam night market takes over after that, and can remain open right up until midnight. The malls and boutiques tend to close around 8pm.
Hotels near Pratunam Market
This award-winning 5 star Bangkok hotel offers luxurious accommodation only a short 15 minute walk from Pratunam Market and the Platinum Mall and just 160 metres from Ratchatewi BTS Skytrain Station.
Top features include:
- Stunning outdoor rooftop pool
- Massage and treatments at the luxury spa
- Elegant rooms with floor to ceiling windows
- Well equipped fitness centre
- Creative French fine dining at La VIE restaurant
- World class sushi at the Yellow Tail Sushi Bar
Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam
It would be a challenge to find somewhere to stay more perfectly placed for shopping than the Novotel Bangkok Platinum. Situated right at the top of the Platinum Fashion Mall, this 4 star hotel is only 5 minutes walk from Pratunam Market. Chidlom BTS Skytrain Station is just 12 minutes walk away.
Top features include:
- Children’s club with play area and video games
- International and Asian cuisine at The Square restaurant
- Modern fitness centre with sauna
- Platinum Lounge Bar for cocktail chic
- Rooftop infinity pool and bar with city views
The luxurious 5 star Centara Grand At CentralWorld is 55 storeys high, giving spectacular views over the city. Located an easy 10 minute stroll from the action at Pratunam Market, this fabulous hotel makes an ideal base for your shopping experience. It’s also conveniently placed for the Chidlom BTS Skytrain Station.
Top features include:
- 25-metre outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, sundeck and a pool bar
- Spacious and stylish guest rooms with floor to ceiling windows
- Award winning spa with massage and pools
- Tennis courts
- Fully equipped modern fitness centre
- Red Sky champagne bar and Uno Mas restaurant with panoramic city views
- 9 dining options and 4 bars in total
Set within luscious landscaped grounds, 5 star Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is a 10 minute walk away from the delights of Pratunam’s markets and shops. This glamorous contemporary hotel also benefits from easy access to Siam BTS Skytrain Station through the Siam Paragon Mall only steps away.
Top features include:
- Large landscaped gardens
- Multiple saltwater pools
- A choice of restaurants and bars including European style all-day dining at Brasserie Europa and modern Thai fine dining at Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin restaurant
- World class luxury spa offering personalised treatments
- State of the art fitness centre with steambath and sauna
- Kids Club indoor play area for children
Have you been to Pratunam market yet?
Featured image contains photo by Biyu Lau (CC BY 2.0 licence)
