New Rod Fai Bangkok Night Market
There are so many Bangkok Night Markets to choose from. Scott’s first attempt at a blog, so be kind.
One of the highlights of SE Asian countries is the night markets. It’s an ideal opportunity to try local cuisines or barter for those cheap goods. There are a lot to choose from in Bangkok with one of the most famous being the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This market attracts between 200,000 to 300,000 visitors during a weekend period.
The one that became our favourite is the new Rod Fai Market Ratchada. This is located beside the Thailand Culture Centre MRT and behind Esplande Mall (not inside the mall as there is a small market in there as well).
Do not get confused with the original Rod Fai market which is located in the suburbs and is a more difficult to get to.
New Rod Fai Market
Fortunately it was only a 30 minute walk from our housesit in Huai Khwang . It was a good way to prepare for the food and cold beers.
Our second Bangkok housesit was an apartment in Thong Lor so our transport options were a bit different. From our apartment we caught the Klong Saen Saep Express Boat to Asoke-Petchaburi ( cost was 11 baht/0.50nz). We then could catch the MRT onto Thailand Cultural Centre. We did do a stop at Rama 9 as there is a big shopping mall and Fortune Tower for electronics and cameras etc (that’s another story again!!!).
Khlong Boat 11 baht each
We have been to Rod Fai Markets several times on our trips to Bangkok and each time it is expanding.
There are different types of food stalls, bars and general seller stalls to cover all tastes.
Our Favourite Food Stall
Our favourite is the ribs and a half a metre is perfect for the two of us. We have seen people sit down and have a metre each! With that a cold beer and watching the hustle and bustle makes for a perfect meal out for us. This is at Tui Ribs at the North End of the market tucked away in the corner. Our cost for dinner for the both of us was $20nzd including a cold beer.
1/2 metre ribs ‘yum’
The market covers all tastes so if ribs are not your thing, how about roasted grasshoppers, cockroaches, silk worms, seafood in spicy sauce, doughnuts or ice cream. It is also a great chance to try the ‘real Thai dishes’ that you are hard pressed to find in the many of the tourist orientated markets. This night market can cater for nearly everyone’s taste. On our last visit we did consider the the pot of Pork Bones, but the ribs are hard to beat (Linda’s choice next time).
Roasted and ready to eat
We then usually spend our time wandering around the market, checking out the different bars and their themes. There is quite a lot to explore walking the aisles between food stalls or checking out the goods for sale.
A few bars have a live bands, some are on top of containers and a few have the music pumping out of them so conversation can be a bit difficult.
Dont mind catching this bus
Hours can be spent exploring
Spoilt for choice for bars to go to
If you’re looking for a Night Market with a bit of everything and are hungry then the Rod Fai Markets at Ratchada Bangkok is a great place to explore.