Railroad Market

The Railroad Market, or Talat Rotfai, is a relatively new option for antique hunters in Bangkok. If you only have time for one of the weekly night markets, this is probably the one to take in.

The market occupies a large paved area and old warehouses on the edge of the Bang Sue rail yard, about a five minute walk from the Kampaengphet subway station (see map below). Like the Ratchada market, most of the stalls set up in the lot sell antiques - or junk, depending on your point of view - collected by an individual and bought to the market each week.

Unlike the other market, there are some permanent shops and restaurants in the old rail warehouses. The shops sell antique furniture and other collectibles, and are open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. However, the market only operates on Saturday and Sunday, from 5:00 pm to late.

Comparisons to the Ratchada market are natural. There is a lot of similar things on offer, but as with any 'collectible' market, there's no telling which one will have that specific item you're looking for. The railroad market is more roomy and less claustrophobic than the Ratchada market. Of course, there's also the furniture stores, which Ratchada doesn't have at all. If you're just interested in the 'scene' of these markets, which in itself is worth a look, then the Railroad Market is probably the better one to visit.

The market was forced to relocate in 2013 and is now far out of town near Seacon Square. The most practical way to get there now is by taxi.