Talat Mai Market is one of the oldest ones in Bangkok. The market is really big so it is quite difficult to navigate. The streets are narrow so it is not easy for 2 people to squeeze in. It is inhabited mostly by the Chinese community. So you will feel like you have entered China rather than Thailand. But you will find a fusion of both Chinese and Thai tradition in the market. As you enter the market the noise of the market fades away. What you will hear is the clatter of the carts and honks of the motorbikes. You will see people yelling the prices of the products to get the attention of the customers.
Talat Mai Market in Bangkok
The market is also known as the new market. But the market is 200 years old. Talat Mai was established in the early Rattanakosin era. It was when the Chinese settled in Bangkok. It quickly grew into a bustling market. Now it is the main source of trade for the Chinese people. Today it is one of the most energetic markets where you will find almost anything.
Things to do in Talat Mai Market
Shopping
On the entrance you will find the narrow streets where the Chinese people have laid out their tables. They sell traditional Chinese goods. You will get clothes, accessories, fashion jewellery, gadgets and funeral supplies. What you should not miss to shop is the local souvenirs. It will serve as a memory of the Thailand trip.
Food
The market is filled with food stalls in all corners. You get a lot of variety of seafood. Shop food items like dried shrimp and squid, fresh fish, pork rinds, and seasoning. Other items includes loose-leaf teas, goji berries, and more.
Best Time to Visit Talat Mai Market
To make your experience at Talat Kao Market is truly enriching. It is best to visit the market during the morning and afternoon. Also there are chances of rain so it is better to avoid visiting the market in the evening time. The best months to visit the market would be from November – January.
The market is open on all the days of the week and starts its daily function from 8am to 5pm.. However if you wish to get good deals you should try to be their first lucky customer. As the shopkeepers believe that their first sale will bring them good luck.
How to Reach Talat Mai Market?
Getting to Talat Mai Market is really easy. It is located in Soi Yaowarat 11. It is just an hour away from Bangkok. To reach there you can take the –
- Bus: You can take the bus from the Central market to the floating market. There are several buses that run during the day. Some of the bus numbers are 9, 05, 22, 14 and 19
- Taxi: You can book an uber or taxi. This will be the fastest means to reach the market. It will take approximately forty five minutes to reach the Talat Mai Market
- Tuk Tuk: You can take a personal tuk tuk to reach the destination.
