Exploring After Dark: A Guide to the World's Best Night Markets
Exploring After Dark: A Guide to the World's Best Night Markets
Night markets might seem like a strange concept at first. After all, why would you want to browse a market when you can barely see anything? But that doesn't change the fact that they're becoming more and more popular. Visiting local night markets is something Leapers on our gap year programs often ask about.
Why? Because there's something rather exhilarating about shopping in the dark. These nocturnal haunts have several other upsides, such as the fact they're cooler, less crowded and somewhat more magical than the markets that close their doors at dusk.
The night markets I've listed below are top spots for shopping, socialising, watching live entertainment and grabbing a bite to eat, while locals and travellers pass you by.
Ratchada Night Bazaar, Bangkok
Ratchada Night Bazaar, which takes place every Saturday night outside the Ratchadapisek metro station, started off as a place where people would come and exchange used scooters and classic car parts. Since then, it has expanded to a mini showroom that showcases vintage vehicles alongside fashion items, old cameras, posters and vinyl records.
But not everything here is pre-owned and there are plenty of new items available. As well as being an excellent place to snap up a bargain, Ratchada also provides an insight into Thai culture and makes for an interesting alternative to the city's numerous shopping malls.
Top tip: check out Rod's Antiques a real treasure trove of antiques and vintage items.