Singaporeans who love visiting Bangkok’s most well-known night market Talad Rod Fai Srinakarin should be glad to know that their sister market has opened in the Ratchada area of Bangkok.

Although the market is smaller than the Srinakarin branch, it is conveniently located just a few minutes walk away from National Cultural Center MRT Station. The night market’s central location and wide variety of food and fashion stalls make it a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Not sure what you can find at The New Rot Fai Market Ratchada? We share some of our best finds with you!

If there is one reason why you must visit Rot Fai Market Ratchada, it has to be the mouthwatering array of food you get there. The bazaar has rows and rows of food stalls where cooking is done on site.

#1 SEAFOOD

Fancy some seafood? We ordered this as a snack while we were walking through Rot Fai Market Ratchada—it is similar to a Japanese takoyaki where you get seafood on batter. You can choose to have individual seafood items or mix them up like we did.

#2 FRIED NOODLES

Those who are looking to get something more filling can look forward to having some fried noodles which are very fragrant and comes with the right amount of seasoning. On top of that, there is also the addition of roast meat, a sausage and vegetables for a complete meal.

#3 MEAT SKEWERS

Meat skewers are great for eating on the go so you can continue doing your shopping while snacking at the same time. You will find a variety of such stalls at Rot Fai Market Ratchada.

#4 MARINATED SQUID

This humble stall may look unassuming, but the marinated squid that they offer is one of the best we have tried. It is extremely flavourful and we polished it off within seconds.

If you are pressed for time, skip the popular stalls at the night market and give these stalls a chance. You may just find something better instead!

#5 CREPES

It is impossible to resist getting some crepes because they look so delicious! With most crepe stalls offering both savoury and sweet delights, getting a crepe at Rot Fai Market Ratchada is something you must not skip.

We got Charcoal Crepe with Banana and it tasted amazing. Fresh from the hot pan, the warm crepe came with generous portions of melted butter and warm, sticky banana slices.

#6 WATERMELON ICE

Remember to drink plenty of water after indulging in all the street food! Those who are looking for something to spice up their Instagram feeds can opt for this Watermelon Ice which you can find easily at the night market.

#7 CASUAL EATERIES

While street food is the main attraction at Rot Fai Market Ratchada, those who are looking to get a full meal can also pop by any casual dining eatery there as well. These small eateries usually serve Thai local food and you can satisfy all your cravings at one destination!

Tom Yum Goong is a local delicacy in Thailand. Unless you do not take spicy food, there is no reason why you should not be trying this before you leave the land of smiles. The spicy and sour broth comes with a hint of lemongrass and plenty of seafood inside.

#8 SHOP ALL NIGHT

Everyone knows that night markets are where you can find the best bargains in Bangkok. We prefer shopping at these lively night markets where you to glimpse at how locals lead their everyday life.

#9 BAR HOP

Besides food and retail, Rot Fai Market Ratchada is also home to many exciting bars and some of them even offer live bands. Go for a beer at one of these bars to unwind for the night and join in the fun.

Rot Fai Market Ratchada
Ratcadaphisek Road
Thu to Sun: 6pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest MRT: National Cultural Centre

For more recommendations, read our guide on the 28 Best Bangkok Cafes To Visit

It is no secret that Singaporeans love visiting the capital of Thailand for its glorious street food and of course, their awesome retail therapy destinations. We are certain that pretty much everyone has visited Bangkok’s Pratunam Market – a vibrant open-air bazaar renowned for the sale of fashion accessories and garments at cheap, wholesale prices.

However, the iconic Pratunam Market that most shoppers are familiar with will soon be undergoing a major change. According to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, 112 of the market’s outdoor vendors would be evicted by 08 March 2016 and subsequently, more stalls will be asked to relocate. This massive shift is necessary to facilitate pedestrian flow.

Pratunam Market’s impending loss of hundreds of vendors is definitely not a subtle change. Will the bazaar remain the same as it was before?

Located at the intersection of Ratchaprop Road and Petchburi Road, the Pratunam Market’s rise in popularity over the years had the marketplace sprawling way beyond its designated area.

Hundreds of illegal tenants sprouting across unintended footpaths have made the area congested and dangerous; an outbreak of fire could lead to dire consequences.

Additionally, the roadside stalls have been stretching so far and wide that it has too affected the mobility of pedestrians. Like it or not, it is actually imperative for the government to step in and implement some changes.

While the ruling has unsurprisingly enraged many customers and vendors alike, it is important that the clean-up act continues for the greater good.

With effect from Tuesday, 08 March 2016, vendors are prohibited to operate outside of the appointed district. Similarly, no new permits would be issued to new stallholders. In other words, this means that only those with their permits are allowed to resume their businesses as per normal.

While Pratunam Market is not shutting down, a significant part of the wholesale market would ultimately vanish – will the market remain the same? Will it still be as bustling and fun? Will shoppers still make that a priority for their shopping escapades in Bangkok?

Probably not. However, the evicted stalls are given three alternative locations to relocate to – namely Bangkapi market, Tha Din Daeng Market and Soi Phetchaburi 29. Perhaps, that’s where you can head to next.

Shopping in Bangkok is quite an experience, be it spending a day at markets like Pratunam and Chatuchak Market, or visiting the shopping malls like Emporium, MBK Centre and Central World – there is so much to see and buy.

If you have never been to Bangkok, here’s a quick guide that can help you get started.

Bangkok = shopping + eating + going for massages + more shopping.

Platinum shopping mall

For girls, what better way than to spend an entire day at Platinum – the famous wholesale fashion mall – where you can embark on a wardrobe revamp. Expect arrays of trendy apparels, accessories of all sorts; shoes that would drive you crazy; bags for all occasions; and colourful cosmetics. On a side note, if you need a boost of energy, head to the food court at level six to treat yourself to typical Thai eats like pad Thai, kway chap, and beef noodles.

Pratunam market

Pratunam is a humble version of Platinum – but presented in a form of a street market. Located strategically across Platinum mall, you may chance upon similar stuff at wholesale prices, too. Shopping at Pratunam may be hotter, but there is really nothing to complain with all the steals you can get. Do note that they close early, though. Packing up starts at 3pm.

Siam Square

This is where local designers’ merchandise is curated and congregated at; think of alternative fashion and unexpected styles. Prices here are significantly higher than what you would pay at Platinum or Pratunam, but you can be assured of the quality.

Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak weekend market, frequently called J.J, is the largest market in Thailand. This is one place you definitely would not want to miss when you are in Bangkok. Whether you are looking for cheap deals and small buys, or investing in more quality items, J.J market has all to offer.

It is a comprehensive place for you to get just about anything and everything – clothes and whatnot for both kids and adults, furniture and home accessories, chinaware and home fragrances, books and scrolls, fresh produce and local snacks, and even pets. The list goes on…

MBK Centre

MBK and shopping are synonymous when people talk about coming to Bangkok. While it has been overcrowded with tourists in the recent years, MBK is still a stop worth spending time at. There is definitely something for everything – be it food, movies, massages, beauty salons, and of course, everyone’s favourite induglence – retail therapy. Yes, lots to buy, from clothes and shoes to mobile accessories, and local produce and random little stuff.

Words by Melody Yap, photos by ladyironchef