Bangkok Local Markets

Some of Bangkok's best-kept secrets are found in local markets. They offer an array of items at very low prices, and quite often contain the friendliest variety of Thai people. A few markets listed are a bit of a hike to the outer edge of Bangkok, although this is where the friendliest deals on a large variety of items are usually made. Local markets listed include Klong Toey, Ying Charoen (Saphan Mai), Minburi, Major Ratchoyothin, Or Tor Kor, and Khlong San.

Khlong Toey is a very 'fresh' market, offering low prices on raw meat, seafood, farm produce, and a few other items (clothing, kitchenware, etc). A small, hidden village deep within the Bangkok concrete jungle, this extensive market seems to have a life of its own. Quaintly tucked away within a grimy city block and practically unnoticable from busy Rama IV Road, a pleasantly unexpected, laid-back environment lies within. Some sections can get a bit bloody, and if you're squemish, no worries, as not all sections are strictly filled with raw meat. If you still have an appetite, a few food stalls serve Thai curries and other local staples.

How to get there: Take the MRT subway to Klong Toey station, exit up the escalators and then walk east on Thang Rakfaiko / Rama IV Road for ten minutes until you reach the large intersection of Rama IV and Narong Road. The market will be on your right-hand side. Or, you can take bus numbers 45, 46, 72, 102, or 107 to the area.
Items at market: Fresh meat and vegetables, cheap clothes and household items (baskets, tubs, etc)
Open: 06:00 - 02:00

Or Tor Kor is a super clean fresh market, similar to an open-aired supermarket, and with prices only a bit cheaper. The market's highlights include imported fruits, along with prized domestic fruits from Rayong and other nearby provinces. There is also a small food court selling delicious Thai foods, although at a slightly higher price than most places. The Chatuchak Market plant section is directly across the road, and can also be explored if you come on a Wednesday, Thursday, or any weekend. 

The market is a nice place to stroll around and take in the colourful array of fruit, or to purchase an impressive assortment of fruit for some special occasion; unfortunately, there aren't too many bargains to be had. If you have the time, an option might be to take a taxi (15 minutes) or bus (30 minutes) up Phahonyotin Road to Saphan Mai market. A wider variety of meat, clothing, and other items at cheaper prices, and an altogether more interesting market, await. 

How to get there: Take the MRT subway to Kamphaeng Phet station. Exit number three, and you're in the market. Also, you can ride the BTS skytrain towards Mo Chit, get off at Saphan Kwai station and take a taxi (35 - 40 baht) or tuk-tuk to the market. Bus number 543 also runs by Or Tor Kor.
Items at market: Mainly fresh fruits, vegetables and plants, plus a few stalls selling fresh meat and seafood
Open: 06:00 - 20:00 (every day)

Even though it is a bit of a distance from the Skytrain and on the outskirts of northern Bangkok, this market is worth the trip. Spacious in size and large in variety, you'll find no touristy items here; nothing but fresh foods and cheap clothing for locals. Hence, most vendors are more friendly compared to other markets.

Clothing stalls are in the parking lot under canopies at the front and center of the market. Making a 'U' shape around the parking lot is the large main / roofed market section. A Thai massage center, coffee shop, and video game center next to the parking lot provide R&R for the whole family.

How to get there: Close to Or Tor Kor Market, you can take a taxi or bus number 543 from Mo Chit station or Or Tor Kor to Saphan Mai Market (15 minutes, 80 baht and 30 minutes, seven baht respectively). 
Items at market: Mainly fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants, plus a few stalls selling fresh meat and seafood
Open: 06:00-20:00 (every day)

Similar to Saphan Mai, this market is a bit of a distance from the Skytrain, although this is made up by the friendly vendors plus a variety of items mainly for locals. Located near the busy Lad Phrao Road, it is divided into three main sections spanning two city blocks. A bit more congested than Saphan Mai but a lot less stressing than more popular markets, it is worth a trip for true local market flavor. 

How to get there: From BTS Skytrain Mo Chit station, you can take a taxi down Lad Phrao Road to the market (20 - 30 minutes, 100 - 120 baht). Air Con bus numbers 2, 15, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and micro bus numbers 2 and 3 go to the market. Also, you may want to head there between 09:00 and 15:00, as traffic can get pretty congested in the morning and late afternoon. 
Items at market: Clothing, jewellery, plants, tools and parts, stereos, speakers, electronic equipment; fresh fruit, meat, and produce. 
Open: 09:00 - 20:00 (every day)

Khlong San is geared towards 18 - 25 year old girls looking for new additions to their wardrobe. Rows of shops selling shoes are flanked by small shophouses selling more shoes, rhinestone T-shirts, handbags, studded accessories, etc. The market is small and quaint, making it an easy stroll to kill time while your girlfriend spends your money, or boyfriend treats you to a must-have item. To make the date complete, dine at one of several riverside restaurants in the area.

How to get there: Directly across the Chao Phraya River from River City, the Shangri-La hotel, and the Si Phaya Pier, the market can be reached by the Si Phraya ferry (2.5 baht). Coming from Chinatown, take a boat at the nearby pier to Si Phraya Pier, and then to Khlong San. Once departed from the boat, you'll be in the market.
Items at market: Clothing, shoes and accessories geared towards young ladies, a few items for men, and a small outdoor food court serving the usual Thai variety.
Open: 07:00 - 22:00

This market offers basically the same as Khlong San, but in the northern part of the city. Items on sale are a bit trendier as well, and with the market located next to the Major Ratchoyothin Cinema and IMAX complex, you can catch a flick before or after shopping around. A few bargain shops and eateries are also in the shopping complex.

How to get there: The easiest way is to take the MRT subway to Phahonyothin station, catch a tuk-tuk and tell him to take you to 'talat' (market) Major Ratchoyothin. Bus number 543 runs by Major Ratchoyothin, or, just take a taxi from BTS Mo Chit station to the market (five to ten minutes, 40 - 45 baht).
Items at market: Similar to Khlong San, items are mainly for young ladies (clothing, accessories, handbags, etc) with a few items (dress shirts, t-shirts, sunglasses, etc) for men. 
Open: 16:00 - 23:00 (every day)