The Beginner’s Guide to Talad Rod Fai Night Market

There are two Talad Rod Fai night markets in Bangkok, and I like the one located just behind Seacon Square Shopping Mall more. Locally known as the “Train Market”, Talad Rod Fai got its name from the original night market situated beside the train tracks behind Chatuchak Market in the north of the city. This extremely large open-air bazaar is split into three sections, with numerous rows of stalls lined up in each section, so it can get pretty confusing. It is also easy to get lost when you are too engrossed in shopping. If you are going to visit Talad Rod Fai for the first time, I hope my guide will be useful!

The most convenient way to get to this Talad Rod Fai Night Market is via taxi. I’ve been using Uber and Grab due to cheaper charges. The majority of the drivers should know Seacon Square. However, the downside will be Bangkok’s traffic condition, and it can get very bad on weekend nights. It took me slightly over an hour from Siam Paragon to the night market. Instead of travelling by taxi for the whole journey, you can consider taking the BTS Skytrain to On Nut Station before catching a taxi from there.

You will come across the “Warehouse Section”, “Market Section”, and “Rod’s Antiques Section” at Talad Rod Fai Night Market. Many vendors sell modern fashion and apparel more typical of other night markets in Bangkok, but it is the one-off, unique and hard to find items which make Talad Rod Fai stand out from all other night markets in Bangkok. You will find vintage leather jackets beside French chandeliers and 1960s action figures from Japan. What’s more? These items are displayed next to cool restaurants, bars and snack stalls. What an eclectic combination!

Everything from household goods to old electronic appliances to used auto parts to second-hand clothes, shoes, and accessories can be found at the Warehouse Section. Vendors here love collecting vintage items, and it’s so interesting to see old cameras, bikes, Coca-Cola collectibles, and Japanese anime toys on sale.

Just walk a little further and you will arrive at the Market Section which “houses” more than 2,000 stalls selling everything that comes to mind. Prices are low and don’t forget to bargain! My favourite part of this section is the Thai street food stalls scattered throughout. There is just too much delicious food to try, but I only have one stomach. If you are in a bigger group, go for the humongous somtum (papaya salad) platter and tomyum seafood platter! There are freshly baked cakes, tasty fishballs, fried squids, and many other items which will make your mouth water. I recommend quenching your thirst with the refreshing berry yogurt juices!

The most insta-worthy part of Talad Rod Fai is Rod’s Antiques Section where premium vintage classic cars, motorbikes, and kitsch furniture are displayed. These items are guaranteed to be genuine, and sourced from all over the world – America, China, Europe etc.

This night market is massive, and it is almost impossible to cover the entire market within an evening. If you only have one night to spare in Bangkok, I would suggest skipping other night markets to just check out Talad Rod Fai. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the welcoming vendors and lively atmosphere! If you find this location too far, you can also visit the Ratchada Train Market which is a smaller version of the night market behind Seacon Square.

Talad Rod Fai Night Market
Address: Srinakarin Road Soi 51 (just behind Seacon Square Shopping Mall)
Opening Hours: 5pm to 1am from Thursdays to Sundays