Bangkok Wholesale Markets

Retailers across Bangkok, Asia and beyond flock to the wholesale markets for unbeatable deals - usually the lowest prices in the city. Clothing, textiles, jewellery and herbs are popular wholesale items, although unique knick-knack's and various produce can also be found. And if wholesale shopping is your vice, like-minded persons usually stay at nearby Chinatown hotels or Pratunam hotels for complete indulgence (don't worry - we won't tell anyone!). Wholesale markets are Sampeng Lane, Pahurat Textile Market, Bo-bae Market, Bai Yoke, Pak Khlong Talat, and Pratunam Market.

An option to get to Pahurat, though a bit exhausting, is to walk south along Sampeng Lane from Chinatown down to Chakraphet Road and Pahurat. Several sub-sois and shopping blocks can be explored this way, not to mention Sampeng Lane's deals on wholesale items. Wholesale goods such as flip-flops, toys, household items, and herbs can be bought here. An added feature to the area are circus-like acts of balancing and maneuvering performed by men transporting an astonishing amount of wholesale goods (sacks, boxes, etc) with small dolleys while weaving in and out of traffic - an interesting feat. To save yourself from over-exhuastion, and to explore Chinatown in a more thorough manner, try staying at nearby Chinatown hotels. Also while in the area, don't forget to visit the covered market lane between Ratchawong and Mahachak Roads.

Once crossing Chakraphek Road and entering Pahurat, stores selling formal dresses, gowns, and even (royal-like) crowns glitter and sparkle for young ladies aspiring to become hi-so princesses. Crowns aside, within these first few blocks lay Pahurat's textile selling action, so choose one of the many small alleyways and dive into the heart of it all. Within you'll find a labrynth of shops and vendors selling all kinds of colourful textiles - enough to cause a mild panic attack to those caught unprepared or already fatigued.

Making your way through one of these alleys and towards the other side of the block, shops selling posters of Hindu Gods alongside various Indian paraphernalia slowly begin to appear. A few cafes filled with Indian men chatting away, not to mention mouth-watering smells of Indian cuisine, confirm you're in 'Little India'. On the other side of the block more gastronomical delights await as cafes and a few food hawkers along Soi ATM provide delicious north Indian cuisine.

How to get there: Take the subway to MRT Hualompong station. From there, bus number 40 passes through Pahurat and Chinatown. Several taxis and tuk-tuks are also available for hire (35-40 baht).
What to buy: At Sampeng Lane, wholesale goods such as rubber items (flip-flops, baskets, etc) and herbs; at Pahurat, textiles, Indian foods and gifts.
Open: Around 09:00 - 18:00 weekdays (every day)

Located just a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride (about 50 baht) from Chinatown, the Bo-Bae Towers and Market is most easily reached en-route to Sampeng Lane via the National Monument BTS station (five minutes and about 40 baht by tuk-tuk), or on your way to the National Stadium BTS station coming from Chinatown. The Towers is a large, five-storey wholesale clothing and garment complex, consisting of Bo-Bae Towers 1 and 2. On the fifth floor of tower two is the Food Center, a cafeteria where many types of affordable Thai food can be enjoyed. Most garments at the complex are cheap and the type you'd find at small local markets scattered throughout Thailand. Still, there are great deals to be had.

Walking across Krung Kasem Road, which runs along the front side of the city block where the complex is located, and then crossing over one of the many bridges is the actual Boe-bae Market - selling much the same thing, although in a nicer atmosphere. The market consists of four to five city blocks which are surrounded by canals and linked by bridges. Old and weathered yet charming shophouses provide an interesting walk through the markets narrow alleyways. Some shops here close around 16:00 although many are known to stay open until 01:00 or 02:00, depending on business transactions.

How to get there: Take a tuk-tuk or taxi from BTS National Stadium station to the market. All drivers (unless he's just too stubborn) will know how to get there.
Items at market: Mainly cheap garments
Open: 09:00 - 16:00

The bargaining block where Pratunam's indoor transactions take place is consisted of three major shopping centers: the Bai Yoke Garment complex 1 & 2, which has wholesale deals on garments; Indra Square, has fashion clothing and accessories for men and women, along with silk items, jewellery, and touristy Thai crafts; and the City Complex, which also offers fashionable clothing marketed towards young ladies, plus a few shops selling jewellery and crafts. Also in the Pratunam area are several top-notch hotels to make your shopping experience more convenient.

Outside and between the complexes vendors and small shops sell shoes, t-shirts, 'brand-name' items, CD's, and various knick-knacks. Food vendors push their way through the large crowd to hawk the usual fruit and scewered foods; if you're hungry and need a rest, there's a food center on the second floor of Indra Square. This area can become quite hectic with pushy pedestrains, so come with a patient attitude and, if possible, well-rested. This is also a wise investment, as a smile will usually knock off at least 10 to 20 baht from the asking price.

How to get there: From BTS Siam station, take the Skytrain one stop towards Mo Chit to Ratchathewi station. From there, exit down the right-hand stairs, take a right at the next main intersection and walk down Phetchaburi until you see Platinum department store; the market is directly across from Platinum Fashion Mall (total ten to twelve minute walk). Or just take a tuk-tuk or taxi from the station to the market.
Items at market: Clothing and garments (wholesale), retail items including Thai crafts, clothing, jewellery, bags, CD's, etc.
Open: Baiyoke Garment Complex: 09:00 - 16:00; Indra Square: 09:00 - 19:30, City Complex: 11:00 - 16:00, Pratunam Market: 24 hours.

A fragrant and colourful market along the Chao Phraya river, fresh flowers and vegetables are brought here every morning from surrounding provinces. The kaleidoscope of colours and pungent odour of flowers provide an exotic sensory stimulation. Its proximity to Chinatown and Pahurat make it a convenient stop while in the area; it's a bit of a walk though, so you may wish to hire a tuk-tuk instead. 

Also, the market's main action takes place late at night or in the early morning, so to catch the action your best bet is to hire a taxi from other parts of the city, or at a nearby hotel.

How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Pak Khlong Talat Pier; bus numbers 2, 5, 8, 53, 60, 73, and 512 also go to the area. From Chinatown, you can take a tuk-tuk for a short distance to the market (around 20 baht).
Items at market: Fresh vegetables and flowers (sold by wholesale or retail)
Hours: All day, although it is best to go between 02:00 - 04:00 when flowers first arrive from neighboring provinces.