Chinatown
The Pahurat Fabric Market in Little India
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Pantip Plaza
I wasn't planning on going to Pantip Plaza--that is, until my computer malfunctioned on my trip and I had no choice. Though the computer problems created a less than ideal situation, I was happy to have been "forced" to see this overwhelming sight. Thousands of (likely illegal) electronics were squeezed tightly together or piled on top of each other, creating a mess of metal, plastic, and wire. If it weren't for the blatant copyright issues and suspicious quality controls, the mall would be of unparalleled convenience. In just a few hours you could shop any brand of any computer and then purchase the accompanying printer, mouse, keyboards, cords, software, decorations, laptop backpack or briefcase, headphones, and anything else you might want or need. Then you could go ahead and purchase any one of the thousands of pirated DVDs to play on your new device.
Maeklong Market
A few years ago my mom and I watched the Thai railway market YouTube video--of which now there are several that you can see here, here, and here--that went viral. We laughed at the shockingly nonchalant vendors who systematically rolled up their awnings and scooted in their produce as a train came rumbling through the center of the market. We never imagined we would be headed to Thailand, much less to that same market. When a taxi-driver who was touring us around Bangkok mentioned the market my Mom immediately lit up at the thought of seeing what was once just a novelty YouTube video. Sadly, the train was not running that day due to mechanical difficulties, but we were still happy to see the set up of the market with the train tracks running right through middle of the produce section.
The Floating Market
While locals still use the floating market for many daily purchases, the market has no doubt become more of a tourist attraction than a local convenience. It's still worth seeing, though. One of my favorite parts of traveling through Bangkok was drifting down the market canals sipping coconut juice and watching the smiling faces of Thai vendors. Even if you don't purchase anything at the floating market--as most of the goods can be found at the Weekend Market and elsewhere--you can still enjoy some fruit or small snacks, the breeze from the boat, and the sights you pass as you cruise along little canals.
