If you only have time to visit one night market in Bangkok, make it the Train Night Market Ratchada!
While the Train Night Market Ratchada isn’t the largest, cheapest, or the most local-feeling night market in the city, it’s absolutely the top pick when it comes to charm and sheer draw.
One of its biggest advantages is just how convenient it is to get there. On top of that, its signature street food and local snacks are all classics you won’t want to miss.
This Bangkok Night Market guide breaks it down step by step, covering these must-know tips for your visit:
- How to get to and from Train Night Market Ratchada
- Opening hours
- Where to snap that Rainbow Rooftop View
- Must-try street food and snacks
- The famous Yoklook watermelon smoothie
- Extra tips and video guide
How to get there: Take the MRT Blue Line to Thailand Cultural Centre Station — the market is right next door.
Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Khet Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400 Thailand
Train Night Market Ratchada Thai Address:
ถนนรัชดาภิเษก แขวง ดินแดง เขต ดินแดง กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400
Ready? Let’s dive in and explore this night market!
Important update (2024/2025):
The original Train Night Market Ratchada closed in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The site has since then reopened under new management as The One Ratchada.
While the location itself remains the same, right next to the Esplanade Shopping Mall, the look and feel have changed. The iconic rainbow-colored tents are gone, replaced instead by a cleaner, more minimalist setup with white tents.
Many of the original vendors — including the famous “Watermelon Lady” — have moved to a new night market called Jodd Fairs, located near Rama 9. If you’re specifically looking for the classic Train Night Market Ratchada vibe, Jodd Fairs is the better choice. If convenience and easy MRT access are your priority, The One Ratchada is still worth a visit.
How to Get to Train Night Market Ratchada
Getting to Train Night Market Ratchada is super easy — it’s right by an MRT station, making the subway the best way to go.
Here’s the step-by-step route to reach the night market by MRT Blue Line:
- First, take the MRT to Thailand Cultural Centre Station (CUL-BP/Thailand Cultural Centre/ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย).
- Once you arrive, head out via Exit 3.
- Turn left and walk straight for under a minute — you’ll see the Esplanade Shopping Mall.
- Walk through the mall’s ground floor, straight to the back entrance.
- Step out the back and you’re right at Train Night Market Ratchada! :)
Just keep in mind: Bangkok’s MRT stations aren’t as close together as the BTS stops, so if there’s no nearby MRT, you’ll probably need to switch from BTS to MRT. When planning your itinerary, it’s smart to schedule a stop near an MRT Blue Line station right before you head to the market — that way you’ll save time.
Another advantage: MRT fares are usually a bit cheaper than BTS. Below is a quick chart of estimated travel time and cost from various MRT Blue Line stations (including those connected to BTS lines) to Train Night Market Ratchada:
| Station | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Hua Lamphong (HUA) | 17 min | ฿35 |
| Lumphini (LUM) | 11 min | ฿28 |
| Sukhumvit (BTS Asok) | 6 min | ฿21 |
| Ratchadaphisek (RAT) | 6 min | ฿21 |
| Chatuchak Park (BTS Mo Chit) | 12 min | ฿28 |
| Tao Poon (PP16) | 15 min | ฿35 |
| Sam Yan (SAM) | 18 min | ฿33 |
| Khlong Toei (KHO) | 10 min | ฿26 |
| Phetchaburi (BTS Makkasan) | 4 min | ฿19 |
| Huai Khwang (HUI) | 3 min | ฿16 |
| Lat Phrao (LAT) | 8 min | ฿23 |
| Kamphaeng Phet (KAM) | 14 min | ฿30 |
| Silom (BTS Sala Daeng) | 13 min | ฿30 |
| Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (SIR) | 8 min | ฿23 |
| Phra Ram 9 (RAM) | 2 min | ฿16 |
| Sutthisan (SUT) | 4 min | ฿19 |
| Phahon Yothin (PHA) | 10 min | ฿26 |
| Bang Sue (BAN) | 16 min | ฿33 |
Note: All fares shown are approximate and for reference only. Actual prices may vary slightly depending on distance, traffic conditions, or any fare adjustments by operators. Always check real-time rates in your MRT ticket machine or the Grab app before you go!
Can You Take a Grab Taxi?
If you’d rather skip the MRT or you’re staying somewhere without easy BTS or MRT access, then booking a Grab is the most convenient option. Just keep in mind: Bangkok is notorious for heavy traffic, so what should be a quick 10-minute ride can easily stretch to over half an hour during rush hour.
The good news is, Train Night Market Ratchada isn’t that far from most downtown spots, so even if you do get stuck in traffic, it’s still manageable. :)
Grab fares can vary a lot depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. It’s smart to check Google Maps for traffic before booking — if you see lots of red lines, get ready for a slower ride!
Here’s a rough idea of Grab travel times and estimated fares from a few popular areas in Bangkok to Train Night Market Ratchada:
| Departure Point | Estimated Time | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Chinatown | 18–25 min | ฿172–188 |
| Grand Palace | 20–28 min | ฿185–203 |
| Erawan Shrine | 10–12 min | ฿125–130 |
| Terminal 21 | 8–10 min | ฿85–89 |
| Khao San Road | 19–28 min | ฿177–197 |
| Thonglor Area | 14–20 min | ฿139–153 |
About Grab Fares:
Grab uses dynamic pricing based on distance and current traffic, so the same ride can cost more or less at different times. Heavy traffic means longer rides and higher fares. It’s always best to check the estimated fare on the Grab app first to decide if it’s worth it — or you could always Grab to the nearest MRT station and hop on the train from there.
For tips on using Grab in Southeast Asia, check out this in-depth guide: Grab Ride Guide – Must-Know for Traveling Southeast Asia
Train Night Market Ratchada Opening Hours
The best part? Train Night Market Ratchada is open every single day!
So there’s no need to stress about which day to visit — it’s open daily.
The market runs from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM each night. Based on our visits, though, it’s pretty quiet right at 5 PM — many stalls are still setting up, and crowds are thin. By around 6:30–7:00 PM, the night market vibe really kicks in!
Although the market is open every night, weekdays tend to be less crowded, while Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays draw the biggest crowds. Honestly, a packed market makes for a better vibe — that’s half the fun!
Peak time is usually between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. If you’d rather skip the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, come around 6 or 7 PM — grab dinner first while it’s still quiet, then wander the stalls when the atmosphere gets livelier. The back area has lots of bars, beer gardens, and open-air clubs that really buzz when it’s busy.
Opening Hours & Busy Times:
Market hours: 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM daily
Peak time: Around 8:00–10:00 PM
Nearby Esplanade Shopping Mall is open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM — a handy place for clean restrooms and cool AC before or after your market stroll!
Where to Snap the Famous Rainbow Rooftop View
Before diving into the market itself, don’t miss snapping that stunning rainbow rooftop view — it’s a must for your photo collection!
So where do you get that perfect rooftop shot?
Remember how you pass through the Esplanade Shopping Mall before reaching the market? That’s the key!
When you get to the mall, don’t rush straight out the back. Instead, take the elevator up to the 4th-floor parking lot. Head to the wall facing the night market — you’ll see that iconic rainbow-colored canopy spread out below you. Grab your camera and get that shot!
Must-Try Street Food at Train Night Market Ratchada
Train Night Market Ratchada is roughly divided into a few main zones:
- Street Food & Snacks Zone
- Fashion & Accessories Zone (plus barber shops!)
- Creative & Vintage Goods Zone
- And a lively row of bars and open-air clubs at the back
Trendy clothes, accessories, and handmade goods mostly line the outer edges of the market, while the middle area is laid out in neat rows of food stalls. In the back, the bar and club zone comes alive with live music and DJs — it’s like one giant outdoor nightclub!
So, what food should you absolutely not miss here?
Honestly, the variety of street food and classic Thai night market eats here is huge — and it keeps growing! Every time we come back, there are new tasty surprises. Thai vendors really know how to keep the night market vibe fresh!
Here are just a few must-try bites when you visit:
- Volcano Ribs (spicy pork spine soup)
- Extra-large seafood platters (they’re massive!)
- Giant grilled pork ribs
- Pad Thai with giant river prawns
- Running river prawns (Taikong Seafood)
- Rainbow toast
- Deep-fried jellyfish (yep, jellyfish!)
- Fried insects
- Grilled seafood (big prawns, salt-crusted fish, etc.)
- All sorts of traditional Thai sweets
- ...and so much more!
Volcano Ribs (Spicy Pork Spine Soup)
These Volcano Ribs are basically long pork spine bones stacked high in a giant bowl of spicy Thai tom yum soup. It looks like a mountain and is famously fiery — so spicy that many locals call it “volcano ribs” because it’ll set your mouth on fire!
When we first saw this at Train Night Market Ratchada, we were so tempted. We asked the vendor if they could make it mild — or at least just a little spicy. But they just shook their heads: “No way — it’s super spicy, always!” So we had to pass back then. (Who knows, maybe now they offer a mild version!)
Later on, we did find a vendor at Talad Neon Night Market near Pratunam Market that agreed to make a less spicy version (still had a kick, though). It was delicious — tender bones to gnaw on, with tangy, spicy broth. So satisfying!
See also: Talad Neon Night Market Guide: How to Get There, Hours & Must-Eats Watch the Volcano Ribs at Talad Neon
If you love spicy food, this is a must-try! They come in different sizes: XXL (like a mountain!), XL, L, and M. The XXL is huge — you’ll need 5–6 people or a serious appetite to tackle it!
Prices: XXL ฿599, XL ฿299, L ฿220, M ฿150 — M is perfect for two or three people to share (because hey, you’ll want to save room for other treats too!).
Massive Seafood Platters (Seriously Huge!)
Somewhere along the way, Bangkok night markets started trending with oversized food — and here you’ll see tons of stalls selling giant seafood platters. They’re impressive just to look at! Each platter comes piled high with big prawns, grilled fish, mussels, clams, squid, fried dried fish, rice noodles, papaya salad... basically a seafood feast that’s a cholesterol bomb (hello gout!).
The XL platter feeds 5–6 people easily, while the smaller size is perfect for two.
Prices: XL about ฿699, small around ฿350.
Giant Grilled Pork Ribs
Keeping up with the giant food trend, the grilled pork ribs here are just as huge — so big they’ll have you grinning from ear to ear. Smoky, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone tender!
Most vendors don’t even serve them on plates — they just spread out a big sheet of oil paper right on the table for that extra rustic, share-and-tear vibe.
Prices: Large ฿589, Medium ฿389, Small ฿199 — Small is good for one, Medium for two, and Large is perfect for 3–4 people (or maybe not even finishable!).
Affordable Pad Thai with Giant River Prawns
No Bangkok food adventure is complete without Pad Thai! Ratchada has a great stall that serves it cheap and tasty — each plate comes with a giant river prawn (really big!). Quick service, amazing wok aroma, and budget-friendly prices.
They offer three versions: Giant prawn Pad Thai (฿80 — such a steal!), regular shrimp Pad Thai (฿70), or plain Pad Thai (฿50).
Definitely go for the giant prawn version and treat yourself!
More recommended Pad Thai: [Michelin Bangkok] Thip Samai Pad Thai — Menu, Directions & Branch Guide
Taikong Seafood: Running River Prawns
Taikong Seafood has been a big deal in Bangkok for a while, and they opened up at Ratchada in 2018. This place is famous for their all-you-can-eat running river prawns — and it’s not just tasty, but super fun!
They set up a little water channel next to your table. Live river prawns flow down it, and you just grab what you want, grill it right there, and keep going — as much as you can eat, no time limit. How cool is that?!
If grilling shrimp gets boring, they even have cheese sticks and foil so you can make your own cheesy grilled prawns. Fun and delicious!
Besides prawns, Taikong Seafood Ratchada offers blue crabs, whelks, mussels, scallops, squid, clams, salmon, and more — and yep, it’s all you can eat (bring your gout meds, haha!).
Need more than seafood? They also have papaya salad, fried rice, noodles, steamed veggies, fruit, ice cream — you name it. It’s practically a buffet empire!
The all-you-can-eat buffet is ฿799 per person — but be warned: once you settle in here, you’ll probably be too full to try other street food in the market.
Fried Insects, Jellyfish, and Ancient Living Fossils!
Thailand’s fried insects are pretty famous worldwide — plenty of tourists can’t resist trying them for the novelty!
Of course, you’ll find them at Ratchada Night Market too. They’re a common local snack, with lots of insect varieties to choose from, and they’re super cheap — around ฿20 per portion.
But fried bugs are just the start. How about fried jellyfish? Now that’s something special!
Even more bizarre? The so-called “living fossil older than dinosaurs” — the horseshoe crab! Yes, you’ll find stalls here selling whole horseshoe crabs and even horseshoe crab roe sashimi. Weird but fascinating! We haven’t been brave enough to try it yet — if you do, let us know what it tastes like!
Traditional Thai Sweets & Creative Treats
Besides the endless savory bites, there’s no shortage of Thai desserts here either. From authentic classics like mango sticky rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง), banana roti (โรตีกล้วยไข่), grilled bananas (กล้วยย่าง), coconut pancakes (ขนมเบื้อง), pandan coconut pudding (ขนมถ้วยตะไล), to banana leaf coconut custard (ขนมตะโก้) — you could spend your whole visit just sampling sweets!
On the fun side, there are cute, Instagrammable snacks too: rainbow toast, cartoon-shaped pancakes, and smoky volcano ice drinks, to name a few.
The best part? Prices are low, so you can try a few different bites and get a real taste of Thailand’s local flavors.
The Viral Watermelon Smoothie: Yoklook (ยกลูก)
No talk of Ratchada’s sweet treats is complete without mentioning the wildly popular, viral fruit smoothie stall: Yoklook (ยกลูก)!
This beloved stand serves fresh-made fruit smoothies like watermelon and cantaloupe. They blend the fruit into a fine slush and serve it right inside the hollowed-out fruit shell — think a mini watermelon mountain topped with adorable melon balls. So cute and refreshing!
Just stroll through Ratchada and you’ll see tourists everywhere holding their Yoklook watermelon smoothies as they wander the market.
Of course, many people come just to see the beautiful owner — she’s practically an Instagram star herself.
Every evening, you’ll see visitors lined up with their cameras out, waiting for smoothies and snapping photos. If you’re lucky, you might even catch her for a selfie — but be quick, she’s always busy because her stall is so popular! Online, she’s got a huge fan following.
Some call her the “Smoothie Princess”, “Juice Queen”, or “Watermelon Beauty” — whatever nickname you use, one thing’s for sure: she’s Ratchada’s most famous vendor, no doubt about it.
Her real name is Ploychanok Puathanyawong — you can follow her on FB and IG: Ploychanok Puathanyawong Facebook: Join Ploychanok Puathanyawong Ploychanok Puathanyawong IG: joinyy But sorry guys — she’s already married!
Ratchada Night Market Tips & Travel Video
Bangkok has plenty of night markets — the gorgeous Asiatique the Riverfront, the super central Talad Neon, street food paradise Chinatown, backpacker haven Khao San Road, sprawling JJ Market, or the wild local Hua Mum Night Market. But when it comes to picking just one, Train Night Market Ratchada is the top choice for most visitors.
Like we said at the start — if your trip only has time for one night market, Ratchada won’t disappoint!
That said, here are a few tips to keep your visit fun and hassle-free:
- Watch your bag: It gets super crowded, so keep your backpack in front of you and stay alert.
- Bring small change: Most toilets at the market charge ฿5, so carry coins to avoid long lines for change.
- Use Esplanade Shopping Mall: This mall next door is great — its parking lot is the best spot for rainbow roof photos, and its bathrooms are clean and free before 10 PM closing. Cool off there too if you need a break!
- Be careful with raw seafood: Bangkok’s hot weather means you should double-check freshness at food stalls.
- Check the last MRT: The last MRT train usually leaves around midnight. If you need to transfer to the BTS after, be sure the BTS line hasn’t stopped for the night — don’t get stranded!
Ready to see it all in action? Check out this Ratchada Night Market guide video: