One of the most unique shopping markets in Bangkok is the Srinakarin Train Market, or ตลาดรถไฟ in Thai. No, there are no trains (it was formerly located near a train station), but there are lots of antiques and strange, fantastic items for sale. Part of the market does sell the usual hats, belts, shoes and accessories, but the most interesting area is the larger portion dedicated to antiques. That's unusual for Bangkok shopping markets.
Unique Antique Shopping
Located on Srinakarin Road, next to Seacon Square, The Srinkarin Train Market is a sprawling array of buildings and tents, all very new-looking and clean. What isn't new: most of the wares for sale. You'll find antiques from the 1890s to the 1960s. I saw cars, globes, old clocks, antique brass telescopes, statues, toys, go-karts, and more. Old Coca-Cola refrigerators are for sale, along with robot vending machines from the 50s, and very unusual lighting devices from years gone by. The prices aren't cheap, but it's all relative when dealing in antiques. Is a 1930's fountain pen worth $50? It is, if that's what you want.
The market is open-air and wide, with plenty of walking space (unlike Chatuchak and other outdoors markets). It has wider shopping lanes, less claustrophobic. Most of it is outdoors, and the only indoor shopping is "open door" with no air-conditioning. That means it's hot during most of the year in Bangkok, but if you go after 9pm, it's cool enough for two hours of fun. I did notice a cool breeze all night, so maybe the location generates a nice cooling effect.
Food!
There's plenty of food, and more western food than usual. We even found pancakes! There are several air-conditioned restaurants and loads of outdoor venues for eating and drinking, including a wine bar. The Train Market has the one and only "sell by the slice" pizza place I've ever seen in Thailand. It seems they are recreating the feel of the 50's to 70's in America, or trying to, in that corner of the market. A few retro cafés feature antique furnishings, and one has old train seats. There is even a restaurant that exclusively serves fondue - très 70s!
Location and Hours
The Srinakarin Train Market is open from 5pm until midnight on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Easy to find: go to Seacon Square on Srinakarin road and you'll see the big sign that's right next to the far end of Seacon Square. Don't know where Seacon Square is? It's the largest shopping mall in Bangkok (or a close tie with Mega BangNa), and every Bangkok resident knows it. Just tell the taxi to take you to ตลาดรถไฟ (Dtalat Rot Fai) at Seacon Square.
By sky-train, you can take the airport link to Hua Mak station, then it is a short taxi ride to the train market, or take bus number 207 from either Hua Mak station or all the way from Lamsalee / Ramkamhaeng intersection. The bus takes you straight to Seacon Sqaure and the Train Market. On the other side of the market is Paradise Park, which, like Seacon, is another great indoor shopping mall; so the whole area is rife with stores for a full day of shopping.
See Also: Kwan-Riam Floating Market
Bangkok's Srinakarin Train Market, near Seacon Sq. A great outdoor antique show, great food and shopping for antiques.
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