Starting in December, three Bangkok tourist destinations – Silom, Yaowarat (Chinatown) and Khaosan roads — will transform into pedestrian-friendly “walking street” market, City Hall announced today.
To boost economy, deputy governor Sakoltee Phattiyakul announced that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will close traffic on Silom Road for most of one day each month, much as it had until the practice was ended in 2016.
In addition to reviving the Silom open-air market, Yaowarat and Khaosan roads will also be closed temporarily as well.
Yaowarat Road, which is now easily accessible via MRT Wat Mangkorn, will debut its walking street on Friday, Dec. 13 along 600 meters between the Chalermburi and Ratchawong intersections. The market will open 7pm to midnight every Friday, Saturday and Sunday thereafter. The road will be partially closed Fridays and Saturdays, and fully closed to motor vehicles on Sundays.
Silom Road’s market starts Dec. 15 from noon to 10pm. After that, the walking street will take place every third Sunday of the month until May, when the rainy season begins. The market will stretch 800 meters from Soi Sala Daeng to the Nararom junction.
Lastly, backpacker destination Khaosan Road will start at 5pm on Dec. 16 and then repeat every Monday. In addition to massage parlors, pubs, and clubs; the venue will add “art and cultural activities” such as Khon, Thai dance and much more, according to Sakoltee. More details are to be announced at a later date.
Zoom in and click the green areas to find the three locations.
