If strolling around Siam Paragon, with its fluorescent lighting, chain stores and depressing prices, has you bored within 10 minutes, then Talad Rot Fai may be more your cup of tea.
Talad Rot Fai is gaining popularity by the week, thanks to its photogenic location on State Railway of Thailand property. It regularly plays home to shops located inside train cars, trendy shoppers, a wide variety of stalls and a multitude of bars and restaurants. The fact that it’s open from 2pm until midnight also makes it a much more appealing option than Chatuchak, at least so far as temperatures go.
Markets in Bangkok are 10-a-penny, but for those with a passion for tattoos and an enthusiasm for rummaging, Talad Rot Fai offers a bit more. As well as the usual THB100 t-shirts and compulsory fake Ray Bans, Talad Rot Fai also hosts a treasure trove of retro finds. Dedicated shoppers can find Adidas gym bags, Doc Martens, Levis jeans and “old man” flat caps. In fact, whatever your hipster heart desires, you’ll probably find in this night market.
If you miss the thrill of thrift shopping back in the US or Europe, then Talad Rot Fai is your ticket. It allows for dedicated thrifters to do some serious rummaging and feel the cold-sweating joy of discovering an authentic ‘80s gold hoodie or a rare pair of Converse All Stars.
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Unfortunately, the market’s vendors have grown far too savvy to wind up on the wrong end of a deal. Vintage fans tend to crave locales staffed by old women who have no idea why you’re so eager to take that jacket off their hands for THB500. However, the vendors at Talad Rot Fai are fashion savvy and any designer items are sure to be priced accordingly.
That said, the market’s wares are still a bargain. You’re much more likely to find the ironically tattooed limbs of Thailand’s dek naew digging through Tald Rot Fai’s bargain bins than the sunburnt mandibles of a Chang T-shirt-ed tourist.
Of course, there’s plenty of objet d’art for the Talad Rot Fai visitor to spend his or her baht on, but as a fashion columnist, these items fall outside my purview. Just know that if you’re interested in food, weird war memorabilia, bikes or other old things, Talad Rot Fai won’t disappoint.
FIND IT:
Talad Rot Fai
Thanon Khampeangphet
Open Saturday and Sunday 2pm – 12am
