Suan Lum Night Bazaar is probably the most well known night bazaar in Bangkok. Lots of tourists turn up here every day and as a result the prices tend to be quite high. Though it is generally more expensive than its day counterpart JJ Market, it’s still worth checking out. The Bazaar houses many cool shops which are cleaner and trendier than most other night bazaars in the city. There are also some nice restaurants in the area so you can do a bit of shopping and have a good meal and a drink with your mates for the evening.
Because the area for food and shopping is so clean and well organised, you will generally feel safe here. You will find many different areas for various types of dining from fast food, restaurants to hawker stalls. You can buy Thai and international food from the food stalls using coupons which can be exchanged for cash later if unused. In the shopping area you tend to find handicraft products and clothes and all sorts of shoes.
Prices quoted here at Suanlum Night Bazaar are normally a bit higher than those in the JJ Weekend Market but you are free to bargain with the shop assistants of course. Many foreigners prefer Suanlum to JJ because it is not as crowded and they don’t have to worry about the heat that is a major issue for the JJ Market. There are also quite a few cash machines around which make things easier here.
For some unknown reason, Suanlum Night Bazaar seems to house many German restaurants which are quite popular among Bangkokians. But the main place to eat and drink is the massive beer garden near the main entrance of the Bazaar. As I said earlier, you need to buy coupons to buy food as they don’t accept cash for it. Loads of seats available and you normally don’t have to look for one as many of the pretty girls working for the beer stalls are around and willing to help you out. These girls will also take your beer orders and make sure your cup stays filled.
The food stalls cater for numerous styles of cuisine but it is overwhelmingly dominated by Thai food as you may guess. The food is all extremely fresh and fabulous. There is a stage with live music at one end of the beer garden. To be fair, it’s a bit crap but after a few Changs you tend not to notice at all. And don’t panic if it does rain as there is a retractable roof which doesn’t take long to glide across your head as soon as it starts pissing it down.
The great thing about hanging out in Bangkok is that there are quite a few places that stay open until midnight for Bangkokians and foreigners alike. If you hate clubbing, are bored of the ‘bars’ or can’t stand the heat during the day, Suanlum Night Bazaar, in particular the beer garden, is the sort of place you can spend your peaceful evening on a regular basis. So, whether on your own or with your mates, do come on out and enjoy yourself under the smoky moonlight!
haven’t been there for ages. Is it still popular among
Thais? Few years ago, I went this place, it was full of asians, especially from China,Taiwan,Japan, and Hong Kong. Anyway, thanks for sharing the blog to update things in Bkk. P.S. education topic requested. I couldn’t find it and believe that most people are
interrested in.
right, cheers for your comment. yea east asian tourists are still there to be seen and i reckon the place is gonna get a lot busier this month onwards as it’s a beer garden festival.
and yes ill write a piece on education deffo. stay tuned.