I have just read on Nancy Chandler's update that the Night Market will be closing in February 2006. She says it will make way for more building. Check out more on her website.

I saw that too...so we are glad to be going now. The Joe Louis puppet theater is also closing I read.

that is indeed bad news as it provides tourists with not much time a good one stop shopping opportunity....

i suspect that it may relocate someplace as i think in the few years that it has been there that it has been quite a draw....there are always lots of people there....

Yes, this has been on the cards for a while. I read that footfall does not convert into too much sales and the location is too prime for the rent the stalls can afford. Sad coz they always have some interesting wares.

That's a shame - we were looking forward to going to the night market while in Bangkok in February.

Craig-- I know I'm in the minority on this but unless you are looking for touristy souvenirs I found the night market very disappointing. Bought nothing and wasn't even tempted to buy anything.

I too will miss the night bazaar at SuanLum. Sorry you didn't enjoy it, Gloria. The entertainment/food complex was always a nice respite from the many stalls and hallways. I hope the market will relocate, and soon.
Carol

we'll be there in january, so thankfully will see it. Also, was wondering where the best place (in BKK) to buy Thai furniture pieces (porcelain elephants, Asian dressers/chests, vases etc) is--or are they everywhere? Hoping to pick up a few nice pieces at reasonable prices to spruce up a bland NY apt!

Does anybody know what date it closes, we arrive in BKK on 2 feb.

Gloria - seems like we might not be missing much - that's reassuring.

john44 - the Nancy Chandler web site says to visit before February - my guess is that even if construction has not started, vendors will stop coming knowing that it is going to close.

we think the nite market provided a quick place for a rushed tourist to buy some nice thai made items....no specialized items really but a good one stop shopping experience....we saw many things to buy...karen only bought shoes this time--decorative flip flops...there is great variety of items however....including a nancy chandler shop with a few items of hers like cards...and maps of course...

jacq---you will find things for the apt all over bkk and thailand...you will not want for items of all sizes and costs....

I guess for me the problem was I don't buy souvenir type items. If I buy anything it's one or two pieces of art or some sort of high quality craft or antique. So none of these tourist markets appeal to me.

The night market is a great place to shop for some nice souvenirs to bring home. Of course for those that are making their nth trip to the city - then yes these folks are looking for other venues having been there done that when it comes to the night market.

what is the difference between the "night market" and "floating market" or are they one and the same?

Floating market and night market are totally different. You don't shop at the floating market.

the floating market is away from the city about 1.5 hours drive....it is a produce market largely which is conducted on a canal...everyone is in boats....it is fun, although some here call it commercial...i do not find it that way...its a great take but takes a 1/2 day to do and you have to leave bkk very early...