Night markets
 

I will be going to Asia in June. Will be visiting Singapore, KL, Bangkok, Chiang Mai.I would love to know which of the night markets are worth going to as we will have limited time. Not interested in the touristy junk but rather more unique things.Thank you!

It's not a night market, but I would highly recommend that if possible, you arrange to be in Bangkok on a Saturday to go to their large market. They have dozens of stalls of unique things (alongside touristy junk). I thought it was much better than the night market in Chiang Mai (although the "antique" stores in Chiang Mai are pretty good). Haven't been to KL or spent enough time in Singapore to address those cities, but was pretty impressed by the BKK market.

I believe the poster above is referring to the &quot;Weekend Market&quot; at Chatuchak which is open Saturday and Sunday until about 6 pm. Some portions are open every day. It really is a fantastic place, where you can find everything from furniture to live animals. Your guidebook to Bangkok will undoubtedly describe it. You can take the subway out to the market in about 20 minutes, which makes the trip easy. If you buy a lot, you may need to take a taxi back, so keep this in mind. There may be portions open at night, check with your hotel, guidebook or the Nancy Chandler map.<BR><BR>If you are really serious about shopping at theWeekend Market or in Bangkok itself, I would recommend you buy a map called &quot;Nancy Chandler's Guide to Bangkok&quot; which contains a special map on what items are located where in the market. It is very easy to get lost in the market, and this map is helpful. This map also gives location for shopping for all kinds of items in Bangkok itself. You can usually buy them in hotel gift shops and they are also available on the internet, run a search using the above name. <BR><BR>The Patpong (&quot;girlie bar&quot;) area in Bangkok has a large night market, but it is mainly fake bags and watches. There are sometimes unusual items like paper lanterns or artwork for sale. Patpong itself, although a bit depressing in my view (20 year old girls with 50 year or Caucasian men…) is something you should see.<BR><BR>Having lived in Singapore and Hong Kong for 5 years each, I think the best shopping is actually in Bangkok. Singapore does not offer much beyond the tourist type souvenirs, unless you want to buy rugs, which are a very good buy, there are often auctions each week at the Hilton, check local newspapers. KL is much the same. That being said I think the night markets and other markets are fun in themselves, just for people watching if nothing else.<BR><BR>Chiang Mai has a large night market. You used to be able to buy beautiful quilt covers and other hand-sewn items like pillowcases, etc. I have not been there in several years, so I don't know if this is still the case. Others posting here may have advice on that point.<BR>

The Petaling Street/Chinatown nightmarket in KL is tourist junk and designer knock-offs, though I find it entertaining once in a while (stocking up on DVDs). To see the &quot;real&quot; nightmarkets, check The Star paper for locations of nightmarkets any night of the week, and you'll find where the locals go!

the Pratunm night market is pritty good.. you'll find cloths, flowers and and basic houswares all along thanon Petchaburi..

I just came back from Thailand and Hong Kong and found that the quality and unique items are found in some of the stores rather than the markets,though they are fun to go to and should not be missed. In Chiang Mai go to Sankamphaeng Road. You will need a driver since it is a litle way out from the city. I hired Sgt. Kai and he took me to various stores.(He also does individual tours and was great.) I bought some beautiful things at Baan Celadon, Shinawatra and Jolie Femme for silk, and Thai Arts for exquisite hand painted umbrellas and Thai style paintings. In Bangkok go to Narayana Phand (or Narai Phand) on Rajdamri Road. It is run by the government and they have high quality Thai crafts. I bought the most beautiful porcelain called Benjarong. There are many beautiful things to buy in Thailand. Have fun!

ttt