Pratunam Market

Pratunam Market is one of Bangkok's major markets, focusing on clothes which makes it Thailand's largest clothing market. The name Pratunam means Water gate.Pratunam is one of the older shopping areas in Bangkok that has a highly-deserved reputation among bargain shoppers.

Passing through the area, you will see many shops on the main roads. But the real activity is in the market hidden behind the stalls and shops. Here youll find a huge variety of low cost clothes, fashion accessories, shoes, watches, electronic gadgets and all sorts of souvenirs. It is usually very congested as there are many eager shoppers looking for their bargains.

The market is open 24 hours a day with varying offerings, from 9-20 (in reality more like 11-18) the retail shops are open, later on the evening outdoor stalls mainly geared for tourists come to populate the street sides. It's located at the intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetburi roads in the district Ratchathewi. This is maybe the cheapest market for buying clothes, fabrics and textiles in central Bangkok, while the Chatuchak weekend market probably is the low price leader. Other merchandise include watches, handicraft and others.

Pratunam is the location for Thailand's tallest building, the Baiyok Tower. This is the major wholesale center for the garment trade. It is very popular with minor and major international traders, particularly those from Africa. There is even an African restaurant nearby.

Bargain hunters looking for good deals on computers, accessories and software flock to Pantip Plaza, which is now known throughout the world for its low prices.

You can reach the market by BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line at Ratchathewi Station; from there, exit down the right-hand stairs, take a right at the next main intersection, Ratchathewi, and walk down Phetchaburi Road until you see Platinum department store, the market is directly across the street from Platinum Fashion Mall. Or exit at another BTS Chit Lom (Chidlom) station, turn north (right) at the Gaysorn Plaza corner, Ratchaprasong intersection, and walk past BigC and CentralWorld to the next intersection of Pratu Nam.

How to get there : Bus routes 2, 11, 23, 60, 62, 72, 93, 140, 511, 512