Kad Luang & Chang Moi: The Trading Streets
This is the working half of the old city — where the goods came in off the river and where they are still sold. It is louder, messier and more interesting than the temple quarter, and almost no visitor spends a morning here.
An in-city day, written to be done on two wheels. Inside the moat a small scooter is faster, cheaper and far easier to park than a car, and several of these lanes are closed to cars anyway. There are no distances here on purpose: you park once and walk.
The day
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Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
The city's central market over three floors: northern sausage and dried chilli on the ground, fabric above, and a flower market along the river side that runs through the night. Go before nine, and eat breakfast here.
2 hrs · freeTourism Directory →Ministry of Tourism & Sports · Ministry of Tourism & Sports, Thailand 🚶 5 min - 2
Old Chang Moi Road
A single lane of rattan basket weavers, old photography shops and, in the last few years, some of the best small coffee roasters in the city — sitting side by side rather than replacing each other.
1–2 hrs · free
Wikimedia Commons →Stefan Fussan · CC BY-SA 3.0 🚲 5 min - 3
The riverside flower market
Marigolds and jasmine by the sackful, most active in the small hours and still going at breakfast.
45 min · free
Flickr →duarob Photography · CC BY 2.0 🚲 10 min - 4
Khlong Mae Kha
Times varyA canal that was, until recently, something the city apologised for. The restored stretch is now a lantern-lit walkway with small bars and food along it. Best after dark.
evening · free
Wikipedia →Vano111ru · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Warorot's surrounding streets are the most congested in the city and parking a car is close to hopeless. Ride in, park in one of the bike lots on the market's edge, and walk. Carry cash; almost nothing here takes a card.
