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Fashion and fish balls at the MRT Sutthisan market
In a neighborhood more commonly known for its massage parlors, a week-day market caters to fashion lovers and the workaday crowd
Ratchadapisek Road is best known for its after-dark haunts, namely, its well-lit massage parlors that have become the stuff of Bangkok legends.
Far less talked about is the massive day market next to Ratchadapisek's Sutthisan MRT station, geared towards fashionistas and foodies and frequented mainly by the office workers from the high-rises and businesses in the immediate area.
Smack in between the station and a couple of tall buildings, this large covered market operates solely on weekdays.
Old Navy-style shorts in all sizes and colors (browns, beiges, camouflaged) are 100 baht a pop. Stalls sell comfy and colorful PJs with matching colored tank tops for around the same price.
For the style hunter, there are plenty of vendors carrying the latest trends. Plaid, frills, layers and studs ... it's all there.
For nightlife, there are little boutique stores filled with party dresses, snug and sexy or classy and sophisticated, made to suit every body type for every possible occasion. Prices range from a couple hundred baht into the thousands.
Shoe fetish sufferers are well catered for. Tiny stores carrying footwear starting at 100 baht a pair are dotted throughout the market, selling everything from casual studded flats to five-inch strappy heels.
Because the majority of the clientele at the Suttisan market are office workers, there are also many shops selling formal work clothes, such as stylish knee-length layered skirts and skinny pants paired with cotton and silk tops.
Accessories wise, the inner lanes of the market are filled with stalls specializing in costume jewelry, such as funky colorful rings, earrings, bracelets and hair clips.
As usual, the gents get the short end of the shopping stick here, though there are a few shops that offer menswear. Guys will find great deals on shorts, tees and dress shirts.
Dining
One area of the market is filled with stalls carrying everything from simple noodles to barbecue chicken and som tam.
The Sutthisan bazaar's pork lad naa is highly recommended -- they make it in true Cantonese style. Pair that with a bag of freshly fried fish balls, which come fluffy and full of flavor thanks to the sweet and spicy plum sauce they pour over them.
For dessert there are delicious Thai sweets like khanom chan -- layered and steamed sweetened pieces flour oozing an aroma of pandan leaves -- and the infamous fried banana fritters. If that isn't sweet enough the market even sells Krispy Kreme donuts, saving sugar addicts the trip to Siam Paragon.
Getting there: Take the Bangkok MRT subway to Sutthisan Station, and head out exit number three.
