Bangkok day tripping: Ban Mai Riverside Market

With over 100 years of traditional-style trading under its belt, Chachoengsao’s Ban Mai Riverside Market gives those tourist-infested floating market fakes a more authentic run for their money.

About an hour’s drive east of Bangkok, this rambling stretch of teak-shuttered shophouses lines the river’s edge, selling all sorts of retro (and not-so) wares -- making for some fabulous retail finds and unusual edible treats.

Rustic charm is in abundance with old-style tea-houses alongside traditional barbers, a soda fountain and sweet shops dishing out pure nostalgia. Art deco stores jostle for space next to bamboo-wares and eateries that jut out over the river.

As popular for film and photography locations as it is for locals seeking out a taste of the Thailand of old, we suggest you take your camera and sense of culinary adventure.

getting there

Ban Mai Riverside Market
- Supakit Road, Chachoengsao (near the confluence of the Bang Pakong River and Khlong Ban Mai)
- Trains depart from Hua Lumphong Station for Chachoengsao several times a day.
- Buses leave from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet II Road for Chachoengsao every 30 minutes.
- Opens fully over weekends and public holidays (still partly open during week)