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Tourists are saying that the early evening market in Banthat Thong Road is emerging as one of Bangkok's culinary and cultural streets in Pathum Wan and Ratchathewi districts.
Well, there is definitely no denying that this area around Banthat Thong Road is quietly becoming one of the city's most dynamic and trendiest 'must-visit' food corridors.
By day, the region is a blended combination of modest shops, cafés, and student haunts situated between Hua Lamphong and Siam.
But at night, it transforms into a bustling stretch of street food stalls, neon-lit signs, art spaces, and gathering crowds.
It has earned them the label of "Banthat Thong Night Market" among locals and travellers who come for culinary flavours and an enchanting ambience.
Banthat Thong is not a single contained market like Chatuchak market or the one at Patpong.
Instead, it is a long arterial road (around 2.2 kilometres) that's lined with restaurants, food stalls, and pop ups.
Banthat Thong Night Market comes alive as the sun sets. You will find old-school vendors with decades of history, newer trendy cafés, and countless dessert shops.
There are street food stalls selling everything from boat noodles and grilled meats, to roti, desserts, and refreshing drinks.
Students from Chulalongkorn University in Pathum Wan, local office workers, and foreign tourists all seem drawn here. It could be for the affordability and the variety. Yet mostly... it's for the vibrant atmosphere.
If you plan to experience Banthat Thong Night Market in full swing, you should aim to arrive late afternoon or into early evening. So, roughly from 4 pm onward.
The liveliest period tends to be around 6:30 pm and it continues to at least 10 pm. This is when the most stalls are open and the foot traffic reaches a peak.
However, if you're a night owl, you'll be pleased to see that some places stay open till midnight or later, especially the cafés and dessert joints.
By and large, the prices are reasonable. For instance, you can buy street food snacks for between 40–150 baht, but sit down meals in restaurants or small cafés tend to be higher.
Despite its growing fame, Banthat Thong faces some headwinds. Rising rents are squeezing vendors, and foot traffic has shown signs of fluctuation.
The government, Chulalongkorn University, and local business associations are working on initiatives to preserve the street's character while boosting its viability as a global food destination. These include pedestrian friendly zones, better vendor support, and regular event planning.
Location: Siam
Address: Banthat Thong Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330
BTS/MRT: Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS Skytrain) National Stadium or Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT) Hua Lamphong
Make a visit to the night market in Banthat Thong Road and you'll get food that feels local, prices that are accessible, plus enough diversity to keep every visit fresh.
Unlike some of the tourist-heavy markets in Bangkok, there's a delicate balance of authenticity and trendiness here.
People arrive with a craving for something spicy or something sweet. Others come here for somewhere to walk and to people-watch.
Top Picks Guide you could use as a quick walkable food trail for Banthat Thong Night Market:
Samyan MRT Exit 2 (Chulalongkorn side) is a great place to start. Walk toward Banthat Thong Road (about 5 minutes) and the real journey begins.
Pro Tips: The best time to visit Banthat Thong Market is between 5:30 pm and 10:30 pm if you enjoy peak buzz, lively stalls, and snacking stops. But, you should avoid the weekends if you're allergic to heavy crowds.
Note: This video presented by "Walkzilla Journey" contains footage of numerous shophouse restaurants and street food stalls that make their appearance at night in Banthat Thong Road.