Holiday Ayo - Night markets in Bangkok are among the easiest and most enjoyable ways of getting up close and personal with local life in Thailand's capital. Markets are spread out in most areas of the city and offer an incredibly diverse range of goods and products, snacks and entertainment – after dark shopping opportunities mean incredible bargains in the moonlight.

Newer and larger night markets are opening in Bangkok every year, but there's none bigger than the original Rot Fai Market in the east of the city, although the old classics still prove popular.

1. Asiatique

source: Tripadvisor

Asiatique successfully combines 2 of the most popular shopping experiences in the city: a night bazaar and a mall. About 10 minutes downriver from Saphan Taksin BTS station, this once-bustling international trade port transformed with over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants housed in a huge replica warehouse complex.

Open from 4pm, spending an evening here is no problem: you’ll have good fun browsing the boutiques and you’re guaranteed to find something to eat. And, if this isn’t enough entertainment, shows like the Calypso ladyboy cabaret are performed nightly.

2. Chatuchak Friday Night Market

source: TimeOut

The massive Chatuchak Market fills up every weekend, but not many know that you can actually come here for some nighttime shopping on Fridays, as vendors set up their stalls from around 9pm until late. You can expect much of the same stock as you'll see in the day on Saturdays and Sundays – just less heat, fewer people and not so many stalls open (for example, the homeware, gardening and pets sections are all closed).

There’s more of a chilled-out, local vibe, with most of the main stores, restaurants and bars open around the main ring road of the market drawing in a young crowd from the nearby universities.

3. Khaosan Road

source: One Step 4Ward

Khaosan is the centre of the backpackers' universe – it’s bursting with fun, tacky and useful things to blow your baht on. Its ubiquitous travel shops can arrange your outward journey, whether it be flights, trains or bus tickets. The many tailors will happily whip you up a sharp suit ready for when you arrive back from the islands.

A must for the beach is a gripping read, and fortunately several of the city's best secondhand book shops are here. Modern essentials aren't neglected either: internet cafés, chemists, convenience stores, banks and monetary exchanges abound.