Welcome to my article on The Most Photogenic Night Market In Bangkok. The Rod Fai Market in the Ratchada area of Bangkok is an amazing venue for avid photographers. This article is intended for shutterbugs looking to shoot the top view of the night market, which is making the rounds on the internet. The following photography and travel tips will be helpful for all who may be thinking of capturing that angle, visiting the place, or both.

Photographing Bangkok New Rod Fai Night Market at Ratchada

To shoot this top view of the market, take the lift to Level 4 at the Esplanade Mall (just beside the night market) and walk to the car park ledge (left side upon entering the car park) and from there, be rewarded with one of the colourful sights in the whole of Bangkok.

The best time to go would be before sunset. Get a good position at the car park ledge and set up a tripod. The ideal time to photograph is just during the blue hour when there is still some light on the horizon to see the city buildings in the background with the stalls lighting up. This would make an interesting time-lapse angle too.  The above pic was shot with Canon EOS 5DMkIV with a Canon EF16-35mm F4L IS lens at 1/4s, F8, ISO400.

For the closer shot, I used a Canon EF100mm F2.8 macro lens, at 6sec, F16, ISO50. This lens was used as I left my EF70-200mm lens in the hotel, to reduce my camera bag weight as long lenses will not be needed when strolling in the night market.

Tried an “old school” zooming during exposure at 1/10s, F4, ISO400.  Lens Canon EF16-35mm F4L IS.

Travel tips

a) MRT – Cultural Center station ( Not BTS line)

b) Opening days and hours – Thurs – Sundays 5.00pm – 1.00am

c) Entry fee – Free

d) Remarks –

• Standby 10, 20, 50 bhts notes for the snacks and drink stalls.
• The venue is crowded and hot – wear light clothing and keep valuables close to you.
• Refrain from taking Grab taxi to the venue to avoid unpleasant situations with mainstream taxis in the area.
• Some types of snack or drink stalls are repeated, meaning, there are a few stalls selling similar items. No need to rush and buy from one at the 1st look. Prices are controlled and uniform throughout the market. Some bargaining can be done at the retail section of the market.
• For a blog on the market, please have a look here.
• Recommended hotel to stay near the night market – Swissotel le Concorde Bangkok. Just 2 MRT stations away.

Conclusion

This venue is certainly the most photogenic night Market In Bangkok, especially from a photographer’s perspective. Conveniently located and easily accessible via the MRT line. To best enjoy this night market, whether dining, shopping, or photographing, travelling light would be the way to go. Bring just what you need for the trip and leave a long lens (if you do carry it) at your hotel.

Have a great time at the gorgeous night market. For more adventures in Thailand, do check out my other blogs here, like the most “Instagrammable” resort in Kanchanaburi or the best resort in Thailand.

P.S- latest update (8 Aug 2021) – The recent news that this night market is closing down maybe just temporary. Stay tuned for updates 

Footnote : All pictures used in this travelogue are copyrighted to Jensen Chua Photography and all rights reserved. The opinion expressed is factual, honest, and that of the author.