Is Green Vintage Ratchayothin Still Kicking? My Recent Visit to This Bangkok Night Market
I didn’t know there is a night market by the Ratchayothin Intersection, until a glimpse of Green Vintage Ratchayothin while driving past Ratchayothin Road one Sunday evening. From the road, it seemed a bit quiet, leading my husband to comment that it probably wasn’t a very “happening” market. Despite his skepticism, my curiosity eventually got the better of me. Recent Google Reviews painted a mixed picture – some visitors found it bustling, others surprisingly quiet, and repeat visitors even noted a mix of busy and quiet market days. Its official Facebook page, however, definitely boasts a vibrant energy, so I decided it was time to check it out for myself.
Armed with hope, I hopped on the BTS to Ratchayothin station (Exit 2) one Friday evening, arriving around 7 PM.
What I Found on a Friday Night
To be frank, my experience was largely aligned with my initial roadside observations: the market was really quiet. While the official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/greenvintagenightmarket) suggests a lively, bustling atmosphere, what I encountered few weeks ago was a far cry from a typical Bangkok night market. Researching this market for this blog post, I saw this vlog on YouTube that was posted 1 month ago, and there are more stalls than when I was there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNQaPB1p8c4, albeit not many customers but at least there are many things to shop, including pre-loved clothes.
But, here’s what I observed during my visit:
- Atmosphere: Despite a live band playing, there wasn’t a significant crowd gathered to enjoy the music. The overall vibe felt rather subdued, lacking the usual energy found in other night markets. Interestingly, the largest gathering of people/customers I saw was at a nail stall.
- Shopping: The number of shopping stalls was quite limited, and the offerings weren’t particularly diverse or enticing. It seemed more like a collection of scattered shops rather than a cohesive market experience.
- Food: The food section also felt sparse, with few stalls and limited options that didn’t really spark my interest. I walked one quick round and found myself heading for the exit sooner than expected.
- Unique Feature: Interestingly, amidst the quiet, there was a noticeable restaurant featuring the now-popular Bangkok trend of topless male waiters. So, if that’s a unique experience you’re curious about, you’ll find it here!
My Verdict (and a Hypothesis)
Based on my recent visit, Green Vintage Ratchayothin was, unfortunately, quite “dead” as a general night market experience. It’s possible I visited on an exceptionally quiet night, or perhaps a tad too early. After checking Green Vintage Ratchayothin’s TikTok account, I saw there’s a Toy Market every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 PM – 12 AM, and these days seem to be more lively.
The presence of the specialized restaurant and a live band suggests there is some activity, and that it might cater to a more niche crowd rather than being a traditional, bustling night market. If only they get more stalls to be up and running, that would hopefully attract more people. It’s also worth noting how market popularity shifts. Perhaps crowds flock to the new Liabduan Danneramit Night Market (which is just 1km away and currently has many food stalls, shopping, and entertainment that are crowd-pullers). This new market is located on the very same grounds that previously housed Jodd Fairs Dan Neramit, and before that, the original Train Night Market Dan Neramit. You can read about my experiences with the new market in that area in my separate blog entry on the Dan Neramit market [Link to your Dan Neramit post]. Currently, Green Vintage Ratchayothin definitely doesn’t offer the widespread variety of food and shopping that many visitors seek.
If you’re in the Ratchayothin area and specifically interested in the unique themed restaurants, or if you prefer a very low-key atmosphere with live music and don’t mind limited food and shopping options, it might be worth a quick peek. Otherwise, for a more traditional and vibrant Bangkok night market experience with diverse food and extensive shopping, you might be better off seeking out other options.
Plan Your Visit:
- Nearest BTS: Ratchayothin Station, Exit 2.
- Important Note on Operating Hours: Open Daily 4 PM – 12 AM. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are Green Vintage Toy Market days, but from their TikTok account, services like nail salons are also open. It is highly recommended to check their Facebook page or TikTok (link below) for the absolute latest and most accurate opening days/hours before planning your visit to avoid disappointment.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenvintagenightmarket
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greenvintageratchayothin
