Talat Mai in Bangkok Chinatown

A Walking Street Chinese Market on Yaowarat

Tucked between Charoen Krung and Yaowarat Road, Talat Mai (ตลาดใหม่) is one of those places that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades. Locals call it the “New Market,” but it’s been around for over 200 years. This narrow alley—barely wide enough for two people to pass comfortably—is a sensory overload of Chinese herbs, dried seafood, incense, and tea leaves.​

I usually enter from Yaowarat Soi 6, and within seconds, the noise of the main road fades into a hum of chatter, the clatter of carts, and the occasional honk from a delivery scooter trying to squeeze through. It’s tight, chaotic, and absolutely alive.​

The stalls are packed shoulder to shoulder, selling everything from goji berries and dried squid to funeral paper offerings shaped like iPhones and designer bags. You’ll also find bundles of ginseng, lotus seeds, and loose-leaf teas in giant sacks. The air smells of incense and dried mushrooms, with a hint of soy sauce and garlic from nearby food carts.​

Since the MRT Wat Mangkon station opened nearby, the foot traffic has increased dramatically. It’s great for business but makes life trickier for the vendors and delivery guys who still rely on scooters and pushcarts to move goods in and out. I’ve seen more than a few near-misses between tourists with cameras and locals balancing crates of dried fish.​

If you’re exploring Chinatown, Talat Mai is worth a detour—especially in the morning when the market is busiest. It’s not polished or tourist-friendly, but that’s part of the charm. Just watch your step, keep an eye out for scooters, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost. That’s how you find the good stuff.

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