A bargain-hunter's paradise

At the Rot Fai Train Market, converted vintage cars serve as bar counters, and shops carry vintage collectibles and the chic brands of local designers. [Photo by Lin Qi/China Daily]

Night markets are essential to Bangkok's nighlife. Rot Fai, meaning train in Thai, stands out with an array of stores selling antiques and vintage collectibles.

The night market was originally located next to the train tracks behind Chatuchak, which is how it got its name. Rot Fai was relocated to the city's suburb district Bangna in 2013 to make room for the BTS skytrain expansion project.

Rot Fai is open from 5 pm to 1 am Thursday through Sunday. Most stores and open-air stands don't really get busy until 7 pm.

Besides the food and everyday goods bazaars, Rot Fai features a large section of factory-style brick buildings that house dozens of vintage stores. Visitors may also want to snap some photos of the vintage cars parked along the roads.

You can also find local designers' brands at Rot Fai, which captures the chic and funky spirit of Bangkok's youth culture. Some vendors have converted vintage cars into bar counters and set up open-air drinking areas around them.

Every secondhand store has a number of vintage items, such as bicycles, toys, radios and more unusual things like British police helmets. Fashion-istas will find the market a treasure trove with a wide array of vintage clothes, shoes, bags and jewelries. The spacious area is not overcrowded, so if you're seeking a more tranquil night experience, come to Rot Fai.