Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

The food is the main reason to visit. Stalls along Yaowarat Road begin setting up in the late afternoon, becoming bustling around 6 pm, and emptying out again by midnight. Many stalls are closed on Mondays, so it's best to avoid that evening. Google Maps lists the market's opening hours as 4 pm to 2 am, but this is just the absolute limit and not the time you should plan your visit around.

Instead of sitting down somewhere, simply feast your way along the street. Nai Ek Roll Noodle serves the peppery noodle soup Kuay Jab from morning until after midnight, and T & K Seafood on the corner of Phadung Dao is the perfect spot for grilled river prawns and crab at plastic tables on the street. In between, be sure to try Pa Tong Go (doughnut sticks), toasted buns with custard, and Bua Loy (dumplings in ginger syrup). You're safest at busy stalls with a high volume of customers.

The area away from the food court is somewhat smaller. Vendors sell clothing, toys, and souvenirs at low prices, and haggling is common. However, the quality of the clothing is rather poor, so a visit is recommended only for browsing. The side streets are often very crowded, especially on weekends. After dinner, the cocktail bars in nearby Soi Nana are a good option for a drink.