The best way to experience Thai cuisine is to visit the local markets – with some cash in your pocket and an empty stomach. Thailand blogger Paula Morgan recommends arriving shortly after the morning rush, when it's a bit quieter, but before the vendors start packing up their stalls. Stroll around, sample what catches your eye, and don't be afraid to ask questions – most vendors are happy to help as long as you keep it simple. This itinerary takes you to three of her favorite morning markets, from a traditional breakfast in Chinatown to lunch at one of Bangkok's best fresh food markets.

Trok Mor Morning Market

Strolling through the narrow alleys near the giant swing in Chinatown, you'll find the Trok Mor morning market bustling at sunrise as locals come for breakfast and groceries. Thai-Chinese families have been preparing the same dishes here for decades.

The market is busiest between 6:00 and 8:30 a.m. when locals come for breakfast. There you can find everything from fried plantains and fish cakes to pork ribs and noodle soups.

Halfway along the route is a deaf-run café with good coffee – a lovely spot to take a break and watch the market come to life. From 7 a.m. onwards, you can observe monks from the nearby Wat Suthat collecting alms and office workers having breakfast.

Local prices apply everywhere here – a toasted sandwich costs only 13 Baht, while more substantial dishes such as pork ribs cost between 45 and 70 Baht.

Location: Trok Mor Alley, near the Giant Swing and Wat Suthat, Phra Nakhon. Opening Hours: Daily 5:00–10:00 AM. Getting There: Take the MRT to Sam Yot Station. From there, it's a 10-minute walk. Nearest Stop: From Trok Mor, take a Grab or taxi to Khlong Toei Market (approximately 20 minutes) or take the MRT from Sam Yot to Khlong Toei Station. If taking the MRT, use Exit 1 at Khlong Toei Station.

Khlong Toei Market

This is where Bangkok's restaurant owners shop – it's the city's largest fresh market. The lanes are lined with stalls selling fresh herbs, chilies, and curry pastes – everything you need for Thai cooking.

Arrive around 8:30 a.m., after the morning rush has subsided but before it gets too quiet. Head to the ready-meal stall at the front of the market. There you'll find rice soups, curries, and grilled food – perfect for a quick bite between market days.

Most dishes cost 40–60 baht, and you can try Thai specialties like Khanom Krok (coconut pancakes) for as little as 20 baht per serving. Bring small bills and don't hesitate to point at what you want to try.

Location: Corner of Rama IV Road and Rama III Road. Opening hours: Daily 4:00–14:00. How to get there: Take the MRT to Khlong Toei station, Exit 1. The market is a 5-minute walk away – just follow the locals with their shopping bags.

Next stop: From Khlong Toei, take the MRT north to Kamphaeng Phet station to Or Tor Kor Market (approx. 20 minutes).

Or Gate Kor Market

Or Tor Kor (OTK) is run by Thailand's farmers' marketing organization, which means higher standards and better quality than at typical markets. While you pay a bit more than on the street, you get some of the best produce in Bangkok. I come here for the seafood, curry pastes, and mangoes – some of the best I've found in the city.

In the food court, you can find crispy pork with Chinese kale (100 baht) – the portion is large and it tastes really good. Also, check out the fruit section. The vendors are happy to offer samples. Here you'll find the best mangoes, durian, and seasonal fruits in Bangkok – the higher prices are worth it.

Location: Kamphaengphet Road, Chatuchak. Opening hours: Daily 6:00–18:00. Directions: Kamphaeng Phet MRT station, Exit 3. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is directly opposite – ideal for weekend visits.

Planning your market visit

This route is ideal if you start in Trok Mor around 7 am, reach Khlong Toei around 10 am, and enjoy a late lunch in Or Tor Kor. If you want to explore the markets more thoroughly, you should spread your visits over several days – especially during the hot season (March to May).

You'll need cash – exchange large bills at 7-Eleven (they're everywhere and have ATMs). Download the Grab app for taxis between markets, although the BTS and MRT are often faster during rush hour.

Do you want more markets?

Wang Lang Market is located right next to Siriraj Hospital and is popular with hospital staff and locals alike, who come for good southern Thai food. Curry stalls line the covered area – a mixed platter costs 60 baht. After lunch, the side streets fill up with vintage clothing shops.

Location: Next to Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok Noi. Opening hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Getting there: Ferry from Saphan Taksin Pier (15 Baht)