Pratunam Market (Thai: ประตูน้ำ) is one of Bangkok's major markets, focusing on clothes which makes it Thailand's largest clothing market. The name Pratunam means Water gate.

 

The market is open 24 hours a day with varying offerings, from 9-20 (in reality more like 11-18) the retail shops are open, later on the evening outdoor stalls mainly geared for tourists come to populate the street sides. It's located at the intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetburi roads in the district Ratchathewi. This is maybe the cheapest market for buying clothes, fabrics and textiles in central Bangkok, while the Chatuchak weekend market probably is the low price leader. Other merchandise include watches, handicraft and others.

 

You can reach this market by BTS Ratchathewi station from there, exit down the right-hand stairs, take a right at the next main intersection and walk down Phetchaburi until you see Platinum department store, the market is directly across the street from Platinum Fashion Mall. Or exit at BTS Chidlom (Chitlom) station, turn north (right) at the Gaysorn Plaza corner and walk past Big C and Central World to next intersection.

 

Pratunam market covers the whole area around and behind Amari Watergate and Indra Regent hotels with the rainbow colored Baiyoke I hotel and the towering Baiyoke Tower II hotels inside it. If you're a tourist do not hesitate to enter the small alleyways and jampacked small streets, the area is very safe unless you do something stupid like keep your wallet in your back pocket. If the area looks unappealing you might consider doing your clothes shopping at nearby Platinum Fashion Mall.