Thailand: Or Tor Ko (Otoko) Market, Bangkok - "The best fresh food market in Bangkok"

I always like going to this market because I believe this is the best fresh food market in Bangkok (Otoko is ranked the 4th best fresh marked in the world by a famous travel guide). It is said that all fresh food from Thailand is distributed through this market from vegetables, fresh and dried fruits, fresh meat and seafood to cooked Thai food and some regional products from Thailand. 

Where to find Otoko

Otoko Market is located very proximate to the famous Chatuchak weekend market of Bangkok. Get the BTS up the end-line Mo Chit BTS station.  From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to Otoko Market or take a 15-minute walk passing through the Chatuchak weekend market.  From Sukhumvit, the Center of Bangkok, BTS ride to Mo Chit Station is approximately 20-25 minutes only. 

What to expect

Market is a must see. It is amazingly clean and it will be a pleasant experience to walk around. The Market is open from 6am to 8pm each day. Paid parking is available.

Market offers nicely presented fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood. Dried fruits and Thai confectionary/ sweets are also available. There is a section of cooked Thai food stalls with a small area with tables where you can eat and dine. The food stalls can cook fried oyster pancakes, pad thai and various soups for you as you order. There is also a dry good section that sells shirt and dresses normally coming from nearby provinces of Thailand.

Compared to other fresh markets in Bangkok or Thailand, Otoko prices are slightly higher but certainly worth the difference in terms of quality. 

Practical Tips

1. To avoid the crowd, especially if you are driving, go early.
2. There are abundant taxi just outside Otoko.  As in many places in Bangkok frequented by tourists, taxi drivers will also ask you for a flat rate and will disregard the use of meters.  Make sure you negotiate if this happens.
3. If you have time, try hopping into Chatuchak Weekend Market with is just a few minutes walk from Otoko.  This market is only open on weekends. However, JJMall, which is adjacent to Chatuchak is open 7 days a week (10am to 8pm)  and it has good eateries and restaurants in it.