Thailand dominates global night market rankings with 3 markets in the top 10
Why Bangkok’s night markets now rank alongside the world’s most searched and shared destinations
When was the last time you wandered through a night market surrounded by sizzling street food and that electric energy that only comes alive after dark? If you’re in Thailand, you’re spoiled for choice, and now there’s proof the Kingdom’s night markets rank among the planet’s best.
A new study by long-haul travel specialists Travelbag has crowned Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market as the world’s best night market for 2026. Better yet? Thailand claims three spots in the global top 10, with two Bangkok markets making the top three.
Thailand dominates the global rankings
The study analysed safety scores, annual search volume, social media engagement, and tourist reviews to identify the world’s most captivating night market destinations.
Chatuchak Weekend Market takes the crown with staggering numbers: 4.4 million annual searches, 14,600 TikTok posts, and a 4.4/5 Google rating. Known as one of the world’s largest markets with 15,000 stalls, Chatuchak offers everything from traditional Thai street food, such as pad thai, coconut ice cream, and grilled skewers, to clothing and vintage treasures.
Jodd Fairs Night Market claims third place globally. This trendy destination draws food lovers with traditional Thai street food and fusion dishes, generating 486,000 annual searches, 15,800 TikTok posts, and a 4.2 rating. Visitors rave about unique offerings like mango sticky rice.
Chiang Rai Night Market rounds out Thailand’s triple threat at eighth place, scoring an impressive 96.0 safety rating, the highest among Thai markets, with 266,400 annual searches and a 4.2 Google rating.
The complete top 10: Global competition
| Rank | Market Name | Location | Safety Score | Annual Searches | TikTok Posts | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chatuchak Weekend Market | Bangkok, Thailand | 58.0 | 4,416,000 | 14,600 | 4.4 |
| 2 | Pub Street | Siem Reap, Cambodia | 69.0 | 325,200 | 17,600 | 4.4 |
| 3 | Jodd Fairs Night Market | Bangkok, Thailand | 58.0 | 486,000 | 15,800 | 4.2 |
| 4 | Petaling Street Market | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 32.0 | 1,980,000 | 15,400 | 4.1 |
| 5 | Shilin Night Market | Taipei, Taiwan | 85.0 | 1,320,000 | 4,960 | 4.1 |
| 6 | Ningxia Night Market | Taipei, Taiwan | 85.0 | 1,980,000 | 693 | 4.2 |
| 7 | Queens Night Market | New York City, USA | 68.0 | 888,000 | 1,817 | 4.6 |
| 8 | Chiang Rai Night Market | Chiang Rai, Thailand | 96.0 | 266,400 | 16 | 4.2 |
| 9 | 626 Night Market | Los Angeles, USA | 41.0 | 486,000 | 10,400 | 4.3 |
| 10 | Bugis Street Market | Singapore | 78.0 | 397,200 | 295 | 4.4 |
Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia, takes second place, earning recognition as the most social media-popular market with 17,600 TikTok posts.
Petaling Street Market in Kuala Lumpur rounds off the top three with over 15,400 TikTok posts. Travellers especially highlight local delights like Hokkien mee, Char Kway Teow, and roasted chestnuts.
Southeast Asia dominates the rankings, claiming seven of the ten spots. Taiwan contributes Shilin and Ningxia (both with 85.0 safety ratings), while the US adds Queens Night Market (NYC) and 626 Night Market (LA).
The most popular night markets on social media
TikTok has become one of the top platforms travellers turn to for destination recommendations, and the night market rankings reflect this trend. Here are the markets dominating social media:
Pub Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia leads TikTok with over 17,600 posts from travellers showcasing the market’s food, culture, and experiences. Its second-place position in the overall rankings reflects this well-earned social media popularity.
Jodd Fairs Night Market, Bangkok, takes second place on TikTok with over 15,800 posts. Visitors especially share content about the vibrant street food scene, featuring unique fusion dishes like mango sticky rice that photograph exceptionally well.
Petaling Street Market, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, rounds out the top three with over 15,400 TikTok posts. The market’s bustling atmosphere, vibrant street food, and affordable fashion attract content creators. Travellers particularly highlight local delights like Hokkien mee, char kway teow, and roasted chestnuts.
Notably, Chatuchak Weekend Market, despite claiming the #1 overall spot, ranks fourth on TikTok with 14,600 posts, showing that social media popularity doesn’t always align perfectly with overall appeal.
What makes Bangkok’s markets stand out?
Chatuchak’s dominance reflects its overwhelming scale; 15,000 stalls mean multiple visits still yield discoveries. The sheer variety, from street food to vintage clothing, creates an experience that justifies those 4.4 million annual searches.
Jodd Fairs represents Bangkok’s newer wave, blending traditional Thai street food with modern fusion twists. This approach resonates strongly on social media, where food photography drives much of its TikTok popularity.
Chiang Rai’s exceptional 96.0 safety score proves Thailand’s night market excellence extends beyond the capital, offering compelling experiences without Bangkok’s crowds.
Planning your visit: Tips from an expert
Helen Wheat, Thailand Destination Expert at Travelbag, offers practical advice:
Timing matters. Arrive early for more variety and easier navigation, or come later for that electric atmosphere markets are famous for. Either way, come hungry.
Bring cash. Many vendors operate cash-only. You’ll have more options and better negotiating power with baht in hand. Keep negotiations friendly with reasonable offers.
Stay aware. Thailand’s night markets are generally safe, but basic precautions apply in crowds. Avoid carrying large sums or easily accessible valuables.
Plan your route. In massive markets like Chatuchak and Jodds Fairs, identify must-see sections beforehand—whether vintage clothing, ceramics, or specific food stalls—to avoid aimless wandering.
This recognition from Travelbag reinforces what expats and travellers already know: Thailand’s night markets offer something special. The combination of authentic local culture, exceptional food, reasonable prices, and that intangible energy makes them more than shopping destinations—they’re experiences that define a trip to Thailand.
For Thailand’s tourism sector, this international recognition matters. Night markets represent accessible, authentic Thai culture that doesn’t require expensive tours or luxury budgets, just curiosity and an appetite. With three markets in the global top 10 and the #1 spot secured, Thailand’s night market dominance looks set to continue throughout 2026 and beyond.
Related article:
• Bangkok dominates World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 with three hotels in top 10
• Famous street markets you should visit in Thailand
• New night market on the block: Jodds Fairs Ratchada
Source:
• Travelbag – The Top Destinations for Night Markets 2026
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