Klong Toey Market, Bangkok

Khlong Toey Market is the largest market of its kind in Bangkok and being situated in one of the poorest areas of Bangkok near to the port, it is also one of the cheapest. The market sells mainly meat, fish, seafood, vegetables and and fruit and caters to both the local population as well as restauranteurs and professional cooks. Many of the products on the food stalls around Bangkok originate from here. A true Thai market, it is rare to see a European face there.

Although a fascinating market, some parts are not for the squeamish. A number of rather exotic foodstuffs such as frogs, both live and skinned as well as those great North Eastern Thailand delicacies fried locusts, crickets and waterbugs are much in evidence. Live chickens are kept in cages in one area and are slaughtered to order. In other parts live catfish, eels and other types of fish slither around next to crabs with blinking eyes and flapping prawns, while on the next stall a butcher carves up a whole pig.

The vegetables and fruit stalls carry a huge variety of very fresh and attractive goods. The bright greens, reds and yellows are just some of the colours that catch the eye. Spice stalls with bright green, red and yellow Thai curries also provide a pleasing sight. Wherever there are people in Thailand, there a food vendors and Klong Toey market is no exception. Pre-prepared curry stalls vie with fresh stir fries and pancake makers to ensure people have sufficient nourishment in their stomachs.

The market is extremely busy both with customers and porters. The porters, both male and female, scurry around the place either ferrying fresh supplies from the trucks to the stalls or transporting customers purchases. It is a hive of activity and periodically, the water truck, accompanied by a possee of people with brooms, appears to hose away the debris. The smells, sounds and sights will all stick in the memory.