Chang Chui: Bangkok's Plane Night Market

I live near an underrated night market, Chang Chui, otherwise known as the Plane Night Market. Its name comes from the fact that there’s a full-fledged airplane (a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar) smack right in the middle of the market.

In this blog, I’ll share my experiences from visiting Chang Chui multiple times. Aside from the iconic plane centerpiece, Chang Chui stands out from other popular night markets like Jodd Fairs by focusing on being a creative space and a hub for vintage sellers.

How to get to Chang Chui

• Location: Chang Chui is located in the Bang Phlat district of Bangkok, which is across the Chao Phraya river in the west side, where many locals live.
• Public Transport: The nearest MRT station is Sirindhorn (Blue Line), but there are no BTS or MRT stations directly next to the market. From Sirindhorn MRT station, it’s a short taxi ride to the market. Alternatively, you can opt for a Grab or Bolt.
• Driving & Parking: If you're driving, there's a fairly spacious open-air carpark behind Chang Chui. Parking is free.
• Best times to visit: The market comes alive in the evening, so aim to arrive between 6-7 PM to catch it at its most vibrant.

The Plane

I can’t talk about Chang Chui without mentioning the massive refurbished airplane in the middle of the market. It’s the centerpiece of the entire space. Inside the plane is Na-Oh, a fine dining restaurant. I haven’t tried it yet, but from reviews, I’ve heard the food is impressive, proving it’s more than just a gimmick.

Surrounding the plane are stalls selling all sorts of vintage clothes, bonsai plants, and handcrafted knick-knacks. It’s a quirky mix that adds to the charm of the place.

Art Installations & Sculptures

Chang Chui is also celebrated as a creative space. Scattered across the market are container spaces, art installations, sculptures, and unique decor. Here are some highlights:

• Golden King Kong: A golden King Kong sculpture surrounded by vintage clothing vendors.

• Giant Skull: A massive skull installation located on a grassy patch—perfect for photos.

• Graffiti: Cool graffiti pieces, including a quirky cartoon baby, add pops of color.
• Surprises: Once, I wandered into a container and stumbled upon a mini weed festival. Vendors were showcasing their products, and many foreigners were enjoying the vibe. Unexpected, but interesting!

Food

Unlike typical night markets with endless street food stalls, Chang Chui has a mix of small restaurants and cozy eateries. Here are a couple of places I’ve tried:

• Ramen Ajisai: They serve a rich tonkotsu black garlic ramen for 200 THB. While the indoor dining area is small and cramped, I recommend having your meal in the outdoor seating area. We also ordered the fried squid, which was not worth it at all with its small portions.
• Ice Tim: Cute ice cream parlor decorated in bright colors, with 10 different flavors to choose from. They mix up their flavors once in a while.

• Yakiniku Spot: It’s rare to find a proper yakiniku restaurant in Bangkok, as most BBQ options are either buffets or Korean-style. So, I was delighted to discover this gem at Chang Chui.

Photo Spots and Live Band

Chang Chui offers plenty of spots for photography enthusiasts. Some of my favorite photo-worthy spots include:

• Painted Mirrors: Randomly placed mirrors with artistic designs.
• LED Tunnel: A mesmerizing tunnel of LED lights, great for Insta-worthy shots.

The market often features Thai live bands playing throughout the evening, adding to the relaxed and artsy atmosphere.

New Year's Celebration

Six years ago, we celebrated New Year’s Eve at Chang Chui to avoid the massive crowds at Central World and other central locations. It was an intimate and memorable experience, complete with a live band, a countdown, and fireworks. The smaller crowd made it feel cozy and special.

Overall Thoughts

If you’re tired of the usual night markets in central Bangkok, Chang Chui offers a refreshing alternative with its artsy vibe and unique personality. While the lack of street food vendors might disappoint some, the giant sculptures, art installations, and creative atmosphere make it worth a visit.

Add Chang Chui to your Bangkok travel itinerary, and let me know about your experience in the comments below. Have you been there before? Or do you have any questions? I’d love to hear from you!