A stall with lots of amulets in the amulet market in Bangkok. The seller is helping a customer

AMULET MARKET BANGKOK THAILAND

ByPilar

The Amulet market in Bangkok Thailand is one of those hidden gems in the city that is worth a visit and will get you closer to Thai culture.  It is not tourist attraction but the one of the best places to buy amulets in Bangkok and where the local people go.

I have visited the market several times as I am fascinated by the Thai culture and its spiritual beliefs, and I find the market a fascinating place.

In this guide I am sharing with you some of my photos of one of my visits to this market and all you need to know to prepare yours. One of the times I visited the market I also recorded a video, and I am sharing it with you.

A stall with lots of amulets in the amulet market in Bangkok. The seller is helping a customer

ABOUT THE AMULET MARKET BANGKOK THAILAND

The Amulet market in Bangkok, Kroeung Rang in Thai is a very important part of the Thai culture, as it is a where spirituality, tradition, and commerce meet. The market is a century old, and it offers a wide array of sacred talismans, religious artifacts, or Buddhist amulets to bring protection, luck, and prosperity.

As you enter the market you will encounter all sorts of amulets, from skulls to pregnant women bottled in strange liquids, to Buddhist relics with the picture of some well-known monks in Thailand.

The market is a dream for collectors, and they flock to the place in search for rare and valuable pieces.  Buddhist practitioners come to the market seeking blessings from respected monks and to purchase amulets blessed with charge with merit transfer.

The amulet market is a crossroads of spirituality and commerce, reflecting on Thailand’s rich culture heritage of spirituality and the significance of Buddhism in Thai people daily life.

Thai people use amulets for everything, for protection from accidents, to try to get pregnant or to send good luck to friends and relatives.

Skulls and other figures that are amulets in a stall in the amulet market in Bangkok

A visit to the Amulet Market in Bangkok Thailand is the perfect introduc to Thailand’s spiritual essence.

AMULET MARKET BANGKOK THAILAND VIDEO

Check here the video of one of my visits to the amulet market:

MY EXPERIENCE VISITING THE AMULET MARKET IN BANGKOK

I have visited the Amulet market several times during my countless visits to Bangkok. I find the place fascinating as I am very interested in Buddhism and meditation and many of my visits to Thailand have a spiritual purpose.

Every visit to the market is a enchanting journet into the Thai spiritual soul. As I stroll through the busy alleys in the market and I observe the diversity of amulets and some Buddhist monks waslking around I try to connect energetically with the envrironment and it is usually a very enriching experience.

The are rows of stalls selling  a wide variety of amulets, each believed to possess unique powers. From small trinkets to big sculptures, the variety of amulets is impressive. The vendors are usually very helpful and smiling but many of them do not speak very good English so if you would like to have the full story I would recommend you taking a guided tour to the market.

I have found amulets a couple of times to give to friends or as a memory and it was really fun negotiating the price and finally getting to an agreement.

Two preganina women in a bottle, and two black and golden statues that are amulets in the amulet market in Bangkok

Remember, I would not recommend you buying a Buddha statue, though. It is not allowed to take Buddha statues out of the country.

This is a perfect place to add to your itinerary if you are planning to stay in Bangkok for 4 days.

WHERE IS THE AMULET MARKET LOCATED IN BANGKOK

The amulet market in Bangkok is located near the Wat Mahathat temple in the Phra Nakhon district. This market is known as the “Tha Prachan Amulet Market.

Find here a here a pin with the location:

HOW TO GET TO THE AMULET

From Kao Shan road: The easiest and quickest way to reach the amulet market from Kao Shan road is with a Tuk Tuk. You can either stop a Tuk Tuk on the street as there are many on the area or download the Grab app.

Another quick way to reach the amulet market is by boar. You can walk to the Phra Arthit Pier: From Khao San Road, walk to Phra Arthit Pier. It’s a short walk, and you’ll likely see signs guiding you towards the pier. From there you can take the Chao Phraya Express boat heading South. You will need to get off at the Tha Chan Pier and the amulet is just located a very short walking distance.

If you have time you can walk along the Chao Praya river until the market and I strongly advise it as it is a very nice and local walk and it will bring along such places as the Thammasat university.

From Sukhumvit:

To get to the amulet market from Sukhumvit, you can take either a taxi, a tuk-tuk, or use the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain and then transfer to a boat or taxi. Here’s how you can do it using public transportation:

  1. BTS Skytrain:
    • Head to the nearest BTS station on the Sukhumvit Line.
    • Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station (S6), which is the last station on the Silom Line.
    • Transfer to the Chao Phraya Express Boat at Sathorn Pier. Take the boat heading towards Tha Phra Chan Pier.
    • Disembark at Tha Phra Chan Pier and walk to the amulet market near Wat Mahathat temple.
  2. Taxi or Tuk-Tuk:
    • Hail a taxi or tuk-tuk from Sukhumvit. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in.
    • Provide the driver with the name of the temple, Wat Mahathat, or the Tha Prachan Amulet Market, as it’s a well-known landmark.
    • The journey may take about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING THE AMULET MARKT IN BANGKOK

If you would like stay near the Amulet Market there some nice hotel choices in the area.

Find here my top picks.

Sabai Sabai liveboard: This lovely place is located very close to the market and the Grand Palace. It has barbecue facilities, a communal lounge, and a shared kitchen. Guests can enjoy a patio and a sun terrace. The boat has a bedroom and two bathrooms and stunning river vistas. The perfect place for your stay close to this off the beaten path landmark in Bangkok.

Baan Wanglang Riverside:

Baan Wanglang Riverside is located50 meters away from Wang Lang Pier and has beautiful rooms with private balcony and complimentary WiFi. 

AMULET MARKET BANGKOK THAILAND FAQs

WHERE TO BUY AMULETS IN BANGKOK?

  1. Amulet Markets: The most popular market is the one we are talking about in this post, the Tha Prachan Amulet Market. You can also buy amulets in the the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, or the Warorot Market in Chinatown.
  • Temples: Many temples in Bangkok, especially those with significant historical or cultural importance, have shops or vendors selling amulets on their premises. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Pho are examples of temples where you can find amulets.
  • Specialty Shops: Look for specialty shops or stores that specifically deal with Buddhist artifacts and religious items. These shops are often scattered throughout the city and can be found in areas with a high concentration of temples.
  • Street Vendors: Keep an eye out for street vendors selling amulets, especially around tourist areas or near temples. However, exercise caution and ensure the authenticity of the amulets before making a purchase.
  • Antique Shops: Some antique shops in Bangkok also carry amulets, including both contemporary and vintage pieces. These shops might offer a wider range of options but be prepared to potentially pay higher prices for rare or valuable amulets.

When purchasing amulets, it’s essential to be cautious about counterfeit items. If possible, buy from reputable sellers, verify the authenticity of the amulets, and consider seeking guidance from experts or knowledgeable locals to ensure you’re making a genuine purchase.

WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 THAI AMULETS?

  1. Somdej Toh Wat Rakang Amulet: Created by Somdej Phra Buddhachan Toh Phomarangsi, a highly revered monk, these amulets are considered to possess powerful protective qualities and bring good fortune.
  2. Phra Luang Phor Thuad Amulet: This amulet features Luang Phor Thuad, a legendary monk known for his miraculous powers. It is believed to offer protection, good luck, and success in various aspects of life.
  3. Nang Kwak Amulet: Depicting a woman in traditional Thai attire beckoning with her hand, Nang Kwak is associated with prosperity, wealth, and business success. Many believe that carrying or displaying this amulet can attract customers and bring financial blessings.
  4. Phra Pidta Amulet: Phra Pidta, meaning “closed eyes Buddha,” is depicted with closed eyes symbolizing deep meditation and spiritual insight. It is believed to provide protection against harm, danger, and evil spirits.
  5. Phra Somdej Wat Rakang Amulet: Another variation of the Somdej amulet, those from Wat Rakang are highly revered due to their association with the temple’s history and the blessings of its abbots. They are sought after for their protective and auspicious properties.

WHAT IS THE POWER OF THE PIDTA AMULET?

The Pidta amulet is believed to offer protection against harm, danger, and evil spirits.

WHAT IS TANGKAI IN THAILAND?

In Thailand, “Tangkai” (also spelled “Tangkay” or “Tangka”) refers to a traditional form of Buddhist artwork, particularly in the southern region of the country. Tangkai paintings are typically intricate and colorful depictions of Buddhist deities, scenes from Buddhist scriptures, or religious motifs.

FINAL THOUGHTS: AMULET MARKET BANGKOK THAILAND

If you are looking for a true immersion into the spiritual soul of the Thai culture the amulet market is the place for you.

As it is very close to the famous Wat Pho temple you can combine a visit to a temple with a visit to the market.

If you are looking for presents to your family and friend you might also consider a visit to this hidden gem in Bangkok.

MORE BANGKOK AND THAILAND GUIDES

I have been several in Bangkok and have spent in total months there during several stays in the city arriving from Europe or just on the way to other several destination in Thailand. Check here some more Bangkok guides;

And it is not only about Bangkok but Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world that I have travel extensively and I know quiet well. Check here some of the guides:

Pilar
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