If you’re into visiting local way-of-life in Thailand, you’ve got to visit markets. It is here where locals gather each morning or afternoon to do their groceries, have a meal, and chit chat to one another. Markets in Thailand are one of the liveliest places to be in, and while you may think that one is probably the same as the next, you’re mistaken. The vendors are not the only ones that make a market interesting. The atmosphere and the crowd are also part of the equation.  

Every city, town, or village in Thailand has a market. The one in Rayong is nearby Wat Lum on Chumphon road. The market opens early morning until late in the afternoon. Wat Lum Fresh Market is open every day. The market sells fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat. Some vendors will sell their produce and foods all day long, while others will either sell in the morning or afternoon.

Readymade food is also available and sold here for those who don’t feel like cooking up a meal later in the day. You will find dishes such as curries, peanuts boiled in a Chinese herb soup, sticky rice with salted pork and shredded pork, and much much more! The market also has vendors selling an assortment of Thai desserts and drinks that will keep your sweet tooth satisfied and your thirst quenched.

While walking around the market surrounded by food, you will undoubtedly get hungry very fast. One of the stalls from which we bought a little something to eat sells Guay Tieow Lod – Wrapped Noodles with stuffing. Although the wrapped noodles are prepared differently at this stall, the outcome is just the same. There are 4 different fillings that you can choose from; bamboo shoot, vermicelli, bean sprout, and Chinese chives. During the vegetarian season, 3 additional fillings are available; cabbage, Chinese cabbage, and green beans. Once cooked, the wrapped noodles are sprinkled with diced fried garlic, and served with a sweet-sour sauce. The stall is open from 2pm until 6pm, or until the stall runs out.

Wat Lum Fresh Market really is food heaven. With so much choice of food to choose from, it will be a while before you actually decide to buy something to eat. At the end of the day, you’ll leave here with something to take home for sure. The vendors are really friendly and generous, so take a walk in this market and open yourself to a bit of local lifestyle and culture. 

Address : humphon Rd., Mueang District, Rayong

GPS : 12.678767, 101.281200

Best Time : Early morning at 9am or midafternoon at 2/3pm.

Highlight : Plenty of food everywhere

Activities : Shop for food and eat local food.

From Sukhumvit Rd., turn into Taksin Maharat Rd. (aka Nakornrayong 64) and drive for 400 meters before turning right into Chumphon Rd. Drive into the temple (Wat Lum) to park your car. The market is just across the street.