Bangkok is a paradise for those who love markets; you can spend days browsing the stalls, inhaling the oriental fragrances and admiring the colourful wares. If all this browsing makes you hungry, stop by one of the many food stalls that prepare fresh fruit, fish or meat. The markets sell a great variety of wares: plan ahead to choose which markets you would like to visit.
Some of the markets in Bangkok specialise in certain products. For example, the streets around the palace on the east side of the Chao Praya River are home to the amulet market. The rugs on the pavement are packed with religious pendants made from wood, bronze or clay - some even include a hair from a famous monk or sand from a holy temple. Buddhists believe that these amulets will grant protection against traffic accidents and evil. Most taxi drivers will display one of these amulets in their vehicle.