Or Tor Kor Market

Or Tor Kor is run by the Marketing Organisation for Farmers, a government body, and it sells produce from members at a standard well above ordinary Thai markets - fruit graded and boxed individually, durians of named varieties with their weight and origin labelled, mangoes sold as gift sets, premium rice, dried fish, herbs and spices, and a large cooked-food section of curry, grilled meat, noodles and sweets. Prices are correspondingly high; this is where Bangkok buys fruit as a gift rather than as groceries. It has appeared in international rankings of fresh markets, which brought attention, and it sits directly opposite Chatuchak weekend market with the MRT station between them, so the two are often done together - though Or Tor Kor is open daily and air-conditioned while Chatuchak is a weekend operation and is not. The cooked food section is a reliable and comfortable place to eat.

What you actually see

• The graded fruit - durian, mango and others sold by variety, weight and origin.
• The cooked food section - curry, grilled meat, noodles and sweets, indoors.
• The government operation - run for farmer members rather than as a private market.
• The prices - well above ordinary markets, which is the point.

When to go

Open daily, unlike Chatuchak opposite. November to February for weather; April to July for durian and mango at their peak. One to two hours.

Honest expectations

Expensive - this is a premium market and prices reflect it. It is a shopping market rather than a sight; an hour is enough unless buying. Durian cannot be taken into most hotels or on public transport.

Nearby

Chatuchak weekend market is directly opposite; Chatuchak Park is alongside.