Rating: 2.7/5 (7 votes)

Opening days: Daily

Opening hours: Morning to evening; some stalls may open into early night (hours can vary by season and holidays)

 

Nong Cha-om Market in Khok Mai Lai Subdistrict, Mueang Prachinburi, is one of eastern Thailand’s best-known roadside produce hubs. Set by Highway 33 at KM 151, it greets drivers with rows of fruit stalls stacked in colorful pyramids—durian, mangosteen, pomelo, santol, and rambai—inviting a quick pull-over that often turns into a fruitful shopping stop.

 

More than a casual line of vendors, this is a genuine central market: local produce from Prachinburi sits alongside goods sourced from neighboring provinces, keeping the selection lively year-round. Travelers find fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and easy-to-carry souvenirs—from crispy durian chips to jars of local fruit jam—making it a reliable place to stock up before continuing the journey.

 

One signature highlight is Prachinburi’s celebrated Dendrocalamus bamboo shoots. Renowned for plump texture and natural sweetness, they feature in everyday home cooking—spicy bamboo curry, clear soups, and pickled bamboo to enjoy later. At Nong Cha-om, fresh bamboo shoots are typically available through most of the year, reflecting the province’s rich soils and farming know-how.

 

Arriving in the morning rewards you with cooler air and the freshest selection; by late morning to afternoon, you’ll share the aisles with road-trippers pausing to taste before buying. Toward evening, market lights flicker on and some stalls stay open later, creating that distinctive roadside glow. Vendors are friendly—don’t be surprised if they offer a slice of fruit for you to try, or share tips on how to keep pomelos juicy or choose mangosteens with still-green stems.

 

Beyond fresh fruit, you’ll find a sweep of local souvenirs and preserved goods: crispy durian and jackfruit chips, fruit jam, and candied or brined fruit that travel well. You may also spot handicrafts—brooms, bamboo items, and simple woven goods—quiet reminders of local craft traditions still woven into daily life.

 

How to get there: From Bangkok, head to Nakhon Nayok city and continue along Highway 33 toward Prachinburi. Drive roughly 14 km from Nakhon Nayok’s main junction; at the KM 151 marker, the market appears on your right-hand side. You’ll need to make a U-turn to enter. Parking is typically available along the market stretch—just keep to the shoulder and watch for passing traffic, especially on busy holiday weekends.

 

Buying tips: Bring a reusable bag or box for delicate fruits; cash is still handy although some stalls accept transfers. Light bargaining is fine when buying in quantity, but stay courteous. If you’re driving a long distance afterward, consider sturdier choices (e.g., chips, candied fruit) or ask stalls to pack fresh fruit for travel. For bamboo shoots, choose plump, heavy spears with fresh-looking skin; for mangosteen, look for green stems and shells that press slightly; for durian, a gentle hollow sound when tapped is a good sign.

 

More than a roadside pause, Nong Cha-om supports the local economy—giving farmers a steady venue and travelers a dependable source of seasonal produce. It’s the kind of stop where a few smiles, a quick tasting, and a bag of something fragrant can quietly brighten the journey.

 

 

Yes. Stalls generally operate from morning to evening, with some staying open later. Exact hours may vary by season and holidays.

 

Seasonal fruits (durian, mangosteen, pomelo, santol, rambai) and Prachinburi’s renowned bamboo shoots. For souvenirs, durian chips, jackfruit chips, candied fruit, and local fruit jam travel well.

 

Drive to Nakhon Nayok city and continue on Highway 33 toward Prachinburi. At KM 151, the market is on the right-hand side; make a U-turn to enter. Parking is available along the market stretch.

 

Yes—use routes passing Highway 33 (Nakhon Nayok–Prachinburi). Get off near the market and walk/cross via safe points as available. Driving remains the most convenient option.

 

Morning for the freshest selection and cooler weather; late afternoon to early night for the market’s lit-up roadside vibe. On holidays, arrive earlier for easier parking.

 

Ask stalls to cushion delicate fruits and separate ripe from unripe. Consider preserved items (chips, candied fruit) if you’ll be on the road for many hours.