Located near the temple of Wat Samien Nari on Prachachuen 1 Road, Bon Marche opened its doors to the public as a shopping venue in 1999.

Once utilized as a driving range, the 17-rai (hectare) plot was converted into an area for growing organic vegetables until the 1997 economic crisis led to its latest role.

Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, the late elder sister of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, came up with the idea of assisting those people who had lost their jobs as a result of the 1997 economic and financial crisis. The idea was that through the trading of foodstuffs, the market could provide employment opportunities for people in need, including the elderly.

While bon marche is usually used in French to describe a “bargain”, this does not really apply to the market Bon Marche, so the literal translation of “good market” is more likely the inspiration behind the choice of name.

The market has become extremely versatile over the years with roofed areas and additional buildings being added along the way. Bon Marche is made up of seven zones: a Bon Food Court Zone; Bon Jewelry Zone, Bon Market Zone; Bon Parking Zone; Bon Plaza Zone; Bon Restaurant Zone; and a Bon Service Zone.

The midsummer heat is slightly offset by the large pond and fountains located at the center of the site.

If seeking out new attire, head for the plaza’s first and second floors. Both Orn-in and Boraan offer exotic lines of clothing, as well as beautiful fabric imported from Nepal.

Opposite, Anne’s offers trendy, designer clothes for people of all shapes and sizes. A Thai silk store called Uncharn Thai offers flamboyant silks in a huge range of colors. As well as selling fabric, the store can tailor silk from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai into your desired designs for daywear or eveningwear.

A store called Pannee near the car park on the second floor specializes in elegant and sexy lingerie.

Inside out
A store called Merry Life focuses on home decoration, and sells items such as lamps, vases, and tableware.

Thai Baan Jam specializes in items produced in Kalasin province. Some shoppers might be tempted to purchase some flashy napkins or placemats, while others might be enticed by the duvets and sheets in the store’s cotton collection. If you have an interest in art, you can even get some lessons from Silpa Lai Sen to help you produce your own artistic masterpiece.

Pamorn Rungroj operates a music store on the first floor, which specializes in traditional musical instruments, such as the Ranad (Thai gamelan), Sor Duang (Two-stringed fiddle), Jakae (Thai zither). These instruments are widely used within classical Thai ensembles. The store also stocks Thai music CDs.

If this still doesn’t satisfy your interest in Thai music, you could always head for the third floor of Bon Plaza, where Nat Karn Dontree offers classes in Ranad. The same outlet offers English and art courses.

Several other outlets are located behind Bon Marche’s car park, including a place offering fortune telling, including palm and tarot readings.

The Bon Service Zone includes several stores, such as the Phufa store, which distributes products manufactured by villagers under the Occupation Promotion Project initiated by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon.

A new outlet called the Ivory Room may inspire you to improve your home, with its range of Oriental-style antiques, bedding, and furniture. Its hand-made duvets have even received a design award from Elle Décor magazine.