Which fruit, which season
| Fruit | Indicative season | Price per kilo (indicative) | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mango (nam dok mai) | March to June | 50 to 100 THB | The queen of the hot season; eat ripe with sticky rice |
| Durian | April to August (all year in the city) | 80 to 120 THB a kilo at some markets | Strong smell; creamy, sweet taste |
| Mangosteen | Rainy season | 40 to 60 THB | Soft white flesh; very expensive out of season |
| Rambutan | Rainy season | 30 to 60 THB | Peeled by hand, lychee-like taste |
Seasons vary by region and year: ask the seller what is ripe today.
Where to buy
- Morning markets: best fruit and lowest prices; try Or Tor Kor market for a clean, easy-to-reach setting.
- Supermarkets: higher prices, but a safe choice for a first try.
- Night markets and tourist areas: often two to three times more expensive.
- Vacuum-packed durian: some guides advise against convenience-store trays; prefer a seller who opens it in front of you.
Durian: what to know
Many hotels ban durian in rooms because of the smell; eat it on the spot, at the market. Do not mix it with alcohol. If you do not like it, you will only have paid a few dozen baht.
Mango and sticky rice
The most famous fruit dessert is mango with coconut sticky rice, sold on the street and in malls; see our Thai desserts in Bangkok and street food in Bangkok.
Hygiene
Choose fruit you peel, wash anything you cut yourself with bottled water (see tap water in Bangkok), and avoid crushed ice at small stalls.
