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Image: Pierre Metivier (Flickr)
CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the most famous and largest market to be found in Bangkok, even in all of Thailand! There are those who believe that this mega-market even belongs to one of the largest markets in the world! Chatuchak Weekend Market’s nickname isn’t “the mother of all markets” for nothing, either. You’ll find some 15,000 stalls, stores and booths spread over more than twenty-five sections. You can literally shop until you drop. Fortunately, the market is surrounded by three parks where you can unwind after all that shopping. Our tip, get some treats and enjoy the greenery in similarly named adjacent Chatuchak Park.
PLEASE NOTE!
Unfortunately, pickpockets and purse thieves are regularly active at this market. So keep an extra close eye on your valuables!
Image: Changping Wang (Flickr)
Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market early
Of course, the world’s largest market is often extremely busy. A number of 200,000 visitors a day there are no longer any market vendors looking up to it! So prepare mentally for the hustle and bustle and take some time in between to relax in nearby Chatuchak Park or pamper your feet with a nice foot massage. Also drink enough fluids because of the Thai heat. Our advice is to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market on Saturday as early as possible. From noon it gets very busy here.
TIP!
Bought too much to carry along on a trip? Then use the local DHL. There are possibilities to ship packages at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, but it is often a bit more expensive than if you go to the post office yourself. The cheapest way is to ship your package by sea, but you will need to be patient. On average it takes 3 months before you receive your parcel. Please check in advance on the site of your countries customs which rules apply to your product(s). We also advise you to visit this market on your way back from your trip through Thailand. This way you do not have to constantly carry your purchased souvenirs home with you.
Image: Morgan Kao (Flickr)
What’s for sale at the Chatuchak Market?
At the Chatuchak Weekend Market you can buy everything! For example clothing, pets (yes really), household appliances, souvenirs, jewelry, plants, flowers, antiques, art, music and much more! You can’t think of it that crazy or you’ll find it here. Besides herbs and spices to make your own Thai curry at home, you can find a lot of street food here. So enjoy lunch and/or dinner during your visit to the mother of all markets!
SAVE CASH
In Thailand it is normal to haggle, make a game or even a sport out of it, but most of all keep it fun for both parties! Do not haggle if you are not serious about your purchase. This causes a lot of irritation among market vendors. Keep it sanuk (with joy)!
Image: Changping Wang (Flickr)
Eating at the Chatuchak Weekend Market
As said about food, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is food paradise! Of course you will find dishes and snacks from the various Thai regions such as the Isaan but also the international cuisine such as the Spanish, Indian, Italian, Japanese and American cuisine is well represented here.
Image: Jeerasak Kumwong (Flickr)
Chatuchak Weekend Market sections and floor plan
Sections: 2-6 and 10-26 = Clothing and accessories
Sections: 2-6, 22, 25 and 26 = Vintage and second-hand clothing
Sections: 8,9,11 and 13 = Pets and accessories
Sections: 3 and 4 = Plants, flowers and garden tools
Sections: 1 and 27 = Books (also second-hand)
Section: 7 = Art
Sections: 1 and 26 = Antiques and collections
Sections: 8-11 = Craft products
Sections: 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 25 = Ceramics
Sections: 1, 3, 4, 7 and 8 = Furniture and household goods
Sections: 2-4, 23, 24, 26 and 27 = Foodstuffs
Image: Shop JJ
Chatuchak Weekend Market information
Alternative name: Jatujak Weekend Market / JJ Weekend Market
Open: Saturday and Sunday from 06:00 – 18:00
Entrance: Free
Addres: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd
District: Chatuchak
Route BTS (Sky Train): Mo Chit + 6 minutes walk
Route MRT (Metro): Chatuchak + 6 minutes walk
Video: My Destiny (YouTube)
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