Chatuchak Weekend Market: Bangkok’s Shopping Paradise!
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is considered to be the ultimate shopping paradise in Bangkok. Due to its imposing size, it even calls itself the world’s largest weekend market, and a visit is definitely one of the best things to do in Bangkok. The offer of this approximately 1.13 square kilometer large market seems to be almost unlimited, and so everyone will find something interesting here. More than 10,000 shops and stalls are lined up in the streets, and every weekend around 200,000 to 300,000 people come to enjoy this shopping mecca. There is almost nothing that does not exist here. Starting with hip clothes and jewelry, beautiful paintings, interesting antiques, Thai handicrafts, food, art by local artists, plants, furniture, delicious restaurants, good cafés to the popular souvenirs.
This guide is all about the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. You will find a map for orientation, useful information and tips about opening hours, getting there and what to buy at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Good to know!
The best time for visiting the Chatuchak Weekend Market is from 9:00 in the morning. Then there are still few visitors, and you can look around and orient yourself in peace.
Take some water with you because although the Chatuchak is mostly covered, it has a huge heat from noon on. Comfortable shoes are also an advantage.
Bargaining and haggling is a must when visiting the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With some skill, you can definitely get some interesting bargains.
Cash is king! Take enough cash with you because hardly any shops accept credit cards or debit cards.
If you have had enough of the hustle and bustle, the best way to relax is to take a break in the adjacent green Chatuchak Park.
Chatuchak Weekend Market Experience
The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is a real experience and definitely one of the coolest places to visit in the Thai capital. With a seemingly endless selection of products in a huge maze of more than 10,000 shops and stalls, the market is considered to be one of the largest markets in the world. However, most stalls and stores are open only on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors are overwhelmed by the huge range of goods and affordable prices. Fascinating is also the great selection of clothes and the many small designer stores, which are particularly creative, selling their own products. Also, if you love secondhand clothes, this market is the right place for you. Here you can find vintage branded handbags, jerseys, branded jeans and newly refurbished shoes.
Highly recommended is a shopping tour to the antiques section and the area where local designers exhibit their furniture. Rarities and unique pieces can be found here. Another highlight is the ceramics section, which is also not to be missed. Between the areas you will always find small stands for cool drinks and small snacks, which makes the shopping experience really pleasant. For the hunger in between, there are some nice restaurants and food stalls in the area. Those who are exhausted because of a long shopping tour, can recover their feet by getting a Thai massage directly inside the market.
Shopping Guide
The market is divided into 27 sections. A map in front of the narrow streets will show you where you are right now. Either you can stroll through the market and explore alley for alley, or you follow the map and visit the locations of your choice.
- Section 1: Here you will find amulets, books, collectibles, some grocery stores and cafés.
- Section 2 to 4: In these departments are beautiful furniture, paintings and ceramics, facilities and collectibles.
- Section 5 to 6: clothes, hip designer clothes and second-hand goods. Also, beautiful fashion jewelry, watches and cool accessories are offered.
- Section 7 to 9: In this section, antique lovers will certainly find something. It also offers arts and crafts, furniture and ceramics.
- Section 10 to 24: Clothing, general consumer goods, household appliances and pets
- Section 17 to 19: ceramics and food
- Section 22 to 26: furniture, antiques and handcrafts
- Section 27-28: Books and Collectibles, Food
- Section 29: Antiques
- Section 30: Clothing & Miscellaneous
With an overwhelming selection of sections and stalls, you could get lost quickly. With this map, you can check out the location in advance and decide which sections might be interesting and where to go. Also, a map can be found at the main entrance to the market. Recommended is also using Google Maps inside the market.
How to get to Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Market is located in the north-eastern part of Bangkok, more precisely in the Chatuchak district, and it is well-connected to the public transport system. Getting to Chatuchak is quite easy. To get there, take either the Skytrain or the Metro. The nearest BTS Station is Mo Chit or the MRT Station Chatuchak Park.
Of course, you can also easily take a taxi to the entrance of Chatuchak, which are really cheap in Bangkok.
Chatuchak Opening Hours
As previously mentioned, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is not a night market but a weekend market which takes place only during daytime. Parts of the market also open during weekdays, but most stands are open only on Saturdays and Sundays. That’s why it’s highly recommended to plan a visit on the weekend.
The opening hours of Chatuchak Weekend Market are 09:00 am – 6:00 pm. The best time to go and to avoid the crowds is morning time before lunchtime. In addition, there is a night market every Friday, the Chatuchak night market. It starts usually from 18:00 to 24:00.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
The choice of amazing places for where to stay in Bangkok is huge! If you are still looking for a suitable place to stay, we can give you a few tips along the way…It’s worth a look!
- Hotel with Skybar: The Amara Bangkok Hotel is a 4-star hotel that spoils its guests with a fantastic infinity pool and one of the coolest sky bars in Bangkok!
- Cheap Hostel: The Tamni Hostel is a cool choice for backpackers. Thanks to the proximity to the subway, the Chatuchak weekend market is also very easy to reach!
- Luxury with Infinity Pool: The Avani + Riverside Bangkok Hotel inspires with a rooftop bar, a beautiful pool and a wonderful location directly on the river!
Conclusion: The Chatuchak weekend market is definitely worth it. Especially the size and variety of the goods offered there make the market a real highlight in Bangkok! If you spend the weekend in Bangkok, then you should definately plan a visit there.
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What to do in Chinatown Bangkok: A Travel Guide
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10 Rooftop Bars in Bangkok: The Most Amazing Skybars
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Bangkok Shopping: 10 Best Shopping Malls in Bangkok
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Top 10 Night Markets in Bangkok!
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