CHATUCHAK MARKET

Chatuchak Market, known as the world's largest weekend market, is home to approximately 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing to jewelry, shoes, accessories, arts, antiques, along with plants and pets. After a day of shopping, guests can satiate themselves with food and beverages at one of the area's restaurants or ease their weary muscles with a relaxing Thai massage.

One of Asia’s largest markets will make you shop till you drop, literally! Chatuchak market in Bangkok is not only a shopaholic’s dream destination but also a delightful feast for your senses. With more than 15,000 stalls spread across 27 sections, the market sprawls across 36 acres. It is less wonder that this massive market attracts more than 200,000 visitors during weekends.

If you're planning to visit this market in your Thailand trip, you can choose to browse through or make a pick from the merchandise galore-from apparels, footwear, trinkets to home accessories, plants, ceramics etc – you name it, and you will find it! If shopping is not on your mind you can pick among the numerous food stalls and indulge in authentic Thai dishes, beverages and desserts etc.

With its flavours, colours and aromas, Chatuchak Weekend Market is bound to leave you satiated! What is more, the market provides a wide platform for you to get the best bargain for some of the best products in town. So, while you are holidaying in Bangkok, head to Kamphaeng in the north side of the city, where the market is usually put up on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays!

Here is a quick guide for you to make the best of Chatuchak market!

Highlights

• Visit the pulsating heart of Bangkok's shopping and dining scene, Chatuchak Market, for an unforgettable shopping and dining experience.
• Shop for everything from antiques and art to second-hand books and lovely handicrafts at incredibly low costs at this one-of-a-kind flea market.
• Traverse through the world's largest weekend market, featuring more than 15,000 stalls and getting an average of 2,000,00 visitors per weekend.
• Treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage to recharge your batteries after a long day of shopping.
• Shop for kittens and puppies in Sections 13 and 15 of the market and look for some adorable pet clothing, accessories, and food.
• Relish authentic Thai recipes at Toh-Plue Restaurant, a variety of dishes at Foon Talop, and enjoy live music at Viva's Café.
• Explore the outer ring of the market to find a wide variety of plants, flowers, and tools for the garden from local farmers.

How To Reach

The best way to reach Chatuchak market is through underground metro or Skytrain.

- Skytrain (BTS):

Mo Chit Station, Exit #1

- Subway (MRT):

Chatuchak Park Station, Exit #1

However, there are alternative routes to reaching Chatuchak market. You can hire a taxi to Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, which is the location of Chatuchak market.

Best Time To Visit

To make your experience at Chatuchak a truly exhilarating experience, you need to make sure that the sultry weather of Thailand does not play spoilsport. ideally, the best season to go shopping in a massive market like Chatuchak would be during the cool months from November to January.

The market is open on Fridays(evenings), Saturdays and Sundays. The best time to visit Chatuchak market is in the mornings, when it opens. It is also the time you can get the best bargains as most shopkeepers believe in their first sales of the day to bring them good luck!

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Other Essential Information

- Location:

587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900

- Timing:

Friday – 6:00 pm – upto midnight; Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

What to Buy at Chatuchak Market

What would catch your eye? What would be your choicest pick? Or better, what would be the priciest in Chatuchak that you would not mind spending on? Home décor, books, accessories, footwear…the list of stalls in the market is endless! So, arm yourself with some astute bargaining skills(mind you, Thailand’s biggest market is known for its best rate!, Even then if you want to haggle, there is no stopping you!) and plunge into the ocean of Chatuchak to make your pick from:

1. Home décor -

Lamps, show pieces, artefacts and others of the like to add some artsy flavour to your home, this section of the weekend market is the place to be. Being a platform for local artisans, you will find a wide range of handcrafted items. You will not miss out the finesses of the factory-made items, either! 

2. Clothing and accessories -

Trendy or traditional, the clothing and accessories section will spoil you for choice 

3. Bags and pouches -

The market’s bags’ section is a must visit for you will find bags that bag all the attention, with their unique tribal style, delivering a different fashion statement altogether!

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4. Phone cases -

Snazzy sober or psychedelic, you will find phone cases of all sizes, and designs that will be a perfect fit for your mobile phone 

5. Soaps -

Home-made soaps of varied shapes and fragrances will woo you for sure and make for a great keepsake picked from one of the biggest markets of Asia.

6. Kitchenware -

Give your kitchen an artsy twist with the plentiful crockery and other daily-use items with a creative outlook

7. Miscellaneous -

If you just don’t know what to buy, you will find a reason to spend when you browse through the miscellany of items on display in the market!

With all the buying, haggling and shop-hopping, you will want to fuel yourself with some good Thai dishes. So, head to where you can binge on a palate of flavours!

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Top Restaurants in Chatuchak Market

1. Laem Cha-Reon Seafood -

A family-friendly restaurant, it is popular for its seafood delicacies. The sun-dried squid is the star dish of the restaurant.

2. Vegetarian Cottage -

For those who love to go meat-free, this restaurant in Chatuchak is the ideal choice. You can indulge in the variety fare in the way of different cuisines- Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Continental.

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3. Manna Thai -

Meaty treats is what you can look forward to in this restaurant, where the star dish is Mee crob among the many other delicacies served here!

4. Olive Fusion -

Enjoy a medley of flavours in this fusion restaurant which serves Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. It is the go-to eatery in Chatuchak when you are looking to tuck in for a hearty breakfast or dinner.

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5. Chatuchak café -

Vintage style with a rustic charm, this age-old restaurant in Chatuchak attracts tourists by the hordes for its many signature dishes like the shrimp roe spaghetti. 

Apart from the above, there are the local food stalls where you can try out some of the best local flavours, both savoury and sweet! And, while you refuel to explore more of Chatuchak market you cannot afford to miss out some of the attractions around the Chatuchak region.

Travelers' Tip for Visiting Chatuchak Market

With 15000 stalls spread across 35 acres, Chatuchak market can run you into a maze of shops and lanes! But worry not, here are a few tips for every traveller to navigate smoothly through the market!

- Guides and maps:

There are exclusive maps available for Chatuchak market. You could download them online or procure it from the many information kiosks just outside the market.

- Landmarks in Chatuchak:

In case you lose your way, the Clock tower in the centre of Chatuchak will be the best landmark to find your way back.

- Bargains and best buys:

Chatuchak market gives buyers the best platform to strike the best bargain! You can easily drop the prices 30% to 50% of what the vendors quote.

And when it comes to haggling with the local vendors, knowing the local dialect, especially for “how much it costs”, “What is the best price you can give me?” and so on, add value to your bargaining tactics! And, for the best buys and offers, you need to time it right to visit the market.

It's important to keep Thailand’s weather in mind, as you will not want to venture into Chatuchak on a sultry afternoon and end up sweating out, without even exploring one-half of the market!

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