100+ tips for Visiting Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market | Thailand Travels
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The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the world’s largest open-air market. A fact that means that the Chatuchak Market has to be on your travel itinerary if you are even remotely interested in shopping (or window shopping) and eating.
But even if you aren’t interested in the above, Bangkok’s Chatuchak is still a bucket list destination I still set aside time for.
If nothing else, it’s a great experience. And a chance to purchase some really cheap, last-minute souvenirs on the fly!
BONUS: Chatuchak Cheatsheet
If you’re running short of time, feel free to download my FREE 5-page cheat sheet on everything Chatuchak below!
Fun Facts about the Chatuchak Market
Knowledge is power, so let’s start with some fun facts about Bangkok’s most famous weekend market.
1. “Chatuchak” is otherwise known as JJ Market, Jatujak or “จตุจักร”.
You will sometimes see signs around the weekend market referring to Jatujak
2. The original Chatuchak Market was located in Sanam Luang and was relocated 4 times prior to its current site.
Current address:
สวนจตุจักร Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
3. Chatuchak is the world’s largest open-air market.
4. The Chatuchak is spread over 27 acres (the equivalent of over 26 football fields) and has over 15,000 stalls and 11,505 vendors.
5. The Chatuchak is strictly a weekend market, with some exceptions.
If you’re still in the early stages of planning your Bangkok travel itinerary, avoid disappointment by making sure that your travel dates fall on a weekend.
The famous Chatuchak Weekend Market that you have heard all about operates only over the weekend, although certain portions of it are open throughout the week.
The Chatuchak Market opening hours are:
Wednesdays & Thursdays (Plant Section only): 7 am – 6 pm Fridays (Wholesale only): 6 pm to midnight Saturdays & Sundays (Whole Market): 9 am – 6 pm |
6. Every weekend, expect around 200,000 visitors to descend upon Chatuchak.
7. 30% of Chatuchak Bangkok’s weekend visitors are foreigners whereas 70% are locals, which makes it a true locals’ market!
Don’t believe me? I have it straight from the horse’s mouth on the Chatuchak website.
8. Toilets are available at Chatuchak.
Oh joy, there are toilet facilities available in Chatuchak! As for the cleanliness…
When is the best time to visit the Chatuchak Market?
9. DON’T make Chatuchak Weekend Market your first shopping stop in your Bangkok itinerary
First, visit at least one other floating market, night market, or weekend market in Bangkok. Think of it as a reconnaissance.
These early trips will give you a feel for the kind of things that are being sold, the style of clothes that you want and anything else you didn’t know you wanted, that you can get in Chatuchak.
With that done, you can head into Chatuchak with some idea of the price point to start bargaining from.
10. Visit the Chatuchak Market on a Friday evening for better weather.
TGIF!
If possible, visit the Chatuchak Friday Night Market when it starts at 6 pm every Friday evening until midnight. Southeast Asian heat is not a joke. Couple that with humidity, and it’s going to be an intense and sticky experience.
So why not head over to the Chatuchak Weekend Market when it’s a lot cooler in the evening at 6 pm? It’s the only time that the Chatuchak Market will be open so late into the evening.
11. Wholesale shopping on Fridays at Chatuchak offers the best bargain.
If better weather didn’t entice you, maybe a better bargain will.
Fridays at Chatuchak are for wholesale purchases. While you will need to get 3 or more items, you also get exceptional discounts on clothes.
12. Be the first at Chatuchak Market on the weekends
If you can’t make it to Chatuchak on a Friday, that’s ok. You can still hop over on either a Saturday or Sunday.
If possible, make Chatuchak Market your first stop of the day. Many stall keepers believe that the first sale of the day brings good luck. They might even take the money that you give them and brush it over their goods.
What that means for you is that you might get a much better discount if you’re an early bird because the owners are eager for a quick sale!
13. Not all shops will open promptly at 9 am.
The official hour might be 9 am, but not all shops adhere to that!
14. Shops close promptly at 6 pm.
While some shops will continue to remain open after the stated 6 pm, the majority of shops will be closing up for the day at around 5.30 pm.
If it ends at 6 pm, assume that that is when your shopping will end too.
How do I get to Chatuchak Market?
15. Chatuchak is easily accessible via public transport.
The Chatuchak Market is located north of central Bangkok but is well serviced by two public transport: the BTS (Skytrain / overhead train) and the MRT (metro/underground)
For the BTS (Skytrain)
- Arrive at Mo Chit Station, which is the last station on the northern line.
- Take Exit No.1 and walk east towards the park on your right
- Follow the crowd for 15 minutes until you see a long curved road full of vendors selling clothes. You will begin to see signs for the Chatuchak Market.
- Turn right into that road, continue following the crowd until you see an entrance leading to the clothing section of Chatuchak.
For the MRT (Metro)
There are 2 options if you opt for the MRT
- Arrive at Chatuchak Park station, take Exit 1 & follow the crowd; or
- Arrive at Kamphaeng Phet & take Exit 1 – this leads you straight to the plant & flower section. This is a 10 minutes walk.
16. Purchase a BTS Skytrain Rabbit card if you are using the Skytrain.
Purchase a BTS Skytrain Rabbit card beforehand so that you can tap in and tap out of the train station without a queue.
I personally would not fancy fighting with 200,000 people for a place in front of the ticket booth and train particularly during peak hours.
A BTS Skytrain Rabbit card will definitely save you a lot of time. You can even pick it up upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Siam Center!
17. If you are coming by taxi, make sure you are dropped near the BTS.
We were dropped off near the pet section, and it was crazy trying to find our way to where the main shopping street was!
We went in circles, pass a maze of animals (fuzzy bunnies, snakes, wiggling worms and collared squirrels), furniture, lights and artworks before we made it to our intended destination.
If you want to shop for clothes, the BTS is the easiest landmark to give to your driver.
Don’t make the same mistake we did!
18. Use a metered taxi only!
Tourists have fallen foul of so many scams in Thailand and one of the prime examples concerns the use of taxis.
All Bangkok taxi drivers will know where the Chatuchak Market is, but you must make sure that the taxi you use will charge you by the meter. Do not get in otherwise!
19. The best transport option is to charter a private car.
You can also charter a private car in Bangkok if you want to keep the travelling hassle to an absolute minimum.
We did this and while there was that initial furore of figuring out where the main fashion street was (our mistake), it was definitely the easiest way for us to move around Bangkok.
If possible, a private car is the most recommended mode of transport!
How do I navigate around the Chatuchak Weekend Market?
20. Read this Chatuchak guide first before going.
No, really. Read as many Chatuchak Market guides as you can, even if it’s a quick skim. Including this post.
The post will never truly capture everything that is about Chatuchak, but it can give you a sense of what to expect.
Of course, I’ve endeavoured to make this guide as complete as possible so hopefully, you don’t have to go elsewhere else to dig up more information!
21. Understand how Chatuchak is laid out.
There is an order in the chaos of Chatuchak.
In particular, Chatuchak is spread into different sections that sell particular types of goods:
| SECTION | TYPE OF PRODUCT |
| 1 | Amulets, books, collectables, food shops, cafes |
| 2 – 4 | Collectables, home decor, paintings |
| 5 – 6 | Clothes, adornments, miscellaneous products |
| 7 – 9 | Antiques, furniture, ceramics, handicrafts |
| 10 – 24 | Clothes, consumer products, adornments, household appliances, pets |
| 17 – 19 | Ceramics, fresh and dry food |
| 22 – 26 | Antiques, furniture, handicrafts |
| 27 | Books, food and desserts, collectables |
22. Keep an eye out for the “soi”.
While Chatuchak is divided into sections, each section is still very, very large.
To pinpoint your exact location, keep an eye out for the “soi” signs. These navigational signs will be hanging from above, so you will know exactly where you are at all times.
23. Download & print this Chatuchak Weekend Market map.
Click here to get a free 4-page printable summary of everything you need to know about visiting the Chatuchak Market, a bucket list of items to bring and eat and shop, as well as a map of the entire Chatuchak Market!
I would recommend printing in colour so that it’s easier to refer to it when navigating the sois of the Chatuchak Market.
Notice how the Chatuchak map divides the weekend market into sections and sois? Handy!
24. Obtain free Chatuchak Weekend Market Maps at the information counter.
You will find information counters located around Chatuchak although they never seem enough given its sheer size!
That said, if you do encounter an information centre, make sure you head in to obtain a map of Chatuchak Market Bangkok. It’s free.
25. Download the Chatuchak Guide app onto your phone.
If you’re more environmentally conscious or just want the convenience of a digital reference, download the Chatuchak Guide app onto your mobile.
The Chatuchak Guide app has a shopping planner feature, live map, search function and information on the latest promotions.
26. Come to the Chatuchak Weekend Market with a plan.
With this guide, your Chatuchak maps and mobile app, you should be ready to make a plan.
Even if it’s just where to get off and start in the limited hours you have.
27. Make sure you always have a back-up meeting point.
It’s unlikely that you won’t lose each other at least once in Chatuchak.
Make sure you pre-arrange a meeting point for everyone to gather at if you ever lose each other.
28. The Clock Tower is a great reference and meeting point.
If you’re lacking ideas, use the clock tower at Chatuchak Bangkok as a reference point. It’s quite prominent when viewed from the main clothing shopping street, and an easy landmark to guide you.
29. Make use of the free shuttle buses around the Chatuchak Market.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market has free shuttle buses roaming around. This is a great way to see the majority of the market but it does mean that you will miss out on a lot of the little markets buried in the sois.
Take this if you would like to have a short break from all the walking or just want to get from one place to the other fast!
30. Ask the locals for help
Many of the stall keepers can speak English, even if just passable. At the very least, you will understand each other after many gestures and repetition of common English words.
31. Use Google Translate
Did you know that Google Translate has a “camera” feature?
Just open the app, click on the “camera” feature and point it towards the text you want to have translated. Make sure the original language and the language you want it translated to is correct.
Google Translate will automatically translate foreign words into something you will understand.
Unfortunately, Google Translate isn’t very good when it comes to Thai characters (it’s pretty decent with Japanese words). But at least it’s something!
32. Free Wifi is available at the Chatuchak Market to keep you connected.
The Chatuchak Market does offer free WiFi, but this can get wonky in certain parts of the weekend market.
The connection also breaks a lot closer towards the afternoon when the crowd comes. The more users the WiFi has, the harder it is to connect.
Sad fact of life.
33. Purchase your local Thailand SIM card in advance.
I would strongly advise not relying on the free WiFi but having your own data connection.
The best way is to purchase a local SIM Card in advance.
We pre-booked our SIM cards, picked it up at the Suvarnabhumi Airport immediately after arrival and were instantly connected to the world. It honestly took away so much stress because, with data, you can:
- Call or WhatsApp your friends/family if you ever lose each other;
- Use your Chatuchak Guide app;
- Do a quick review of the shops you see in Chatuchak; and
- Find your way back to your accommodation or next destination. If you’re not careful, it can be hard to find the train stations again!
So honestly, I would save myself the hassle and potential angst by purchasing a local SIM in advance.
What are the best tips for shopping in the Chatuchak Weekend Market?
34. Accept reality: You can’t visit them all.
Chatuchak Market is the one place that might make “shop till you drop” a reality.
The fact is, it’s far too big to properly explore in one day. If you really want to experience and see everything Chatuchak has to offer, you will need to make repeat trips.
That’s unlikely since Bangkok and Thailand, in general, has so many other things to offer. And markets to explore (hello floating markets and train markets!).
So set some realistic expectations. If necessary, maybe even a shopping time limit!
35. Give yourself at least 3 hours at the Chatuchak Market.
Trust me. Those 3 hours will fly by and we barely scratched the surface!
If I could, I would spend at least half a day there. I suppose this is why people always return to Chatuchak!
36. DON’T buy the first thing that you like.
If you don’t have the time to do prior research, then don’t buy from the first shop you visit. Keep a running list of items you want and the prices you get. Chances are that you will see repeats in the stores.
I saw a number of things that were also sold in “local” markets in Hong Kong and South Korea as far back as 2 years ago!
37. Always make a note of the shop that sold that 1 thing you really, really want.
A lot of the things being sold can be found elsewhere, but the Chatuchak Weekend Market also offers quite a lot of unique variety. Items that I found in just one shop and no other! I suppose it’s no surprise, given its sheer size.
To avoid disappointment, make a note or snap a photo of the shop (and soi) every time you find something you really, really want.
38. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes
You will be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes or runners. I would recommend closed-toe because you never know what’s running around.
Certain parts of the weekend market are really wet and dirty, such as the pets section. There was even an alley full of hay being sold!!
39. Bring a hat, umbrella and/or fan?!
It’s a good idea to bring something to shield you from the sun but not an absolute necessity unless you don’t want to get the sun!
40. Bring a pair of shades
Another nice to have, shades can be useful to shield your eyes from the afternoon sun.
Alternatively, just buy them at Chatuchak!
41. “Thao rai”?
“Thao rai” means “how much?” in Thai.
Try to use as much Thai as you can. It decreases the chance of you being ripped off.
42. Store your oversized luggage and bags in the self-service storage lockers near the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
You can find self-service storage lockers near Chatuchak Market, including Exit 2 of Kamphenng Phat MRT station. No excuse to not make that 25 km trip from Suvarnabhumi Airport!
Make use of them if you want a hassle-free shopping adventure.
Locker rental costs start at 20 baht (RM 2.65 / USD 0.65 / EUR 0.59) and the lockers come in different sizes.
43. Bring all the cash you need for shopping.
Chatuchak Market, and Bangkok as a whole, is one place that doesn’t rely heavily on credit card.
Make sure you bring all the cash you need to make your purchases, particularly as some stalls only accept cash.
44. Know the location of the ATMs and foreign-exchange booths in Chatuchak.
If you somehow find yourself without enough cash, you can find ATMs and foreign currency exchange booths at the Chatuchak Park Office. This is located at the northern part of Chatuchak at Soi 1, 2 and 3.
Do note however that ATMs and foreign-exchange booths, in general, are very scarce in Chatuchak, so please don’t bank on this.
45. Certain stalls have fixed prices.
Some shops in Chatuchak have fixed prices for all the items in their shop.
I quite like these shops as the quality of goods tend to be higher, and it’s quite nice knowing that everything you touch is sold at the same price!
The one I visited was selling all of their pants, dresses and tops for 300 baht (RM 39.80 / USD 9.74 / EUR 8.84) each! That’s quite a steal.
46. Unless stated otherwise, always bargain no matter how cheap something might seem!
The above tip is the exception to the golden shopping rule in Thailand: ALWAYS bargain!
No matter how low the starting price is, make sure you bargain when shopping in Chatuchak.
The difference between Chatuchak and the other Bangkok markets is that this is not a place that entertains hard bargaining.
Prices tend to drop only around 10 – 15% even if you buy in bulk. I won’t really expect that much more as the owners know the appeal of Chatuchak.
The only exception, of course, is if the shop sells all their items at a fixed price. I’ve noticed that those owners will refuse any haggling whatsoever.
47. Be ready to walk away.
Unless you’re truly pressed for time, be ready to walk away from a purchase and see if they’ll call you back.
This normally happens really quickly, where the price drops fast. If you’re out the door and they hadn’t called you back, then it’s unlikely that they will offer a better price to you.
48. Buy in bulk when you can.
The more you buy, the higher your bargaining power. You will likely still hit the 15% ceiling, but that’s still some baht saved for your next mango sticky rice!
49. Put your purse and valuables in a zipped bag.
Pickpocketing is rife in the Chatuchak Market.
Keep your eyes on your bags at all times. And as an added precaution, make sure your valuables are always in a zipped compartment.
50. Chatuchak is a safe place for solo female travellers.
I never once felt unsafe or threatened in Chatuchak. This is a bustling place and suitable for anyone, including solo female travellers.
The only danger is that of pickpocketers!
51. Bring large carrier bags with you for shopping.
The stalls in Chatuchak tend to put your shopping in a small plastic bag. Most times, it is a small bag that is filled to the brim, making it hard to carry.
To save the environment and make it easier to haul your goodies, I’d advise bringing your own shopping bags.
52. If the items are too large, use the shipping companies.
Shipping companies can be found on Kamphaeng Phet II Road including DHL to anywhere in the world.
53. Avoid purchasing “illegal items”.
Chatuchak Market is known for being a breeding ground for illicit sales.
While it’s impossible to determine if something is illicit or not, it is generally a good idea to avoid purchasing the following just in case):
- Preserved animals, reptiles and insects
- “Cultural” antiques
- Items made from ivory, crocodile skin, turtle shell, coral and the like
- Images of Buddha from Thailand (although this is not always enforced).
54. Put on plenty of sunscreens.
This sunscreen tip honestly applies to anywhere in Southeast Asia.
If you’re out and about, slather yourself with sunscreen. While a lot of Chatuchak Market is covered, there are plenty of open wide roads with the sun shining down directly on you.
55. Keep yourself well hydrated.
You will definitely become dehydrated after a couple of hours so much sure you have something to drink with you.
Most importantly, make sure it’s COLD.
What can I eat and drink in the Chatuchak Market?
56. Coconut shake
Please, please try the coconut shake.
I got mine for 40 baht (RM 5 / USD 1.30 / EUR 1.18) along the main shopping street and it was divine. One of the best coconut shakes I’ve ever tasted.
It is even comparable to the ones found in Melaka, Malaysia (which is famous for its coconut shakes).
57. ChaTraMue’s famous Thai milk tea
ChaTraMue is a 70+ years tea manufacturer & family brand that is very well-known for its Thai milk tea. You can even buy it home in tin cans or packets.
It was honestly one of the best Thai milk tea around, although there was so much ice in the drink that I did end up feeling a bit cheated.
Maybe you could try ordering your drink with less ice to get more milk tea? 😉
Cost of Thai milk tea: 40 baht
58. Pearl Milk Tea
If you haven’t had boba before, you’re missing out. (Singapore one-upped everybody by hosting an extravagant Bubble Tea Factory Theme Park!)
The Thais have a clear obsession with bubble milk tea given the many, many shops present throughout Bangkok.
59. Mango smoothie
Mango smoothie made from real mango. Not the artificial syrupy kind.
A must-try for all mango lovers!
60. Mango sticky rice (70 baht)
Mango sticky rice tends to be sold in the same shop as the mango smoothies. Other offerings include:
- Coconut or mango ice-cream scoops. 3 scoops for 50 baht
- Fresh mango ice-cream scoops: 70 baht
- Mango sticky rice + ice-cream: 90 baht
- Fresh mango juice: 50 baht
- Fresh mango juice + ice-cream: 70 baht
61. Red Rubies
Address: Section 26, between Soi 1 & 2
Red rubies is a classic Thai dessert.
62. Thai Popsicles (5 baht!)
If you walk along the main shopping street, you will definitely find vendors seated in front of a large cylindrical container filled with many steel tubes. The container is filled with ice, water and salt.
Each steel tube contains a colourful Thai popsicle that goes for a mere 5 baht (RM 0.66 / USD 0.16 / EUR 0.15)!
I don’t think even Malaysia sells any ice-cream that cheap.
Available flavours: Thai milk tea, sprite and Mirinda.
63. Coconana
Coconana is essentially frozen banana coated in chocolate and sprinkles. Delicious but that first bite into the frozen banana will likely be very painful!!
Advice: Take small bites each time until it defrosts a little and becomes more bearable to bite into.
64. Coconut ice-cream and coconut water
You will see many stalls selling coconut ice-cream around the Chatuchak Market, including one near the Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station.
The coconut ice-cream is served in the husk of a coconut, slices of coconut flesh adorning it alongside two toppings of your choice (including peanuts).
So stores may also give you a complimentary cup of fresh coconut juice.
Price: 50 baht (RM 6.60 / USD 1.60 / EUR 1.50)
65. Fresh orange juice
Pretty much all the juices in the Chatuchak Market are fresh, including the orange juice. 30 baht for a small bottle and 60 baht for a large bottle.
66. Coconut water (50 baht)
You can get coconut water by itself for a cheap 50 baht.
67. Ice water (10 baht)
If you just want good old water, there’s plenty available at the market.
68. Teh Tarik (pulled tea)
Otherwise known as “pulled tea”, this is a kind of drink where the person pours the tea from one cup to the other in a long motion. As if the tea was being “pulled”.
This is actually a Malaysian drink that somehow made it to Thailand too.
If you aren’t making your way to Malaysia anytime soon, try this! Teh tarik is sinfully delicious tea (i.e. packed with condensed milk), albeit really sweet.
It is kind of like Thai milk tea, but different at the same time.
69. Toast
I think the Thais really love their toast because I saw a lot of stalls selling toast of all kinds in Bangkok. This was one of them.
70. Khaonom Bueang (crispy Thai pancake)
Khaonom Bueang is a wafer-thin Thai crispy pancake that has coconut cream and shredded coconut on top. It’s an interesting dessert that I would try at least once!
71. Khao Niew Mou Yang Nam Phueng’s honey roast pork
Address: Section 22, Soi 4/2
Khao Niew Mou Yang Nam Phueng is one of the most popular food stalls in the Chatuchak Market and features in many street food hunt tours.
Visit this stall for some moo yang, i.e. grilled honey roast pork, which is grilled in front of you.
72. Crackling pork & fried chicken wings
If you’re looking for pork and chicken, head to Section 19, Soi 7/1.
73. Meatballs
Strings upon strings of meatballs.
Thai street food is really delicious, minus the dangers of stomach poisoning (thank goodness).
74. Noodle soup with Chicken
Address: Section 21, Soi 29 (facing Soi 47)
Another popular dish we didn’t get to try. If you have, let me know in the comments below how you found it?
75. Spicy Papaya Salad (Somtam)
I didn’t get to try this, sadly. But it’s definitely a must-try!
76. Thai North Eastern Sausage (Sai Krok E-Sarn)
Need I say more?
77. Aor Tor Got Farmer’s Market
Aor Tor Got Farmer’s Market is a popular food court in the Chatuchak Market with lots of affordable Thai street food to snack on.
If you’re not averse to it, look out for the durian!
78. Dry Freeze Thai fruits (packed snacks)
Dry freeze Thai snacks are everywhere in Thailand. I won’t say that the ones sold in the Chatuchaket are necessarily cheaper – they aren’t – but they are definitely a good place to stock.
That said, the durian ones are delicious. They’re really strong and taste great regardless of which brand you pick (but not cheap!!).
The dried mango is an eternal favourite, and I also really liked the dry freeze mangosteens although they tasted a tad too sweet. The jackfruit was average for me.
79. Miscellaneous Thai Snacks
Not too sure what these things are. Doughnuts and crackers?
The Thais really love their deep-fried food. I could feel my cholesterol level shooting through the roof whilst in Thailand!
80. Fried Squid
Lots of stalls were selling these for:
- S: 50 baht
- M: 100 baht
- L: 200 baht
81. Live Worms
I found these near the pet section but really, I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up on a human dish!
82. Street Food Hunt
If all this feels overwhelming to you, I have a solution: a street food hunt tour covering both Chatuchak Market and Aor Tor Kor Market. The tour can take 1 to 8 persons and lasts up to 3 hours.
So what will it be?
What else can I get or do?
83. Clothes, accessories and souvenirs
For the fashionistas out there, head to Zones 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
This major alley is located where the Clock Tower is and can easily take up to 2 hours to complete. Even then, you will have likely missed some of the smaller shops buried behind the main alley.
84. Bling
There was a crazy amount of bling being sold in this shop!
85. Elephant Pants
The elephant pants are everywhere and I can tell you for a fact: 100 baht is the lowest starting price it can get.
Walk away if it’s higher than that unless it’s of higher quality because you will definitely find rows of elephant pants in the Chatuchak Market.
86. Rattan Bags
I’ve been looking for these rattan bags for ages. The cheapest ones so far was a round rattan bag I got in my hometown of Kuching for RM 80 (603 baht / USD 19.60 / EUR 17.85).
After days of research and price comparison with the markets in central Bangkok, Damnoen Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market, I can tell you with certainty that:
- The cheapest starting price for bargaining is 550 baht
- Sometimes you will get 650 baht
- Certain stalls, even in Chatuchak Market, will try to sell it to you at 950 baht or 1200 baht (USD 39 / EUR / 35.37 / RM 159.22). They will try to tell you that it is of higher quality. Honestly, I couldn’t tell. Walk away if those are the prices they are starting with.
87. Youth subculture items: Section 5 and 6
Come to Section 5 and 6 for everything that your inner punk or cowboy desires.
88. Underground hip-hop and skater fashion, head to Soi 7 (between Sections 12 and 14)
89. Tourist-friendly clothing; Section 8 and 10
An EU ‘M’ size is the equivalent of a Thai L size!! You’re going to feel huge in this country, sadly. 🙁
90. Beachwear & Hawaiian shirts
There are many shops dedicated just to bikinis, beachwear, and Hawaiian shirts.
91. Hats, Hats and more Hats
No matter the hat, you will surely find a store specialising in it!
92. Baby cactuses (50 – 250 baht)
Baby cactuses, Spanish moss (3 for 100 baht) and a wide range of plants to bring some green into your life.
Just make sure you don’t squeeze the plant!
93. Perfect Souvenirs for Friends & Family back home
You know that eternal struggle of finding something affordable but not too cliche and useful to bring home for family and friends?
The Chatuchak Market makes this a joy to fulfil. I haven’t felt so liberated since exploring the markets of Istanbul with their wide array of colourful bowls, lamps, bags & spices!
For instance, sturdy, good quality sling bags selling at 100 baht each! Buy 10, get 1 free.
94. Get a Haircut
I kid you not. There was a really long queue for this barber!
95. Prayer Rooms for Muslim Visitors
Address: Section 27, Soi 68/1 (behind TMB Bank and the Military Police Office)
The Chatuchak Market has gender-segregated prayer rooms located at Section 27. Walk past TMB Bank and turn to the left.
96. Visit Siam Rare Books & Collectables
Address: Section 26, Soi 1/9, 205
For antique Thai stamps, postcards, packaging labels and cigarette cards.
97. Vintage decorative items
98. Visit Baan Sin Thai
Address: Section 24, Stall 130, Soi1
For kŏhn masks and old-school Thai toys
99. Posters
100. Artwork
There were so many sois all huddled together, each space manned by a different artist (or agent?!). All of them carried different styles and were stunning to look at!
101. Silverware
These stalls were a lot posher. Some of them were even enclosed and air-conditioned; they wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end shopping mall like ICON Siam!
102. Metal Sculptures
103. Antique Chinese furniture
Sadly didn’t take a picture of this, but there were a number of shops selling used Oriental furniture if that is up your alley.
104. Gorgeous, modern homeware
105. Kitcharoen Dountri
For Thai musical instruments such as the drums and whistles, as well as CDs of classical local Thai music.
106. A… Crocodile?
Just joking (I think?). One of the shops put this out as a decoration, but they were selling lots of crocodile skin-like items. Not sure how “legal” that is…
107. Pets
On a more serious note, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to pets. Bunnies, birds, turtles (the really tiny ones and MASSIVE ancient ones), puppies.
There was even one shop selling a Tibetan mastiff!!
Download this Printable Chatuchak Market Cheatsheet
Phew! That was a lot to get through. If you made it down to this point, well done!
If you haven’t already done so, remember to download my Chatuchak cheatsheet, which covers:
- The most important things to remember when visiting the Chatuchak Market;
- Things to purchase beforehand:
- A local SIM Card (for connectivity)
- BTS Skytrain Rabbit card (for travel)
- Street food hunt (if all you want is non-stop food for 3 hours)
- A bucket list of food to eat, things to see & buy.
You can also pin this travel guide for future reference!
24 Comments
Vimal Bhatia
What a comprehensive description. Great writing. Looks like you haven’t missed a single detail.
Iuliya
Thanks!
Nomads RTW
Chatuchak is really good fun. You can easily spend there the whole day and probably you will still be missing something! My favorite part was the food 😀
Iuliya
Mine was the shopping AND the food, hah!
Crystal Ward
Thanks for putting together such a thorough guide! The food and drinks look awesome. I’d love to do some clothes shopping there, but I’m 5’11” so I doubt much would fit.
Iuliya
Honestly, there were quite a few long dresses too! I’m pretty tall for an Asian and there was more than enough in terms of selection for me. They cater to everyone, although you might have to contend with being labelled a “L” size even though you’re normally an “M” like me 😉
ANgela
I love visiting outside markets when I travel. I am pretty sure the food vendors would be my favorite part here. Interesting about all the “illegal” stuff too… definitely not bringing home certain souvenirs.
Iuliya
Exactly! Good to be aware just in case 🙂
WanderlustBeautyDreams
I love visiting Thai markets. I never made it to Bangkok while I was in Thailand but will check this market out the next time I go!
Iuliya
Would definitely spend at least half a day here!
Anja
Love the weekend market but haven’t been in a while. Not so much for shopping but for people watching. I wonder if they sell fabrics – nice cotton and silk made in Thailand, not ready made garments? The only thing I would hate are the animals for sale.
Iuliya
Yes, Chatuchak is a great place for fabric shopping too. We didn’t head there as we weren’t going to be making garments ourselves but it’s definitely an option. 😉
Michelle Earwicker
Wow! Thanks for all the good detail and the broke out sections of “Fun Fact” and “Travel Tip”. I have been to open air markets but nothing that grand…….26 football fields is just massive. I love that it is a place for locals and tourists alike. We must add this to our list!
Iuliya
It’s absolutely sprawling!! What I love is that the prices are also reasonable so it’s a literal one-stop shopping destination. Hope you get to visit this place soon!
Kez
This looks like a very comprehensive and handy guide for people who want to visit the weekend market.
Stephanie
This is amazing! I got to visit Chatuchak Market when I went to Thailand and the experience was so dizzying – I could have really used your guide then! This post is so comprehensive and easy to follow, its making me relive my day there combing through so many of the stands. I love the free downloadable map too!
Iuliya
Glad that you like the map!!
Iuliya
I’m glad to hear that!! And I agree that having a map makes such a HUGE difference!
Jenn | By Land and Sea
This is super helpful and full of information. The part about pets caught my eye – I hope they are treated well!
Iuliya
Ahh I have a feeling they aren’t, really! A lot of them were cramped all together 🙁
Catherine Boardman
Thank for such a comprehensive guide, I love a market
Iuliya
You’re welcome!
Youssef
Thanks for sharing this Bangkok travel guide, really useful! I love their food!
Iuliya
Thank you!! Glad you found it helpful 🙂