Chatuchak Market – The Place to Go Shopping on Weekend

When my tours asked me where a good place for shopping on the weekend is, I always tell them to go to ‘Chatuchak Market’, the largest Sunday Market in Thailand. However, visitors have to be tough enough for walking your legs off. Although you can find anythings you want (I mean it, ‘anything’) at Chatuchak, this huge area could make you mad if you don’t like walking among crowded people in a hot day.

Chatuchak Market (or JJ Market for short) is a real bargain market and is also one of greatest markets in the world.

This weekend market has been existed for more than sixty years. In the idea of setting flea market in Bangkok, the market at first was located at Sanam Luang, near Wat Phra Keaw and The Grand Palace. Unfortunately, it was later moved for being a recreation place and the celebration for Rattanakosin Bicentennial to Phaholyothin district, under the name of ‘Phaholyothin Weekend Market’. Then, the market had been given a new name, Chatuchak Market. Its name is given after the name of ‘Chatuchak Park’ which was located nearby.

Chatuchak Park

In the early years of its opening, the market was not so popular and not so convenient for visitors to get there. However, nowadays, Chatuchak Market has been improved and become more convenient due to public transportations like BTS Sky Train and MRT Underground Train.

Chatuchak also become a great attraction in Bangkok for Thais and foreigners in all genders and ages. Products to buy are in all kinds, such as fashion clothes, footwear, leather products, accessories of several styles, handicrafts, antiques, home decors, food, plants, old books and as well as pets like puppies, kittens, birds and more. You can find not only products from all regions of Thailand but also imported products from other countries where some of them are cheaper than buying from their own countries.

Outdoor Walkway at Chatuchak Market

If you are ready to get there, prepare yourself with casual clothes and comfortable shoes. Wearing hat also helps to avoid from the sunlight. I recommend not carrying many stuffs or big luggages because you might get stuck or blocked in narrow passage ways in the market. When you buy several products, don’t forget to ask for a bargain price. Comparing prices are usually good but I personally don’t recommend doing that in this market because you may get lost and cannot find the first shop you want to buy for the second time. Also, make sure drink plenty of water to avoid dehydrated in a hot weather, but there are a lot of drinks you can by there though. Another thing is that for having a meal you should try looking for clean venders.

Foreigners in The Market

A variety of items can be found here

If you come with a big group, to set up the meeting time and meeting point after shopping is required. I think it’s a good idea to get together in Chatuchak Park near the entrance of MRT Station. The clock tower is also a good point when you are lost. Don’t forget to ask for the map from an officer at the entrance or at information counter.

In addition, there are no seats for a rest except for having food or drink in some restaurants, so after a long walk you can rest your legs by sitting under the trees to get the fresh air in Chatuchak Park. Prepaid restrooms are provided near the entrance and along the main road.

If you tough enough, I think Chatuchak is worth visit. It not only is for shopping but also being a part of a colorful living place in Bangkok. Have fun and enjoy weekend.

More information

Opening hour:
Weekend is opened on Saturdays and Sundays, 8 am – 6 pm

Transportation:
BTS Sky Train – getting off at Mo Chit Station (exit No.1)
MRT Underground Train – getting off at Chatuchak Park Station (exit No.1)

Little Dogs in Chatuchak Market