One of the largest and most diverse shopping places in Thailand, Chatuchak Market is the ideal place for shopaholics to traverse in Bangkok. From authentic Thai cooking paste, unique cosmetics, handcrafted furniture and electronic items to trendy apparel, organic fruits and even cute, furry little pets, this weekend market in Thailand with over 15,000 stalls overflows with treasures waiting to be discovered. If you are planning a trip to the Land of Smiles, this is where you need to spend a weekend to treat your souvenir-hunting soul to some street-style flea marketesque retail therapy. Join us on this exploration of Chatuchak Market to find out where to pick up the exact thing you want.
A market steeped in history
Also known as JJ Market, the market was established in Bangkok in 1942 and has flourished ever since, growing not just in size but in repute as well. The market has moved locations several times, evolving from Sanam Chai to Sanam Luang near Chatuchak Park. Known as Phahonyothin Market till 1987, after which it was named Chatuchak Market, it has been through major transformations, both structural and symbolic.
Divided into 27 sections, and segregated well to ensure you can find exactly what you are looking for, Chatuchak Market in Bangkok is an experience you cannot miss. The market is at its peak on weekends, especially Fridays. Weekdays offer a calmer atmosphere with fewer stalls open. So, plan your visit accordingly!
How to reach Chatuchak Market
By Skytrain (BTS): Disembark at Mo Chit Station, and take Exit 1 to reach the market.
By MRT: Disembark at Kamphaeng Phet MRT, and take Exit 2 to reach the market.
By bus: Take Bus 503 or 509 from Wat Ratcha Natda Ram. Disembark at Wat Phaiton stop to reach the market.
By night bus: Night buses 44, 503, 2-42, and 59 travel to Chatuchak Market every 5 minutes. Disembark at Chatuchak Park to reach the market.
By air: Suvarnabhumi International Airport is approximately 37 km away.
By train: Hua Lamphong Train Station is approximately 8 km away.
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Best time to visit Chatuchak Market
The cooler months of November to February are ideal for outdoor exploration in almost all of Thailand, including Bangkok. For a market as massive as this one, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours to take it all in. And to avoid crowds, plan to visit in the weekday mornings or late at night on Fridays.
Opening hours
- Wednesday and Thursday: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
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What to buy at Chatuchak Market
If you are on the lookout for the latest in fashion, Chatuchak Market will not disappoint. With a majority of the shops focusing on apparel and accessories, finding vintage items, independent labels, and casual attire is not a problem. There are even sections dedicated to the sizes and preferences of tourists. We recommend purchasing beachwear items here for your exploration of the islands in Thailand.
Breaking down the Chatuchak Market sections for you
- Clothing, dress material, jewellery, and other accessories (sections 2 to 6, and 10 to 26): Thai silk, semi-precious stones, colourful sarongs, and swimsuits.
- Food and beverage (sections 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 26, and 27): Fish sauce, white pepper, and local Thai sweets. Sample snacks and drinks from the multitude of food stalls in the area.
- Handicrafts (sections 8 to 11): Handmade brass wok, handmade soaps, and amazing perfumes
- Furniture and home decor (sections 1, 3, 4, 7, and 8): Art prints, utensils made from sugar palm trees, and wooden bookends.
- Ceramics and art pieces (sections 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 25): Thai murals, oil miniatures, and lacquerware.
- Pets and pet accessories (sections 8, 9, 11, and 13): A collar for your pet back home; you will find collars for nearly all sorts of pets, from dogs and birds to turtles.
- Plants and gardening tools (sections 3, and 4): Cute little planters and self-watering pots.
- Books, antiques, and collectables (sections 1, 26, and 27): Rare books, brass figurines, and collectables from toy cars to ethnic masks.
- Miscellaneous and pre-loved items (Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 25, and 26): Vintage clothing, colonial-era tea sets, and daily bric-a-brac.
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Things to do near Chatuchak Market
There are plenty of attractions near Chatuchak Market to keep you occupied for hours. Spend some time at the nearby Chatuchak Park or Queen Sirikit Park, where lush gardens and manicured flower beds create an impressive setting. You can also check out Or Tor Kor Market, a large indoor farmer’s market nearby, or spend time at the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium surrounded by these beautiful critters.
Wondering what else you can do here? Here’s a list of other things to do in Bangkok.
If you find yourself unimpressed with the dining options within Chatuchak Market, there are plenty of eateries nearby. Visit Laem Cha-Reon Seafood Restaurant for seafood, Bangkok Brass Pub & Restaurant for authentic Thai delicacies, and Olive Fusion for Italian cuisine.
(Feature image credit: martinho Smart/Shutterstock)
Related: Explore Hidden Treasures Of The Thai Capital At Bangkok’s Iconic Museums
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Question: What is Chatuchak Market famous for?
Answer: Chatuchak Market is known for being one of the largest markets in Thailand, home to over 15,000 stalls and more than 10,000 vendors.
Question: What is the common mode of payment accepted at Chatuchak Market?
Answer: Cash, QR code payments, and card payments are all accepted at Chatuchak Market.
Question: What are the food options available at Chatuchak Market?
Answer: Chatuchak Market offers food to suit almost all palates, including vegan, vegetarian, seafood, assorted barbequed meats, snacks, soups, beverages, and more.
Question: Are parking facilities available near Chatuchak Market?
Answer: Yes, there are paid parking facilities available near Chatuchak Market. You’ll find one near the Or Tor Kor Market and one near the permanent plant market.