Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok
Visiting the grand Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is a must, and personally, I feel there's no need for a specific strategy. Simply wandering around at leisure seems more relaxing. Once you step into the market, with its narrow alleys and the throng of people coming and going, it's easy to lose any sense of direction anyway.
It's known as the largest outdoor market in Southeast Asia, covering 140,000 square meters with over 15,000 stalls. It's estimated that up to several hundred thousand people visit daily, including tourists from all over the world and locals. It's a must-visit destination for treasure hunting and shopping when in Bangkok!
As lunchtime approaches, the food area and surrounding stalls, offering coconut ice cream, fresh fruit, Thai milk tea, Thai fried noodles, banana pancakes, barbecue, etc., see long queues of waiting visitors. I chose a small Thai food stall, sat under a not-so-spacious awning, sweat dripping down, ordered rice noodle soup and stir-fried greens, and had a chilled fruit juice to cool off. After eating, I was sweating profusely, but a cold coconut water made me feel refreshed and comfortable.
The variety of goods here is incredibly diverse, ranging from clothing accessories, shoes and hats, fragrances, kitchenware, household goods, stationery, bags, soaps, artistic lighting, handmade jewelry, souvenirs, etc., many of which are fashionable and aesthetically pleasing. Items like colorful flip-flops and cotton T-shirts with creative designs are particularly popular among the youth.
After walking around the whole market, I still hadn't seen everything. If you find something you like, I think it's best to buy it right away. It's inevitable to compare prices, but if the quality and price are acceptable, don't miss out.
🔖Tips:
1. Thailand's weather is hot; remember to apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
2. The entire weekend market is a non-smoking area (including outdoors), with a fine of 2000 Thai Baht.
3. Always keep an eye on your valuables.
4. You can ask the staff at the entrance for a map of the market.
📍Address:
Thailand Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok, Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd, 10900
⏰Business Hours:
Saturday and Sunday 08:30~22:00 (Some stalls are open on weekdays, but it feels quite different)
🚇Transportation:
1. Take the BTS to Mo chit station, exit 1 and walk for about 6-8 minutes.
2. Take the MRT to Chatuchak Park station, exit 1 and walk for about 3-4 minutes. If you get off at Kamphaeng Phet station, take exit 2 and walk for about 2-3 minutes.
This is the World’s Largest Market. It’s worth it to spend your money here. You can find good deals if you’d bargain.
We visited several outdoor markets and night markets during our stay in Bangkok, but I definitely recommend Chatuchak Weekend Market. It is located right outside Kamphaeng Phet MRT Blue Line station. The market covers a pretty large area, although many of the shops in the inner alleyways were closed when we visited. We still found the prices to be better than many other touristy markets and managed to pick up some souvenirs for friends and family.
Huge market that could easily spend whole day at with many different sections. suggest to avoid animal area as you see everything caged is sad. Fans under the market to keep cooler as you wander the stalls or enjoy some iced tea or fresh coconut water. lots of food options too. Great place for souvenirs and some homeware. fairly easy to get too, check the website for location and Google maps is accurate route plan.
Chatucak weekend market is a must visit place for all shoppers. There are more than thousands of shops. 1 day just not enough to visit all shop. Do not forget to bring portable fan when you are there!. or you might buy one later at the market.
Love it. Always returning to this shoppers paradise!!! Guilt free shopping with so many varieties and styles to match everyone's taste. Now they even have scooter parking with shelter.