Just about every time we visit Bangkok we make a trip to the infamous Chatuchak Weekend Market. While the location of this bustling market is about 8km (~ 5 miles) from the central Bangkok region… it still is a popular destination for tourists, as well as locals.
So, you may see signs or words showing, “Jatujak.” Rest assured that it is the same as Chatuchak… it’s simply the Thai version.
There are thousands of people who eagerly come to visit this market each weekend. And, with lots of stalls to explore… there’s sure to be something to captivate your interest.
Yet, one major thing we thought was interesting this time round… was that the number of visitors was significantly less than previous years. We didn’t have issues trying to wade through throngs of people. So, while that was great for us and our sanity… that’s not so great for the stall owners.
However, one thing that hasn’t changed is that if you want to find bargains in clothes, shoes, or accessories… through to interesting souvenirs, or homewares, it’s at Chatuchak.
And, being in Thailand, there’s the ever predictable… tremendous amount of food stalls.
So, one Saturday morning we made the journey to Chatuchak Weekend Market… and to see what we would discover on our trip this time round.
Then, after going there, we had to update our travel blog, to share with you… 7 things you need to know about the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok.
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market is HUGE
If you want to explore all that the Chatuchak Weekend Market has to offer in a relaxing manner… we recommend that you set aside at least half a day. And, that’s because this market is MASSIVE!
Chatuchak is an open-air style market that covers a colossal 27 acres. And, within this area is about 30 sections encompassing a phenomenal amount of stalls. It’s said that there are more than 10,000 stalls all within this single area! Now, you can understand why you need to spend some time here.
There are a variety of stalls to suit everyone from toys, clothes, art, homewares, silk, souvenirs, and books… through to handicrafts, massage shops, bars, food outlets, and much, much more.
It’s said that on Saturday and Sunday… over 200,000 people come to check out the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. And, that’s 200,000 visitors on each of those days. So, it’s not just massive in terms of size… but also from the amount of people that visit.
Now, there’s always been lots of shoe stores at Chatuchak. Yet, this time round we found that there were plenty of second hand shoe stores. And, they were selling genuine used brand names… like Converse, Vans, Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Be aware though… there are places that still sell the fake clothes, shoes or accessories. So, you better have a keen eye for that level of detail… as you don’t want to pay lots of money for an inferior product!
Plus, you need to know that some places will not allow you to try on their clothes. And hey, we get. We wouldn’t want a sweaty person trying on our clothes and soiling them. Not a great selling point! Also, many of the stalls don’t have change rooms either… especially as many of them are small. So, if in doubt, and you don’t want a sombre experience afterwards… don’t buy it.
Yet, if you’re willing to take the risk for the sake of a cheap 150 Baht t-shirt then go for it! When you think about it… that’s only about USD $4.45 / 4 Euros / 3.55 GBP.
And, if you want to use your charm or negotiation skills… have fun bartering with the stall owners, persuading them with the price you want to pay! Yes, we have a crack at bartering, all part of the fun.
2. Chatuchak Weekend Market Opening Hours
So, while the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a popular destination… did you know that the market opens outside of Saturday and Sunday? And, at the time of writing this travel blog, the opening times which are subject to change of course, are as follows:
- Wednesday and Thursday: Plants and Flowers from 7.00 am – 6.00 pm.
- Friday: Wholesale Market Day from 6.00 pm – 12am.
- Saturday and Sunday: All sections are open normally from 9.00 am – 6.00 pm.
So, while these are the opening times for the market stalls… if you want to quench your thirst there are bars in the vicinity too. Yet, some of them don’t open until later in the day or early evening. Thus, during and after you’ve been shopping… you can relax your weary legs at one of those bars.
Yet, we do recommend that the best time to go to Chatuchak Market is on Saturday or Sunday. Plus, if you want to avoid the busy part of the day and sweltering hot weather… head on over when it opens. Plus, you may get a special discount… as good luck for being the stall owner’s first customer!
And, keep reading because after you’re done at the market… there’s somewhere else you can go, which is a stone’s throw away! Plus, this place will give you some comfort to chill out, and provide relief from the heat.
3. Forget About Using the Chatuchak Weekend Market Map!
When you get to Chatuchak Market in Bangkok… there are maps available to help you navigate your way around. In the chance that they do run out of maps, which does happen… there are big billboards displaying a map of the sections.
So, before you start your grand shopping expedition… you can take a look at the different areas to explore.
In saying that, our recommendation is to forget about using the map! You may think we’re going crazy.
Yet…
One of the major reasons we say to ditch the map is, if you’ve never been before… then it can get confusing and frustrating trying to work out the different sections.
As an example, on this trip we had specific stalls that we had on our plan to explore. Then, when we went to that section, there were homewares! So, we found that not everything matches up with what you see on the map.
And before you ask… yes, we did have it the right way up! Ha ha ha! So, in the end, we gave it the flick.
Even so, once you start going through the market… you’ll soon discover that it’s like a labyrinth. Then, when you combine that with stopping every minute or so, to explore the enormous amount of stalls… it won’t surprise us if you disregard the map.
Yet, keep it as a guide if you so desire. Or, for a “souvenir” of your trip to the Chatuchak Weekend Market!
4. There’s a Huge Amount of Food and Drinks
Before you even enter the main area inside Chatuchak Weekend Market… you’ll already discover that there are some food and drink stalls lining the perimeter. Then, once you go further in there are heaps more. Hey, we’re talking about Thailand, where food and snacks are so important… as well as 7-Elevens!
Plus, there are many places where you can drink. And, we’re sure that you’ll need hydration, especially if you go when it’s sweltering hot and humid… as you’ll be sweating it out. Yes, there’s the usual water and soft drinks on offer. Yet, if you’re hankering for something different in terms of liquids… there are fresh juices and even smoothies.
Now, there are places where you can get alcohol if that takes your fancy. So, if you’re hankering for a beer or cocktail, there are some stalls that’ll satisfy your thirst. And, there are some stand-alone bars… but this is a small percentage of the entire market.
One of the quaint places that we did enjoy having bevvy or two was at a place by the name of, The Secret.
Behind its lush, velvet green drapes is a small bar with beers and spirits. It was great to relax, listen to the background music, and watch the throngs of shoppers while having cold beers. A small bottle of local beer is 120 THB. That’s about USD $3.70, AUD $5.60 or 3.30 Euros. Worth checking out for a boutique bar.
Remember, there are other bars around the market… yet some of them don’t open until late afternoon or early evening. Who says you can’t have beer before midday? Even the Thais do it… LOL!
And, if you’re considering seeking out cheaper prices… then we’ll save you the time of trying to look for them. If you don’t mind sitting at some of the juice stalls, they sell cheap cans of beer. Yet, it’s not the same atmosphere in comparison to sitting at a bar!
Most places charge similar prices… unless you’re going to some of the big establishments, where prices will be higher.
Food, Food, Glorious Food at the Chatuchak Weekend Market…
Now, when it comes to what’s on offer regarding food there’s a big variety. You could choose from local Thai cuisine, Western staples, fried foods, fruits… through to ice cream and bugs!
Yet, if you couldn’t be bothered wandering around trying to find individual places… there is a section where it’s stalls upon stalls for a monstrous foodie haven.
Now, even though there’s a tremendous amount of food… sadly, if you’re a vegetarian, you need to know it’s challenging to find something suitable. And, for vegans, it’s even more difficult.
Even so, some places will try and cater to your needs.
We found this place that caters for vegetarian, and if you ask the boss lady who speaks English well… she will probably be able to help if you have other dietary requirements. We were able to get vegetarian pad thai. There are tables, chairs and fans at the back… so you can have a pit stop to rest your legs.
The great thing about the food in Chatuchak market… is that you can try many different things for as little as 15 baht, for example. That’s like around USD $0.50/ 0.40 Euros / 0355 GPB. Crazy cheap!
5. Chatuchak Weekend Market is Not for Claustrophobics
When you first step inside the grounds of Chatuchak Market, you may think that it looks spacious.
Yet, when you wander further in towards all the stalls, and wind your way through the alleys… you’ll discover that the congestion increases. And, as the day goes on, it gets even more jam-packed.
So, sometimes you’ll be traveling at a snail’s pace, behind others. And, sometimes the pedestrian traffic will be at a stand-still… because people will be stopping to look at stalls. Thus, making it tricky to get around people to overtake them.
Yet, as we said earlier… on this trip there wasn’t a great deal of people, so we were lucky!
And, as it’s an outdoor market, there’s no air-conditioning. So, you won’t be able to get relief from the hot weather, that can overwhelm Bangkok.
Thus, if hate feeling claustrophobic, thought we should let you know. Yet, it doesn’t mean that you can’t visit the market. You’ll simply need to plan ahead and arrive earlier.
So, for example, you could start by looking at the inner stalls. Then, you can explore the outer stalls, which will have far less congestion. Another solution is to go here…
6. Top Tip to Escape the Extreme Weather or Crowds
This place has been around at Chatuchak Weekend Market for a little while now.
And, you’ll be happy to know that if you want some relief from the extreme weather conditions that can hit Bangkok… or even if you want to avoid some of the crowds, there’s a shopping centre beside the market.
The name of the Shopping Centre is Mixt Chatuchak.
Before you even go inside, outside the front of this shopping centre are a variety of more food stalls… where you can tantalize your tastebuds. So, they call this area, the Walking Street Food. Of course, it wouldn’t be Thailand without more food places – ha ha ha!
Now, Mixt is a modern multi-level shopping centre… with hundreds of stores and services within it. You’ll be able to find stores that sell souvenirs, clothes, books, plants, homewares, and more.
And, not surprisingly, as you’re in amazing Thailand… it will be of no shock to you that there are even more food places!
So, unlike Chatuchak Weekend Market… this shopping mall is open every day of the week. Thus, if you’re keen for more shopping and want to come back to Chatuchak… you can shop until you drop at Mixt.
Yet, as we had already been wandering around for hours at the market… we did appreciate the comfortable air-conditioning to escape the heat. Plus, there are free toilet facilities there, in a more comfortable environment.
Whereas, when you’re in the market area… you do need a pay a fee to use those toilets. Even so, it’s only around 10 baht per use. Yet, give me comfort and not having to wait in line!
On this occasion, we didn’t spend a lot of time at Mixt. Yet, if you’ve never been before, we recommend you explore it yourself… and you may find something you’ve been longing to buy.
7. One of the Best Ways to Get to Chatuchak Weekend Market is by Train
When you’re in Bangkok, one of the most popular ways to get around for tourists and locals alike… is via the efficient public transport system. And, to get to Chatuchak we have taken different forms of transport… from train to using our legs and walking miles!
Yet, one of the most effective and cheap ways to get there is via train. And, the great thing is, Bangkok has 2 main train systems… which is the BTS and MRT.
The BTS, which stands for, Bangkok Mass Transit System, is a skytrain network. Thus, the trains run above ground, higher than the standard traffic.
Whereas the MRT, which stands for Metropolitan Rapid Transit… runs underground.
Plus, if you’ve never been to Bangkok before… then you need to know that the traffic can get super busy and congested. So, if you’re going by road in a Grab car, taxi, or tuk tuk, for example…. it can be boring or even frustrating, waiting in the traffic.
To find out more detail on how to get to the Chatuchak Weekend Market… check out our blog HERE.
So, there you have it… 7 top things you need to know about the Chatuchak Market in Bangkok. It sure is a massive place, not only in terms of size… but with the huge amount of people that go there to explore.
If you enjoy markets, shopping, eating, haggling with the locals and finding bargains… then you should definitely take a trip out to wander around the many stalls. We do recommend that you plan your time accordingly, as you could spend around half a day here.
Plus, we find that the most effective and efficient way to get to the market is by public transport… and, more specifically by train. Of course, this does depend on where you’re staying in Bangkok.
We trust that this We Drink Eat Travel blog has been helpful. Have an awesome time at the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok!
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