Believe it or not, there is a place in Bangkok, Thailand that “drains your wallet” but you still feel absolutely satisfied with the experience there! That venue is Chatuchak weekend market Bangkok — the largest flea market in the world. Let’s discover what to buy at Chatuchak weekend market Bangkok with Living Nomads through this Chatuchak market blog.
- Chatuchak shopping — Top 5 best shops in Chatuchak market you must visit
- Bangkok shopping guide — Top 16 best shopping malls in Bangkok you should visit
- Best markets in Bangkok — Top 8 best shopping markets in Bangkok
- Explore Mega Bangna Bangkok — The second largest store in Southeast Asia
- What to buy in Phuket? — 13+ best things to buy in Phuket & where to shop in Phuket
Bangkok travel: ‘Disoriented’ at Chatuchak weekend market
Chatuchak weekend market (Jatujak) also known as JJ market is a paradise for those who would love to bargain. “Shopping until you run out of money” is the best description to describe how you spend a day shopping here. A journey through the labyrinth of alleyways will bring you the works including trendy clothing, accessories, books, souvenirs, handicrafts, silk, furniture, and even pets at cheap prices.
Chatuchak, in Thai it means weekend market, the market only meeting every Saturday, Sunday. Built in the 40s of the last century, after many ups and downs, the market is now located on a land of over 1 square kilometer on Phahonyothin Street in central Bangkok. Chatuchak is really a weekend shopping paradise for those who come to Bangkok. This is a popular shopping destination for both Thais and tourists. Thai people from near and far come here to buy in bulk and resell them in the local shops. It is estimated that at every weekend, there are about 200,000 people coming here, of which 30% are tourists.
Chatuchak flea market was built right next to the park of the same name. If you travel on tour, you will surely not be introduced to this market. Most of the visitors do not leave empty-handed. This busy market has many entrances to facilitate shopping. Market’s authority also places information stations, where you can ask for guidelines and receive maps of the market.
At Chatuchak, if you like something with a reasonable price, your best bet is to buy it at once, because you can hardly find the same right place you’ve just left. Operation time of the market is: from 6 pm-midnight in Friday; Saturday and Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm.
There are many ways to get to Chatuchak Market from anywhere in Bangkok such as buses, tuk-tuk, taxis, metro, and tram. The most popular and preferred ones are metro and tram. If you choose the subway, please buy a ticket to Chatuchak Park station because when getting out of the station, you will see Chatuchak market across the street. If you take the tram instead, go to Mochit (terminal), descend the stairs, and walk your way along Chatuchak Park (about a few minutes) to the market. Diners can easily enjoy Luk chup everywhere in Bangkok, however, the Luk Chup stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market are considered to be the nicest. No panhandler existence is a very special point in Chatuchak Market. In lieu of it, there are street buskers earning perks from passengers for their performances.
Further information
Address: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Opening hours: 7AM–6PM
Phone: +66 2 272 4813
How to get Chatuchak market: To get to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, you can take the BTS or MRT.
Chatuchak market tips: Things to know before coming to Chatuchak Weekend Market:
- When shopping, you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, for you will have to move through many different stalls.
- Remember to wear sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen when shopping.
- In addition to merchandise, Chatuchak also has countless restaurants, eateries that provide all good food at reasonable prices.
- Bargain on what you want to buy for the better price. Remember to carry cash because credit cards are not accepted here.
- Remember to bring an empty backpack to store the all the things you bought, and when you move, wear a backpack in front of your chest.
- Be careful with pickpockets and carefully keep your belongings.
- Go to the market in the morning because it will be very hot and crowded in the afternoon.
- Fetch for yourself a map of the market free of charge at the tourist information counter.
- At Chatuchak, if you like something with a decent price tag, buy it, because you almost can not find the right location of the shop you have been through.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bangkok you can refer to
- Bangkok City & Temples Tour by Tour East
- Classic Bangkok Tour: Floating Market, Elephant Village, Asiatique, & More by AK Travel
- Bangkok Old City Half Day Tour
- Bangkok Landmarks Day Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya River & More
- Bangkok Sky Train (BTS) One Day Pass
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket
- [Sale] Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya & More by Oriental Holiday
- Shared City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by Oriental Holiday
- Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More
- Shared City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by Oriental Holiday
- Private City Transfers from Pattaya to Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samet & Koh Chang
- [SALE] BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card
- Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Bangkok Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat
- [SALE] Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
- [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
- 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
- 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
- 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
Are you looking for more Bangkok travel guide and top things to do in Bangkok: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bangkok (BKK).