Chatuchak Market in Bangkok is the largest weekend market worldwide, featuring more than 15,000 stalls across its 27 sections. This 36-acre flea market is so vast that it sells everything you can ever imagine, i.e., clothes, accessories, footwear, jewelry, antiques, arts, plants, pets, and souvenirs. After your full-day Thailand shopping exploration journey through your day, quench your shopping thirst by satiating yourself with delightful food and beverages at one of the cafes or take a relaxing Thai massage to rejuvenate your senses. This exuberant market witnesses the influx of around 0.2 million visitors during the weekends.
Chatuchak Market Opening hours and entry fee
The market opens from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays except for Mondays when it is closed. On the weekends, it is open from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry is free for all visitors.
How to reach the Chatuchak Market
The underground metro or Skytrain is the best way to reach Chatuchak Market as it helps you beat the road traffic anytime in the day. Board the BTS Skytrain to Mochit and follow directions towards Exit 1. Alternatively, you can take the MRT Subway to Chatuchak Park and follow the navigation toward Exit 1.
When to visit
The sultry weather of Thailand can play a spoilsport for a truly exhilarating shopping experience at this weekend market in Bangkok. The temperature cools down from November to January, making it the best time to visit. Explore the dense local market in the mornings as it is also the best time to bargain and get a good deal. Most shopkeepers here believe that the first deal of the day brings good luck to them.
What to buy here?
You will have difficulty shortlisting what to buy when you enter the market and see the endless options; your shopping list will likely go for a toss. However, it will be hard to resist the irresistible deals in this local market. You may not mind spending here as this market also offers the best economical prices. Haggling is an absolute must if you want to return with something cheap, so you do not need to feel guilty about bargaining for a discount with the shopkeepers. Learn some basic Thai phrases and words that will help you converse with the vendors in Thai. The more Thai phrases you use, the less likely these vendors will rip you off. Get ready to plunge into this open market and make your pick from the following:
Apparel and accessoriesGet limitless options for the latest trends or contemporary clothing and accessories designs that will spoil you for choices. Chatuchak Market will never disappoint you with the staggering array of choices available at your disposal.
Bags and pouchesThis is one of the biggest sections in the market, where you will find endless options for bags and pouches that match the unique tribal style and offer a unique fashion statement to every visitor exploring this section.
Bath warePurchase several handmade soaps with varied fragrances and shapes that catch your attention. In addition, you can purchase several bathroom accessories that will match your style and design.
Home décorLooking to add the quintessential Thai flavor to your home by purchasing antique lamps, artifacts, and show pieces?. This market is a great platform for the local artisans; hence, you will find a good percentage of handcrafted items. Of course, the factory-made items are equally appealing, so don’t miss out on these as well.
KitchenwareGive your kitchen an artsy & creative makeover with unique crockery and other daily essentials that you will use in your kitchen.
Phone AccessoriesGet ready to choose from phone cases, screen covers & protectors, and other accessories that will be a perfect fit for all mobile phones.
MiscellaneousGo with an open mind as you may get something to choose from the market displays. You will not need a serious reason to purchase something from here. After a heavy dose of shopping, it is ideal for quenching your gastronomical desires with a palate of Thai flavors.
Top culinary destinations at Chatuchak Market
Local Thai Food
Local Thai flavors can be found everywhere, but none like on the menu of Manna Thai. This restaurant offers delicious local Thai delicacies that will kick your gastronomical juices. Don’t miss out on the Mee crab, one of the hot favorites among locals and tourists alike.
Mediterranean and Asian flavorsYou will find a beautiful and delicious fusion of several cuisines here. If you are looking to tuck yourself with a scrumptious meal, look no further beyond the Olive Fusion restaurant.
Quick bites for snacksChatuchak Café is one of the finest cafes offering a delightful cuisine menu with a rustic setting and vintage charm. Several signature menu dishes like the shrimp roe spaghetti have caught tourists’ attention with their rich taste and flavors.
SeafoodThe Laem Cha-Reon seafood family restaurant is a great way to fulfill your seafood desires. Enjoy fresh seafood flavors to match your taste. The sun-dried squid is a hot favorite here.
The DessertsThis must be on top of your culinary list. Endless food stalls offer different desserts that will surely tantalize your taste buds. The most popular ones include chocolate-dipped bananas, brownies, pastries, crepes, and ice cream with an array of toppings and syrups.
VegetarianYou don’t need to be disappointed if you are a vegetarian here. You will get several options, even without meat. The Vegetarian Cottage is one of the popular ones for non-meat lovers. Try the diverse cuisines on the menu like Continental, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese.
Attractions Nearby The Chatuchak market
Some of the notable attractions around Chatuchak Market are:
Bangkok Butterfly Park and Insectarium
Explore the rare butterfly and flower species housed here.
Central Plaza Ladprao
It is a 7-story shopping mall offering plenty of fun & entertainment options.
Children’s Discovery Museum
Let your kid’s get their dose of fun and thrill with an array of educational exhibits here. It also has some interesting displays that offer insights about archaeology.
Museum of Contemporary Art
This 7-storey museum beautifully displays how Thai art has evolved over the past decade.
Or Tor Kor market
Your daily grocery market housing fruits & vegetables, dairy products, meat and seafood, and much more locally produced and fresh in nature.
Rod Fai Park
A lush green destination ideal for a picnic with a cyclic trail.
Important tips before visiting the Chatuchak market
There are maps available for easy navigation through Chatuchak Market. You can run into a maze if you are unsure which direction you are heading. Download them online or get in touch with a local partner to give you all the desired information. Check out the information kiosk placed just outside the market or look for the central clock tower if you have got lost.
Don’t miss out on bargaining here. You can drop your rates by 30-50% easily if you practice your negotiation skills well along with some local Thai dialect.
Also, do keep in mind the right time to visit the market. Take note of the weather before you venture into the market.
