Bangkok Day 2 - Chatuchak Weekend Market

Day 2 (7 Dec 2012). See here for Bangkok 4 Day itinerary.

Chatuchak Weekend Market ... yes, don't miss this when you are in Bangkok! We spent the whole morning there, a good 4 hours!

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Originally starting life as a wholesale market for traders and locals, Chatuchak Weekend Market is now famous amongst tourists visiting Bangkok, and is definitely a ‘must-do’ for any shopper coming to the city. The 35 acre market has over 8000 stalls (yes 8000!), with more than 200,000 visitors on a typical weekend, it can be a bit daunting.

How to get there: Take the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, take exit no. 1, then walk towards the nearby markets. Or use the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park station (exit no.1), then walk to the nearby markets. We took a cab from our hotel since there were 3 of us. Since it was the week-end, there would not be much of traffic jams on the way there.

Open: The Chatuchak Weekend Market is opened on Saturdays and Sundays 09:00 - 18:00, and Fridays 18:00 - 24:00.

Maps are available from the information kiosks; it’s a good idea to pick up one before you head off shopping, or check out the Chatuchak Market map below right, it lists all of the main sections and gives you a good idea of the layout. 

Some tips to help you when you visit Chatuchak Weekend Market:

• Get there early – the morning, when there are fewer people around, is the best time to visit the market.
• Clothing – wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing. We recommend using sun-cream, sunglasses and a hat or cap too.
• Look after your bag, wallet or purse – stalls only accept cash and there are ATMs in Chatuchak market. Watch out for pickpockets though, as the crowded conditions make it fairly easy for them to operate. Useful tip: set a budget and only take that amount with you (along with a photocopy of your ID).
• Drink plenty – the market is big and it often gets very hot and humid with temperatures of around 28-33°C (82-91°F), why risk being ill?
• Get a map of the market - or go without one, have fun and get lost in the market
• Haggle – the art of haggling is part of the Thai culture. If you’re not used to bargaining, Chatuchak is an ideal training ground!
• If you see something you like, buy it! – the market is so big it’ll be difficult to find your way back to the stall later.
• Stop for something to eat at the market – with the numerous bars and restaurants in Chatuchak market, you’ll never run out of things to eat. If you manage to find it, the coconut ice-cream mixed with fresh coconut flesh and served in a half coconut shell is worth trying.
• Find the toilets – public toilets are located at the entrances and along the main roads that circle the market. Don’t expect anything too clean, but they’re better than nothing. You have to pay 2 baht to use the toilets and 5 baht for toilet paper.
• Stay to watch the market close – sit down, have a cool drink and watch the Thais at work. Fascinating.

We went rather early, reached there about 9.30am, and was there before the crowd comes. Also it is much cooler to go in the morning. We had breakfast there, just a little to fill our stomachs. There's a lot of food there, so many varieties too, so don't eat too much from one stall. Sample the different food from different stalls.

We were there early and stalls were just starting to set up for business

Very soon, the crowd arrives

Chatuchak market is full of such a variety of goods that that list is almost endless, however here is a sample of some of the items that you can find there: 

There's plenty of food for you to sample. Go in the morning, we tried their different kinds of snacks and have lunch there. Be adventurous! Be bold!

Kebab chicken for breakfast?

And do sample the wide variety of food

Potatoes chips Thai style

Drink plenty of water to hydrate yourselves

Game to try some local Thai food?

Chicken feet - try it, very delicious and soft

More ...

Most of the people who go there are tourists. You will not be alone definitely. People of all colours, shapes and sizes!!

Wear light clothing as it can be very hot and humid

Indeed, the body heat of so many people can be challenging

Antiques and collectibles, arts, books, ceramics, clothing & accessories, food and beverage, furniture and home decoration, handicrafts, miscellaneous and used clothing, pets and accessories, plants and gardening tools. 

There are some very beautiful crafts in some of the covered shops

Spoilt for choice

And more arts and crafts shops

You name it, its there in Chatuchak Market

Why not have a shot for the memory ..

Chatuchak Weekend Market can be a bargain hunter’s paradise if you use your negotiating skills well, just remember to keep a cool head and don’t haggle too much, and be prepared to walk away if the price is not right, as there will probably be another stall just around the corner selling the same item for less. 

Dried goods .. anyone?

More art and crafts and tiny souveniers

Not sure what to get, still shopping around

Yes, inside is cooler

How much can you carry back ?

Plastic flowers that look like real

You shop, I rest

Nothing like a tasty thumb whilst parents shop and shop.

Thumb more tasty

While Mummy shops and shops

Your choice ...

Nice linen

More ..

Still more ..

Pewter ware and more ..

Aromatherapy and incense  

Stop for some snacks

Or a drink ..

All kinds of vendors ...

Cool ..

Thai antiques

Browse and browse all day

Stop for a snack to replensih

do your bit for charity ... a penny for the poor

Mango juice, tangerine juice, all types of juices you can find. Hydrate yourself and be refreshed!

Refreshing mango juice and mango with sticky rice .. must try

Some nice linen ..

Drink plenty of liquids 

Try what you like ..

And for those with tired feet, stop by for a foot massage!

for the tired feet ...

More tired feet ..

And don't forget to drink plenty of water or juice or the refreshing coconut drink.

Or try Thai tea or coffee which is very sweet!

There are also so quite upmarket clothes, shoes and handbags there as well. So there's plenty of choices for all your shopping needs.

the more upmarket shops ..

Can be expensive ...

Cute ..

leather shoes and sandles

Cool ..

Enjoy and have fun!! The trick is to shop, eat, drink, rest and repeat ....

Here's my 5 day Bangkok itinerary