Chatuchak weekend market

One of Asia’s largest outdoor markets

Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok is one of the must see places in Thailand. It is an enormous place where almost everything you can think of is for sale. Even if you don’t buy anything it is still a great place to wander around, watch all the goods for sale and try some Thai food.

Chatuchak weekend market market is one of the biggest outdoor markets in Asia and is open every Saturday and Sunday. There are thousands of shops and stalls, as well as many small food shops and ice cream and soft drink sellers.

In the weekend this market is visited by some 200,000 people a day. Finding your way around this immense place can be difficult. Maps can be obtained from the information booths, but even with a good map, it’s easy to lose your way. The narrow alleys and the crowds can become disorientating. Perhaps better and certainly more relaxing would be to just go around and see where you end up. This market is so large and has so many things to see and offer, it’s a fun trip and experience for everybody.

Shopping at Chatuchak market

Chatuchak market is an excellent place to do some shopping, especially if you like to bargain. This is not going to work everywhere, some shops have fixed prices. Just be friendly and smile and try what you can negotiate.

Goods for sale include arts, furniture, clothing and shoes, food, books, pets, jewelry and much more. Pretty much everything you could think of. It is a particularly good place to buy handicrafts and ceramics, much of which are hand made or hand painted.

Many of the items for sale here are also being sold in Sukhumvit, Silom, Pratunam and other places, but often at higher prices.

Some items like antique Buddha images require an export license, inquire first before you buy. If you buy more than you can carry, there are shipping companies like DHL and TNT at Chatuchak that can ship your purchases home.

Handicrafts for sale at Chatuchak weekend market

Handicrafts at Chatuchak market

Chatuchak market opening hours

This outdoor market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, although some sections also open on weekdays.

To get a good impression of the market, the weekend is the right time to go. The best time to visit the market is early morning. Later in the day this place can get very hot and very crowded. Especially during the hottest months of the year April and May, the heat and humidity can get pretty bad. Arrive early and drink a lot, bathrooms are available throughout the market.

Location and how to get there

The easiest and cheapest way to reach the market is to use the sky train or the subway. Often, it is also the quickest way.

If you take the sky train, exit at Mo Chit station and walk a couple of minutes, just follow the crowds. The fare from Sukhumvit is 40 Thai Baht per person.

If you come by subway (MRT), exit at Kamphaeng Phet station.

If you prefer taxi or tuk tuk, the Thai script for Chatuchak market is ตลาดนัดจัตุจัก. Keep in mind traffic can get pretty bad, sky train or subway might be a lot quicker depending on where you are going.

Get there by Sky Train.

Check all ways to get around Bangkok by public transport