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Everything You Need to Know about Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Where is Chatuchak Weekend Market?
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Chatuchak Weekend Market
- What to See and Do in Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Shop till you drop
- Unwind in Chatuchak Park
- Get lost in the beauty of nature in Queen Sirikit Park
- Let your child have fun at the Children’s Discovery Museum
- Destress at Feel Good Massage
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Brio Bistro & Bar
- Cheap Shots
- The Fat Cow
- Where to Stay in and Near Chatuchak Weekend Market
- SimpleStay Chatuchak
- PIllow & Bread
- FAQs about Chatuchak Weekend Market
There’s no way you can brag that you’ve seen the best of Bangkok if you haven’t visited Chatuchak Weekend Market. With over 15,000 stalls attracting 200,000 people, this market’s sheer size is simply mind blowing.
But, you know, Chatuchak can be overwhelming. It’s like wading into one giant maze only to end up lost and exhausted (been there, done that). Then again, even the hardest maze has a solution, right?
In this post, we’ll show you everything you need to know to solve this big puzzle: navigate the Chatuchak weekend market with ease and enjoy its super-bargain prices. Read on.
Where is Chatuchak Weekend Market?
Chatuchak Weekend Market is in the Northern Bangkok Suburb in the Chatuchak District, Bangkok. Specifically, it’s near Mo Chit BTS Station and is accessible via exit number 1.
Things to Know
Location: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak
Operating Hours:
- Closed (Monday – Tuesday)
- 7 AM–6 PM (Wednesday – Thursday)
- 6 PM–12 AM (Friday)
- 9 AM–6 PM (Saturday – Sunday)
| Section | Items Sold |
| 1, 29 | Books, antiques, musical instruments |
| 2 to 4 | Body accessories, teen clothing |
| 5 to 6 | Shoes and used clothing |
| 7 | Paintings, artworks |
| 8 | Carvings, incense, spa products |
| 9 to 11 | Hobbies, handicrafts, artificial flowers, knitting wool |
| 12, 14, 21 to 24 | Bags, shoes, clothing, body accessories |
| 13 | Pet/Animal care equipment, souvenirs, postcards |
| 15, 19 to 20 | Kitchenware, home decor, ceramics |
| 16 to 18 | Hiking equipment, leather goods, clothing |
| 25 | Silk, ceramics |
| 26 | Home decor, antiques, photo frames, silk |
| 27 to 28 | Handicrafts, books, miscellaneous |
| 30 | Clothing |
How to Get to Chatuchak Weekend Market
BTS Skytrain: The Skytrain is your best shot at getting to Chatuchak Weekend Market quickly. From any point in Bangkok, drop off at Mo Chit BTS Station, then go out via Exit 1 and you should be just a few steps from Chatuchak Weekend Market.
When it comes to where to go, just take your cue from the walking public. They should lead you to a small entrance leading to the clothing section of the market.
Taxi: With less hassle, a taxi could be the most comfortable way to reach Chatuchak Weekend Market (though a bit more pricey). Negotiate ahead of time for the fare or agree to use the meter instead to avoid complications.
Note, however, that if your starting location is farther than Bangkok, hiring a rental car instead of a taxi is the better idea. You should get more bang for the buck that way.
MRT: MRTs are also a great way to reach Chatuchak Market as they’re generally cheaper than BTS Skytrain. It’s easy: just get to the one central line for the MRT, after which drop off at Chatuchak Park and head to entrance 2 of the market.
Bus: If you want to save your money, taking the bus is the way to go, especially if you’re from Khao San Road. To get to the market, take bus number 3 or bus number 524.
Tuktuk: Tuktuks are like taxis but a lot cheaper as they’re using motorcycles. Still, you need to give directions and negotiate ahead of time with the driver for the appropriate fare going to Chatuchak Weekend Market.
What to See and Do in Chatuchak Weekend Market
Shop till you drop
If you’re in Bangkok (or somewhere near), you’d be missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity if you didn’t shop here. With over 15,000 stalls each with their unique items occupying 30 sections, there’s bound to be something for you.
Plus, think about the huge bargain you’ll get in a market famed to be the world’s biggest. Also, what about snapping local delicacies and products? Come to think of it, it’s a one-in-a-million chance to look deeper into Thai culture.
What’s more, prices here are not etched on stone. They’re negotiable—depending on your bargaining might, of course! Unlike department stores and 7/11s.
Unwind in Chatuchak Park
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Chatuchak Park is the perfect place to be after hopping in Chatuchak Market and being stressed out. Just over a kilometer away from Chatuchak Market (less than 10 minutes by bus), this park is a breath of fresh air!
You’ll be treated to the best of nature, with tree-lined paths, welcoming seats, and a calming lake. That’s a lot of me-time waiting for you, certainly.
Rejuvenate here. With tennis and basketball courts and exercise equipment at the ready in this park, you’re all set to sweat. Just make sure you bring an extra shirt.
Get lost in the beauty of nature in Queen Sirikit Park
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Just beside Chatuchak Park, Queen Sirikit Park (Rod Fai Park) is a must-visit. Dedicated in 1992 to Thailand’s queen, this botanical garden will leave you speechless with its sheer beauty and significance.
A haven for never-before-seen plants (200 species of waterlilies including), this park is a treasure trove. Now, put in the mix its well-manicured gardens and everyone in the family would be happy to be here.
But remember that this is a botanical garden, so Queen Sirikit Park stands beyond just the aesthetics of it all. To note, the 200-acre tourist attraction is also home to adoring wildlife, from local birds to all sorts of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
Let your child have fun at the Children’s Discovery Museum
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The Children’s Discovery Museum in Bangkok, situated within Queen Sirikit Park, is a captivating destination for families with children ages 1 to 6. This interactive museum features a variety of engaging exhibits designed to stimulate children’s learning and development in areas such as science, art, and culture.
With zones tailored to different age groups, there’s something for every child to explore and enjoy. The museum also incorporates outdoor play areas and exhibits, providing opportunities for physical activity and exploration.
The best part? Entrance is free! We don’t recommend leaving your children here, though, as young ones always need to be supervised.
Destress at Feel Good Massage
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Feel Good Massage is just within the weekend market itself and ready to give you the respite you need! They’re located in Section 18 Lane 25/2 Unit Number 314. So no need to go that far.
Now, before you get ahead of yourself and ask for a Thai massage, we must mention that Feel Good is mainly about foot, back, and neck massages, though.
Another great thing about Feel Good Massage is that it’s airconditioned—a welcome respite from the market’s heat!
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Chatuchak Weekend Market
Brio Bistro & Bar
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Address: Section 2 Room No.180
Phone: +66 99 154 5966
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 12 PM – 12 AM (Saturday and Sunday)
Brio Bistro & Bar can be just the food place to be when you’re famished from all that shopping. It’s a quick-stop Italian style.
Food-wise, this isn’t a big restaurant. They do serve delicious Italian pizza and pasta—just don’t expect rice meals here!
What they lack in menu offerings, they make up for music and booze. Keep tabs on their cocktail hour!
There’s just one caveat: this place is only open on weekends.
Cheap Shots
Media credit bangkok.foodie
Address: Food Zone, near Entrance 1
Phone: +66 86 744 0343
Pricing:
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM (Tuesday to Thursday) 10 AM- 10 PM (Friday to Sunday)
Near Food Zone Entrance 1, Cheap Shots is a must-visit for hungry diners looking for a cool spot amidst the market’s heat. It’s space-challenged, to be honest, but no one’s complaining as they offer all sorts of fantastic dishes.
Some crown favorites are the fish and chips, pad Thai, and mango shake. Best of all, Cheap Shots caters to vegans too and their vegetarian menu includes the ever-so-famous pad Thai and green Thai curry.
There’s a pay toilet behind Cheap Shots, so that’s another point for convenience!
The Fat Cow
Media credit thefatcowlp
Address: 767, 769 Lat Phrao Rd, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak
Phone: +66 92 556 2876
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 12 PM – 12 AM (Monday to Sunday)
Though not inside Chatuchak, The Fat Cow is just nearby, specifically at the Bang Wa BTS stairs exit. Burgers are their game, so you’d have your delicious fill of this Western food, all good to go with matching craft beer.
Their fish and chips are TDF, but go for the ribs and steaks if you’re famished. Just a heads up: The place is a bit small and can get pretty crowded during lunch. So, coming early is definitely a great plus for you.
Where to Stay in and Near Chatuchak Weekend Market
SimpleStay Chatuchak
Media credit simplestaychatuchak
Address: 18th Floor, 4-5 Kamphaeng Phet Road, Chatuchak
Phone: +66 2 853 3995
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 PM (Check-in) & noon (Check-out)
Just 700 meters from the market, SimpleStay Chatuchak’s biggest draw is its location. It’s not a 5-star hotel and its rooms aren’t big, yet their clean rooms and quality service are above reproach (reviews-wise).
Plus, with all the amenities they offer, free parking, spa services, a fine restaurant, a stay here is a steal! Just book ahead before your planned trip so you can get your fair share.
PIllow & Bread
Media credit pillowandbreadhostel
Address: 44 Soi Inthamara 3, Samsen Nai District, Phaya Thai District
Phone: +66 92 621 3103
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 2 PM (Check-in) & noon (Check-out)
Should you want to stretch your budget, then PIllow & Bread could be just the accommodation you need. It’s a 10-minute taxi ride to Chatuchak Market, but the cheap rates more than make up for it.
Though the rooms are private, bathrooms and showers are shared. On the upside, the use of the hostel’s washer and dryer is free. Plus, there’s free iced coffee all day long!
One thing to look forward to is the free breakfast which you can eat in the hostel’s jungle-like garden. It’s a pleasant way to start the day!
Important Tips When Visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Be an early bird: The earlier you arrive, the lesser the crowds. That’s one less stressor for everyone!
- Grab a map: Go to gate 1 and ask for a fee map from the information center to get started
- Haggle prices: Prices here are not etched in stone. Work on your haggling skills and remain respectful.
- Learn the fine art of walking away: Sometimes, when the vendor won’t budge and sticks to the declared price, walking away is an effective tactic.
- Put your backpack in front of you: Pickpockets operate with sleight of hand so put your shoulder bag or backpack right in front of you and not at your back so you have lesser chances of losing your valuables.
- Protect your feet: Chatuchak Weekend Market is so vast, it’s highly likely you won’t be able to finish your shopping in an hour. Wear comfy shoes, that way you protect your feet from blisters.
- Shop by section: It’s nice to just roam around, but if you want to cut your shopping in half the time, then shopping by section is best.
- Stay hydrated: There are plenty of food stalls around the market but all the walking could wear you down so keep yourself hydrated at all times to avoid complications.
- Dress comfortably: You’d be surrounded by throngs and throngs of people when shopping and the market can get hot. Bringing a hat and sunscreen is wise to protect yourself from the sun.
