What you need to know about the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok Thailand
The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, also called the JJ Market, is the largest weekend market in the world spanning over 27 acres of land with 15,000 vendors to choose from. You’re likely to leave with a full stomach and a few extra bags in tow, as there is irresistible street food, high quality clothing for both shallow and deep pockets, and even an exotic pet section.
The sheer magnitude of this market makes it a little overwhelming for first time visitors, but you won’t want to miss spending a Sunday afternoon here during your trip to Bangkok!
How to get to the Chatuchak Weekend Market
The close proximity to Bangkok’s center city makes the Chatuchak Weekend Market a hassle free activity during your Bangkok vacation. The easiest way to get there is by taking the BTS Skytrain: access the BTS Sukhumvit Line towards Mo Chit. Take the train all the way to Mo Chit station.
Once there, follow exit 1 and walk with the crowds down the street until you see the entrance with large awnings filled with street vendors on the right hand side. You can’t miss it! Another alternative is to take the MRT towards Tao Poon and get off at the Chatuchak Park stop.
Shopping at the Chatuchak Weekend Market
Our biggest recommendation for shopping at the Chatuchak Weekend Market is that if you find something you like, BUY IT! With 27 sections and hundreds of different sois (alleys), it is almost impossible to find the exact stall twice. We made the mistake of “thinking about” a purchase and ended up trying to find the vendor for over an hour when we decided to pull the trigger. Speaking of 27 different sections, Chatuchak has everything from vintage clothing to howsewears so we recommend a leisurely stroll through the sections at your own pace.
If you’re a planner (like me) pick up one of the market maps to get a rough idea of where things are or download the map at the bottom of this page before you arrive. You’ll find that most new clothing shops and souvenir stalls sell similar merchandise, so it’s best to brush up on your bargaining skills for great deals. On the low side, we found high quality shirts for only 100 Baht ($3 USD) and for premium buys we scooped up a one of a kind, handmade, waterproof messenger bag for 1400 Baht ($40 USD). You can find vendors lining the streets both in and outside, but what you won’t find is air conditioning so make sure to dress light and bring plenty of sunscreen!
PRO TIP: For some relief from the heat, step into one of the many air conditioned massage shops and treat yourself! A foot massage starts at 150 Baht ($5 USD) for 30 minutes.
Food at the Chatuchak Weekend Market
There are food options everywhere you turn at the Chatuchak Weekend Market with both Thai and Western offerings. We suggest sticking with street food vs. one of the few sit down restaurants in the market, that way you can snack your way through your shopping day. One thing you absolutely need to try is the fried chicken breast on a stick for only 20 Baht (less than $1 USD). The portion is huge and the meat quality is some of the best we’ve experienced so far in Thailand… a must try snack!
Other highlights for us include coconut ice-cream that you can find just about anywhere for 30-40 Baht, Choconana (frozen banana dipped chocolate and rolled in toppings) and mango smoothies… can you tell we have a serious sweet tooth? Comment down below and share your favorite foods at the Chatuchak Market!
Where is the Chatuchak Weekend Market?
Clothing & Accessories (sections 2-6, 10-26)
Handicrafts (sections 8-11)
Ceramics (sections 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25)
Furniture and Home Decoration (sections 1,3,4,7,8)
Food and Beverage (sections 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 26, 27)
Plants and Gardening tools (sections 3, 4)
Art and Gallery (section 7)
Pets and Pet Accessories (sections 8, 9, 11, 13)
Books (sections 1, 27)
Antiques and Collectibles (sections 1, 26)
Miscellaneous and Used Clothing (sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 25, 26)