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Chatuchak is one of the world's biggest and cheapest markets, and it's only open on weekends. Overrated or underrated? Here's our day there.
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Getting there
We took the BTS Sukhumvit (green) line from Chit Lom to Mo Chit. It took about 30 minutes. Use Exit 1 and just follow the crowd and the Chatuchak signs. By MRT, get off at Chatuchak Park. A taxi takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Check Grab a few times and book when the price dips.
Get a Rabbit card for the BTS. You top it up and tap in and out, with no ticket queues.
Plan your sections
The market is divided into numbered sections (and pavilions). You can't cover it all in two hours, so check the map (pinned on Google) and go straight to what you want.
- Section 10: clothing. Rows and rows, more inside the lanes.
- Section 11: accessories: bags, charms (they attach them for you), first copies (a little cheaper than MBK), pet accessories.
- Personalised passport covers: we got two with our names and a free charm. Find them in Section 11, Soi 12/2, opposite Section 13.
- Rattan bags: a Chatuchak classic, made locally.
- Thai spices and teas: lemongrass, rose, chamomile, butterfly-pea tea, tom yum spice kits, red and green curry pastes. Pad thai sauce contains fish sauce, so skip it if you don't eat fish.
- Home decor: incense holders (about 190 baht), mini trees (200 baht each, negotiable), coconut-shell bowls, coasters, candles and diffusers.
- Ceramics: we bought a green-tea set. These are for green tea, not chai.
- Magnets: 39 baht each or 3 for 100.
Bargain hard
Start below 50% of the asking price for almost everything.
Food, AC and massages
There are food stalls and a coconut shop (fresh juice and smoothies) all through the market. The Mixt Chatuchak mall at the edge has similar stalls with air-conditioning, just slightly pricier. And when your feet give up, there are foot massage spots everywhere.
Skip: crocodile-leather bags. Exotic leather can be a problem at Indian customs.
Verdict: underrated if you go with a plan, overwhelming if you don't.
FAQs
When is Chatuchak market open?
Saturday and Sunday only, which is why it's called the weekend market. It gets very crowded.
How do I get to Chatuchak by BTS?
Take the BTS Sukhumvit (green) line to Mo Chit and use Exit 1, then follow the crowds and signs. By MRT, get off at Chatuchak Park.
TAGS: BANGKOK · CHATUCHAK · SHOPPING · WEEKEND MARKET · THAILAND
💬 Questions & answers
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Prashant & Sunaina
A travel couple from Pune with Kashmiri Pandit × Maharashtrian roots, 8+ countries and counting. Every rupee shared.
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