4 THAILAND: CHATUCHAK, THE BIGGEST WEEKEND MARKET IN BANGKOK

Shoppers outside the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

We arrived just in time back in downtown Bangkok straight from Pattaya.  And since we still have time to go around the city we decided to go straight to Chatuchak Weekend Market rather than going back to hotel to check in. Also bus terminal is at Ekkamai Station that lies in Sukhumvit Line or Bearing-Mochit Line, it means it’ll just a straight ride going to Chatuchak via Mochit Station. 

Chatuchak is the largest market in Thailand that is only open every Saturday and Sunday (obviously it’s a weekend market). The correct pronunciation will be “Jatujak” (จตุจักร), operation hours starting at 9AM until 6:00 in the evening.  This market is divided into 27 sections that sell all kind of items. And yes you heard it right “ALL KINDS OF ITEMS” at a cheapest price. That's why this place should pay a visit to buy souvenir items for your family and friends back home.

HOW TO GET THERE:

I would always recommend taking BTS Sky Train. Chatuchak Market is located in Mochit Station (N9), end station of Sukhumvit Line. If you have the BTS Train Map, just follow the yellow green line.

Another option is via Mass Rapid Transit Route or (MRT) started in Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue Station. Alight at Chatuchak Park station that is connected to this line. Again if you got the map, take a look at the blue line.

Arriving at Mochit Station, we have to walk few meters going to the market itself. And before you make it there, it's kinda troublesome. You'll have to kick into the crowd all coming from a different direction. You can see picture above. In addition, there are also different vendors that are selling variety of souvenir items right at the footpath. I’m sure you can’t stop checking it or even asking for a price. Though I would recommend to take a little patience and then start your bargaining skills at the center of Chatuchak.

Young Coconut for Sale for 40Baht to freshen up from a humid weather.

STREET FOOD

Your choice if you want to take something first to your stomach before heading to your extravagant shopping experience. There are street vendors piling outside the entrance.  I love their authentic street food, mostly are grilled and fried covered with spicy sauce. The taste never disappoints me, though I’m a guy that loves eating spicy food but the preparation itself is delicious. Must try! 

I don't know what they call it, the crisp makes you like the taste.

This one is my favorite, it's like meatballs.

You have plenty of options, all in grilled.

AT THE MARKET

This marketplace has a wide selection of products. When I get there I really don’t know where to start or what to buy. Let’s start from furniture to handicrafts, from garments to accessories, and of course clothing. Thailand is known for a good quality of garments used for making apparels. In fact in the Philippines, if its Thailand made, should have the complacent of quality wise.

You can also buy Thai artifacts as your own souvenir. You can also find live animals there. Yikes, I don’t know if there are other words to use rather than anything and everything. Name it, we have it!

This is just an ideal place for your spending spree, prices are affordable and really worth your money. And also it depends on how you trim down the price; just show your bargaining power.

Artifacts at Chatuchak Market.

Some souvenir items. I bought coin purse detailed with an embossed elephant.

One of the Busy Street inside Chatuchak Market.

T-Shirt is my interests so I bought a lot here. Though price is little pricy at 250Baht but keep in mind there are stores selling the same size and design at a lower price. If in case they really insist with the price, then try buying two at a lower price then give them a charming smile. :D I’m sure, they’ll give it to you. Just be friendly and consider them as your friend. 

When you are inside it will really give you a kind of experience. Have to expect of a little sizzling feeling because of the crowd. Honestly when I was there, I was so wet because of overflowing perspiration.

HERE ARE FEW TIPS:

• Just wear comfortable clothing, shorts and shoes maybe. I don't recommend wearing slippers, because of the crowd might accidentally ruin your feet.
• Have a bottle of water. I'm telling you it's really hot there especially in noon time where crowd starting to arrive.
• Wear your bag in front of you, better safe than sorry. Our pickpocket friends are always there.
• Be there as early as you can. Just to avoid getting fry
• Bring sufficient money, there are no ATM machines there.
• If you have one, bring a stroller bag.

In and out crowd inside Chatuchak Market.

Some Thailand Artifacts at Chatuchak Market.

Your Mexican Chef! Caramba.

Have some drinks first at one of these bars in the middle of Chatuchak Market.

If you feel really tired, then you have a choice if you want to have some drink once you’re done. It’s legal there. There’s a bar opened for you to accommodate patrons coming from a tiresome shopping spree. In fact, there are foreign and local shoppers dancing at the street to the beat of hard rock music while holding a bottle of beer. Or if you just want to take rest then you can go outside the complex and rest at Chatuchak Park. 

Chatuchak Park

MRT Chatuchak Park Station

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.