CHATUCHAK MARKET GUIDE

Chatuchak weekend market is the biggest and one of the most popular markets in Bangkok. It is our favourite market here in the big mango, which is why we are sharing this Chatuchak Market Guide!

Chatuchak Market Guide

When is Chatuchak Weekend Market open?

Chatuchak Market, in Bangkok, Thailand, is a weekend market – Open every Friday evening from 6 pm to midnight and every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Most stalls are open from 11 am to 4.30 pm whilst many stay open beyond 6 pm.

You will find that some stalls are open during the week as well but the market isn’t officially open until the weekend.

When to visit the market? 

Head here early to avoid the crowds and the heat, or visit in the late afternoon on a Friday when the temperature is beginning to cool. If you can, avoid monsoon season from June to October. We prefer to head here at around 10 am when the stalls are starting to open up and the temperature is still low.

How to get to Chatuchak Market

There are a few different ways to get to Chatuchak market.

Taxi – The easiest route is to take a taxi but, as always, download the GRAB app and use this to order a taxi back to your hotel to avoid taxi drivers who won’t put on the meter.

BTS – Alternatively, you can catch the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chi Station, take exit no.1 and follow the crowd to the stalls.

MRT – catch the MRT to Kamphaeng Phet, the nearest station to the main entrance of the market. 

What can I buy in Chatuchak market?

The market is massive and has so many different things to offer at very cheap prices. The market is split into sections, with areas for homeware, handicrafts, silks, clothing, food and beauty. 

The market has over 15,000 stalls and 11,505 vendors, so you have bound to find something you like. This is also a great place to buy souvenirs for cheaper prices than other tourist areas.

• Sections 2, 3 and 4: Hipster, quirky fashion
• Sections 5, 6, 10-16, 18, 20-23: Accessories and fashion
• Sections 2-5, 7-10, 15, 17, 19-22, 25 and Chatuchak Plaza: Homeware and decor
• Sections 2, 6-10, 19, 21, 23, 24, 27: Art, souvenirs and handicrafts
• Sections 7, 9, 11, 24: Beauty and spa items such as candles, soaps and diffusers
• Sections 9, 11, 13, 15, Chatuchak Plaza: Pet accessorises
• Sections 1-5, 7, 26: Plants and gardening
• Sections 1, 8, 19, Chatuchak Plaza: Ancient treasures, books and instruments.
• Sections 17-19, 27: FOOD!

Should I negotiate prices?

Generally, the rule is, if items have a price on them, don’t negotiate as these are the set prices – if the item doesn’t have a price, negotiate. If prices seem a bit too high, it is worth moving on and seeing if you confined the same item elsewhere, preferably with a price tag. 

If you are buying multiples of an item, you may be able to negotiate a price – for example, we bought 4 scarves for the price of three. 

Can I eat at Chatuchak Market?

There are lots of different types o food available at Chatuchak Market including grilled meat, Thai Crispy pancakes, pork belly and traditional Thai Milk Tea. 

Chatuchak Market tips

• Check your home country rules – not all countries will allow certain items, so check your countries rules and regulations before buying anything, especially in regards to food.
• Deposit boxes – There are deposit boxes in Chatuchak Plaza that can be used to store large bags or suitcases.
• Bring cash – There are ATM’s in the market but it is worth bringing cash regardless to avoid crowded ATM’s and extra charges. It is also worth bringing smaller change; vendors won’t be impressed if you try buying a 40 baht souvenir with a 1000 baht note.
• Shipping – Like a piece of furniture? There are shipping services in section 6.
• Do not smoke – It is prohibited inside the market.
• Keep hydrated – Keep drinking water whilst you are in the market, it can get hot and stuffy.
• Toilets – Toilets are limited and come with a small charge. You can find toilets near Gate 1, 2 and 3 = sections 2, 4, 7 and 27.
• Download the app – You heard me right, there is a Chatuchak Market Guide app – available on IOS and Android. This map will help you find the nearest facilities and how to plan your time at the market.
• Don’t buy the pets – Sounds obvious but Chatuchak Market is said to be the place of the most illegal animals in Thailand. Do not buy animals unless you have thoroughly done your research.
• Shade, hat or sunscreen – There are many areas of shade in the market so try your best to stay in the shade when you can. It is best to either bring/buy a hat or wear sunscreen too, to avoid getting burnt when you are not in the shade.