Pros & Cons
How to get there
Getting there is very easy with BTS (skytrain) or MRT (subway).
Getting there with MRT
When using the MRT, get off at Kamphangpetch MRT Station and get out at Exit #2. Once you go up the escalator and exit the station. Chatuchak Weekend Market is on the left just a few steps away.
Not too many tourists know about this, tourists usually get off at the Chatuchak MRT Staion, but that’s another 10-15 minute walk to the market.
I know it makes perfect sense to get off at Chatuchak MRT Station to go to Chatuchak Market. However, if you get out of Chatuchak MRT Station, you will still need to walk about 10-15 minutes underground and across the street to get to Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Getting there with BTS
Exit at MO CHIT Station, the Chatuchack park is on the LEFT about 10 minute walk from the station, just follow the crowds.
Other alternatives
Taxi, Tuk-Tuk or Motor-Taxi, try to avoid heavy traffic in the mornings and evenings during rush hours.
Getting there with Meter-taxi – If you don’t live near BTS or MRT, take a meter-taxi straight to Chatuchak Weekend Market or only take the meter-taxi to the nearest BTS or MRT station.
What’s for sale
Everything you could possibly want is at this market, but don’t expect to find any brand name items. From clothing, fresh and dry food, pets, plants, antiques, kitchen wares and used books to furniture and even fighting roosters.
The market at Chatuchak is divided into 11 different categories and 27 sections:
| 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) |
Chatuchak Map |
Hour of Operation
Open all year round, some stalls are open on weekdays but if you want the full shopping experience of the world’s largest outdoor market, then we recommend visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market during the weekends when all stalls are open.
Saturday-Sunday (Everything open) 6.00 am – 6.00 pm.
Wednesday-Thursday (Plants & Flowers) 6.00 am – 6.00 pm.
Friday (Wholesale day) 6.00 am – 6.00 pm.
Above are the official opening hours, but the earlier you go the better. From my experience 9 am is a good time to visit without being too crowded and it’s not too hot or humid that early in the morning as well. Things start to get busy from 11 am and later.
While some shops close at 6 pm, others may close as late as 7 pm and complete shut down by 8 pm. Make sure you go there early because you won’t see everything in just a few hours or even an entire day. This place is huge!
Other notes
It’s not recommended to take small children to Chatuchak Weekend Market. As the market is huge, it’s easy to get lost, it’s outdoors, some walkways are narrow, there’s no air condition and it gets very crowded during peak hours.
It is best to leave younger children at home. Plus, there are not many interesting things for children to see or do, other than the pet section.
You might be overwhelmed trying to look for stuff on sale and taking care of young children at the same time. You might find yourself not appreciating the market as much when you’re under pressure looking after small children. Plus since the market is outdoors, it can be uncomfortably hot. Not the best place to bring small children for long periods of time. Unless you know exactly where you want to go and what to buy. If you can get in and out quickly then that’s fine. However, if you are planning to explore and stay in the market for many hours, it’s best to leave your children at home.
Lastly, it will be hot and humid. Wear light and comfortable clothing – shorts and t-shirts (remember this is all outdoors). Bring sun glasses, sun lotion, bring a hat and wear walking shoes if you are planning to walk for many hours. Stay hydrated, drink lots of water or coconut juice and try the coconut ice cream. Enjoy!
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This is my second time at this market. This place is just huge. Make sure you have running shoes on if you’re planning to spend a few hours shopping. It got pretty hot 35C, wear something comfortable and drink a lot of liquid.
A giant maze of markets. Lots of fun and tiring. Lots to stuff to buy and a good cheap day out. Amazing park next door and another small to medium size Air condition mall call JJ Mall. You can go there to relax or get out of the heat.
Worth a visit.