All my travels teach me a thing or two about myself and one of the things I learned in Bangkok is how much I suck at shopping. And by suck, I mean I have very little interest in buying stuff. It goes without saying that I am not much of a haggler, which was funny, considering how some people go to BKK for food and shopping. In a city that is teeming with all kinds of market (weekend market, night markets, floating markets, and malls), how does a non-shopper like me survive?
The thing is, I cannot simply write shopping off of my list, especially Chatuchak Weekend Market. It’s in all must-do’s/must-see’s lists I’ve read and even locals shop here so I absolutely couldn’t miss it. Plus, I needed to buy souvenirs for family and friends back home.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is a top Bangkok destination for tourists and locals alike, and for good reason. It is the largest market in Thailand, and one of the largest weekend markets in the world. Also called Jatujak or JJ Market, this 35-acre indoor and outdoor market has more than 8,000 vendors selling anything and everything your mind can conjure up. And I mean, anything and everything.
The market is open only during – you guessed it – Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 6pm. Best to get there early so you can see as much as you can and buy as much as your wallet allows. It can get very hot and crowded in the afternoon, too.
Before going
Thailand is a tropical country. As someone who lives in the Philippines, I am used to hot climate so when I say that it’s hot in Bangkok, it really is hot. Remember to dress for comfort.
- Wear light and comfy clothing. Shorts and a cotton shirt or tank top is best.
- Wear comfortable shoes. I wore my white sneakers (dirty white by the end of the day) which was pretty comfy but I still had foot sores after all the walking. If you have extra slippers or sandals, I absolutely recommend bringing it. Band-aids might come in handy, too.
- Bring a bottle of drinking water. Although there are many fruit juice and drinks stalls around the market, it’s still best to have a bottle handy. Stay hydrated!
- Wear sun protection – a hat, sunnies, sunscreen, whatever you can bring or use to protect yourself from the heat. I cannot stress this enough: it is HOT in Bangkok.
- Bring a bag, even if you don’t plan to buy a lot. I recommend bringing a sling bag but a backpack also works. Just make sure you wear it on the front, and not on your back. Always watch your belongings. As they say, BE CAREFUL BAG. 😀
- Bring enough cash. Most vendors do not accept credit cards, and it can be a long walk to the next ATM.
How to get there
Take the BTS Skytrain and get off at Mo Chit station. The market is just a few meters away from one of the three entrances of the market. The number one rule when trying to find a tourist destination: follow the crowd.
You can also take the metro and get off at Kamphaeng Phet station. This takes you to another entrance which is arguably more interesting because it is near the stalls selling books and antiques.
What to buy
Remember when I said you can find anything and everything in Chatuchak Weekend Market? That was not an exaggeration.
The market is divided into 27 numbered sections depending on the types of goods sold. Some goods overlap between sections but the grouping generally looks like this:
- Antiques (section 26)
- Arts (section 7)
- Books (section 1 and 27)
- Ceramics (section 17 and 19)
- Clothing (section 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, and 23)
- Handicrafts (section 8, 22, 24, and 25)
- Home decoration (section 2)
- Pets (section 9, 11, 13, and 15)
- Plants (section 3 and 4)
- Used clothing (section 5 and 5)
Here’s a map for better appreciation.
Tip: When you see something interesting, buy it immediately. Unlike most markets where you can use the “I’ll come back” technique and the vendor hopefully gives you a discount, Chatuchak market is just too big and there’s very little chance that will find the same stall again.
Speaking of discounts, haggling is very much encouraged here but according to friends and other bloggers, you generally won’t get big discounts. The prices aren’t very cheap either, but if you buy in bulk, there’s a bigger chance of getting a good bargain.
Not to go home empty-handed, I bought elephant-printed coin purses worth 35 baht each, or 3 purses for 100 baht. I bought 9 for 300 baht. I also bought 3 ref magnets for 100 baht. I know, I suck. I even forgot to buy a shirt! I reasoned that most of the items in the market can also be found in Manila, and possibly for an even lower price, so I ended up just taking photos and not buying.
What to eat
Chatuchak is no Chinatown or Khao San but you won’t go hungry here. Food stalls are everywhere. You can find rice meals inside the market and along the side streets, or partake in the wide selection of street snacks. If you’re looking for healthy options, why not buy from fruit stands? There are also lots of small cafes.
What to do (besides shopping)
Like I said, I don’t particularly enjoy shopping, even back home. But Chatuchak market is as much a tourist destination as the Grand Palace so even if you’re a non-shopper like me, you can enjoy the experience. If you like people-watching, the market won’t disappoint. If you like taking photos, there is a lot of attractive subjects here. If you like eating and drinking coffee, you’re in for a treat because Chatuchak has a lot of food stalls and mini-cafes. I enjoy long walks and observing the culture of a place. I was able to do both in Chatuchak.
Once you’re tired of walking, you can find relief in massage parlors. Ah, the famous Thai massage. For around 150 to 200 baht, you can experience an hour of slightly painful but soothing foot massage.
So, there. If it’s your first time in Bangkok and you happen to be there on a weekend, don’t miss out on the chance to experience Chatuchak and its many surprises. You can also check out Patpong Night Bazaar for a nighttime experience. Bangkok’s big malls are also worth visiting. There’s something for everyone, even for non-shoppers. 🙂