If you have ever wanted to experience a street market with everything fun included, Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is the place for you. It houses thousands of stalls selling clothes, snacks, plants, art, and things you did not even know existed (or that you needed).
Chatuchak Market Bangkok is one of the largest open-air markets in the world, with over 15,000 stalls spread across 26 sections. Open mainly on Saturdays and Sundays, Chatuchak Weekend Market attracts both locals and tourists every weekend.
Chatuchak is the perfect place to shop and experience authentic Thai life. It’s a fun stop to add to your Thailand trip. Even if shopping is not on your mind this time, you can try out the iconic food in Thailand. So, while enjoying your vacation in Bangkok, you can head towards Kamphaeng on the north side of the city, where the Chatuchak Weekend Market is set up!
Chatuchak Weekend Market Highlights
- With over 15,000 stalls across 26 sections, you will find everything from clothing, handicrafts, antiques, and vintage items to plants, books, and souvenirs.
- Try local favourites like grilled pork skewers, coconut ice cream, pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and Thai iced tea. Exploring these different Thai cuisines is one of the best things to do in Thailand that you cannot miss!
- Discover unique artwork, handmade crafts, wooden carvings, and much more from the local artisans.
- Prices are low but bargaining is part of the culture, you have to be polite and respectful while scoring a deal.
- Treat yourself with the best massages in the best Thai spas and recharge to enjoy the rest of your vacation in Thailand.
- Chatuchak weekend market is located on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok.
Check out: Trip to Bangkok & Pattaya
Location and Opening hours of Chatuchak Market Bangkok
How to Reach Chatuchak Market Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market is easy to reach! You can access it through the underground metro or skytrain. Here is a guide for how to reach Chatuchak Market Bangkok!
By MRT (Subway)
- Nearest Stations:
- Chatuchak Park Station (Exit 1): A short 2-minute walk to the market's Entrance 2.
- Kamphaeng Phet Station (Exit 2): Direct access to the plant and flower sections.
- Fare: Approximately 40 Baht for adults, 20 Baht for children.
By BTS Skytrain
Nearest station: Mo Chit Station
Best Time to Visit Chatuchak Market
The best time to visit Chatuchak Market Bangkok for food is early in the morning when the stalls are freshly stocked, and the market is less crowded. This allows you to enjoy your meals without long waits and ensures you get the freshest ingredients.
To have the best time in Bangkok, it’s important to avoid the hot and sticky weather. The coolest and most comfortable months to visit are from November to January, perfect for exploring the huge market without the heat getting in the way.
The market is open on Fridays(evenings), Saturdays and Sundays. The best time to visit Chatuchak Market Bangkok is in the mornings when it opens. Chatuchak weekend market opening hours are from 9 AM - 6 PM. It is also the time you can get the best bargains as most shopkeepers believe in their first sales of the day to bring them good luck!
What to Buy at Chatuchak Market?
Shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market can be a delightful adventure. Here’s a quick shopping guide in Thailand for Chatuchak Weekend Market to help you navigate.
- Handicrafts at Chatuchak Weekend Market: The place is renowned for its beautiful Thai handicrafts at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
- Clothing and Accessories: Whether you’re looking for trendy outfits, vintage items, or traditional Thai garments, the market has it all.
- Collectibles and Vintage items at Chatuchak Weekend Market: For those interested in vintage items, Chatuchak offers a variety of antiques and collectibles that tell the story of Thailand’s rich history.
- Plants and Gardening Supplies: The market’s plant section is a paradise for gardening enthusiasts, offering a wide range of exotic plants and gardening tools.
- Food and Beverages: Local cuisine at Chatuchak Weekend Market is a highlight. Enjoy the diverse street food at Chatuchak Weekend Market, from spicy Thai curries to sweet mango sticky rice. Thus landing on number 5 in our shopping guide for Chatuchak Weekend Market.
- Clothing and accessories – Apart from the variety of handicrafts at Chatuchak Weekend Market, the clothing available here is trendy and even traditional, the clothing and accessories section will spoil you for choice.
- Bags and pouches –The shops in the bags section are among the must-visit shops in Chatuchak Weekend Market. You will find bags that bag all the attention, with their unique tribal style, delivering a different fashion statement altogether!
- Soaps –Home-made soaps of varied shapes and fragrances will woo you for sure and make for a great keepsake picked from one of the biggest markets of Asia.
- Kitchenware –Give your kitchen an artsy twist with the plentiful crockery and other daily-use items with a creative outlook
- Miscellaneous – Apart from the specific recommendations in our shopping guide for Chatuchak Weekend Market, if you just don’t know what to buy, you will find a reason to spend when you browse through the miscellany of items on display in the market!
With all the shopping in Bangkok, haggling and shop-hopping, you will want to fuel yourself with some good Thai dishes. So, head to where you can binge on a palate of flavours!
Street Food at Chatuchak Weekend Market
The street food at Chatuchak Weekend Market is truly iconic. Here are a few delicious Thai cuisine dishes you shouldn't miss!
1. Pad Thai: A classic Thai dish, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish made with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. It’s a staple at the market and a perfect introduction to Thai cuisine.
2. Som Tum (Papaya Salad): This refreshing salad combines green papaya, tomatoes, lime, chilies, and peanuts. It’s known for its spicy, sweet, and sour flavors.
3. Mango Sticky Rice: A beloved Thai dessert, mango sticky rice features sweet mango slices served with sticky rice cooked in coconut milk, and a drizzle of sweet coconut cream on top.
4. Grilled Meat Skewers: You’ll find a variety of skewered meats, from chicken satay to pork and beef. These are marinated in flavorful sauces and grilled to perfection.
5. Coconut Ice Cream: Served in a coconut shell and topped with various toppings like roasted peanuts, sticky rice, and sweet corn, coconut ice cream is a refreshing treat in the market’s heat.
Top Restaurants in Chatuchak Market Bangkok
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Thailand that will cater to you in Chatuchak Market? Here is a whole list of the places that you should definitely try!
1. Laem Cha-Reon Seafood – It is a place for you to taste the mouthwatering dishes like juicy grilled prawns, spicy crab curry and crispy fried fish that melts in your mouth. It has a very casual and friendly vibe all over, and the place is full of locals who know this spot is a hidden gem. Plus, the prices are really affordable, so you can have a good feast!
2. Vegetarian Cottage – If you want to have a delicious vegetarian meal, it is a fantastic choice! They serve the best curries, noodles, soups, fragrant stir-fries and much more! It is a perfect place for you to have a relaxing lunch with the amazing, authentic flavours.
3. Manna Thai – It is known for its authentic Thai cuisine, which includes Mee Krob, Kanom Bueng, Grilled beef sirloin, and some amazing desserts as well. Undoubtedly, it is one perfect spot for you enjoy your food after a day of shopping.
4. Olive Fusion – It is an Italian-Asian restaurant located in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok. Also, renowned for its variety of sauces for mussels and delicious food. While it may be slightly pricier compared to other options, it will provide you with the best food in Thailand.
5. Chatuchak café –The cafe features a daily buffet service with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can indulge in a variety of dishes including seafood on ice, live cooking station, Asian delights and dessert buffet.
Apart from the above, there are local food stalls where you can try out some of the best local flavours, both savoury and sweet! And, while you refuel to explore more of Chatuchak market you cannot afford to miss out on some of the attractions around the Chatuchak region.
Travel Tips for Chatuchak Weekend Market
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, here are some travel tips for Chatuchak Market Bangkok:
1. Keep Your Belongings Secure: Pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas, so keep your valuables secure.
2. Stay Hydrated: The market can get hot, so drink plenty of water and take breaks in shaded areas.
3. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: Given the market’s size, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Dress comfortably and wear sturdy shoes.
4. Guides and maps:
There are exclusive maps available for the Chatuchak market. You could download them online or procure it from the many information kiosks just outside the market.
5. Landmarks in Chatuchak:
In case you lose your way, the Clock Tower in the centre of Chatuchak will be the best landmark to find your way back.
6. Bargains and best buys:
Chatuchak market gives buyers the best platform to strike the best bargain! You can easily drop the prices 30% to 50% of what the vendors quote.
