Imagine a place where you can find anything and everything, from vintage clothes to exotic animals, from handmade crafts to antique furniture, from delicious food to live music. That place is Chatuchak Market, the biggest and best weekend market in Bangkok.
Chatuchak Market, also known as JJ Market, is a sprawling maze of over 15,000 stalls and shops, divided into 27 sections, selling a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to handicrafts and souvenirs, from art and furniture to books and antiques, and much more. It is one of the most popular attractions in Bangkok, attracting over 200,000 visitors every weekend, from locals to tourists, from bargain hunters to collectors.
In this guide, we will show you how to explore Chatuchak Market like a pro, and find the best deals, the best dishes, and the best tips and tricks. Whether you are looking for something specific or just browsing, you will surely find something that catches your eye and your taste buds at Chatuchak Market.
What to Buy at Chatuchak Market
One of the main reasons to visit Chatuchak Market is to shop till you drop. Chatuchak Market has something for everyone, no matter what your budget, style, or preference. Here are some of the main categories of goods available at the market, and some examples of the products, prices, and styles that you can find in each category:
Clothing and Accessories: If you are looking for fashionable and trendy items, Chatuchak Market is the place to be. You can find vintage clothes, hip-hop and skate wear, independent labels, silver jewellery, leather goods, and more. You can also get your clothes customized or tailored at some of the stalls. The prices range from 50 to 500 baht, depending on the quality and the brand.
Handicrafts and Souvenirs: If you are looking for unique and interesting items, Chatuchak Market is the place to be. You can find religious statues, musical instruments, masks, toys, candles, soap, and more. You can also watch some of the craftsmen and women at work, and learn about their skills and traditions. The prices range from 20 to 2000 baht, depending on the size and the complexity.
Art and Furniture: If you are looking for creative and artistic items, Chatuchak Market is the place to be. You can find paintings, sculptures, ceramics, woodcarving, rattan, bamboo, and more. You can also admire some of the works of local and emerging artists, and support their talent and passion. The prices range from 100 to 10,000 baht, depending on the material and the design.
Books and Antiques: If you are looking for rare and valuable items, Chatuchak Market is the place to be. You can find rare books, magazines, comics, vinyl records, coins, stamps, and more. You can also browse through some of the collections of antique dealers, and discover some of the history and culture of Thailand and beyond. The prices range from 10 to 100,000 baht, depending on the age and the condition.
These are just some of the categories of goods that you can find at Chatuchak Market. There are many more, such as plants and flowers, pets and animals, electronics and gadgets, and so on. You can spend hours or even days exploring the market, and still not see everything. That’s why it is important to have a map and a plan, and to know what you are looking for and where to find it.
How to Bargain at Chatuchak Market
Another reason to visit Chatuchak Market is to bargain like a pro. Bargaining is a common and expected practice at Chatuchak Market, and it can be fun and rewarding if done properly. Here are some tips and tricks on how to haggle and get the best deals at the market:
Start with a friendly and polite greeting, and smile throughout the negotiation. This will show respect and goodwill, and create a positive rapport with the seller. You can also use some basic Thai phrases, such as “Sawasdee kha/khap” (hello), “Tao rai kha/khap” (how much), and “Lot noi dai mai kha/khap” (can you give a little discount).
Offer a price that is about 50% lower than the asking price, and work your way up from there. This will give you some room to negotiate, and show that you are serious and interested. You can also use some tactics, such as pretending to be shocked or disappointed, or asking for a bundle deal or a free gift.
Compare prices from different stalls and shops, and use them as leverage. This will show that you have done your research, and that you know the market value of the item. You can also use some phrases, such as “I saw the same thing for cheaper over there”, or “Can you match that price”.
Be prepared to walk away if you are not satisfied with the offer, and wait for the seller to call you back or lower the price. This will show that you are not desperate or attached, and that you have other options. You can also use some gestures, such as shaking your head, shrugging your shoulders, or turning your back.
Pay in cash, and have exact change ready. This will show that you are ready and willing to close the deal, and that you are not wasting the seller’s time. You can also use some words, such as “Ok, deal”, or “Thank you”.
These are some of the tips and tricks on how to bargain at Chatuchak Market. Remember, bargaining is not a war or a competition, but a friendly and respectful exchange. The goal is not to get the lowest price possible, but to get a fair and reasonable price that both parties are happy with. Bargaining can also be a great way to interact and connect with the locals, and to learn more about their culture and lifestyle.
Where to Eat and Drink at Chatuchak Market
Yet another reason to visit Chatuchak Market is to eat and drink like a pro. Chatuchak Market has a variety of food stalls and restaurants, offering various cuisines, such as Thai, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and more. Here are some of the food stalls and restaurants that offer delicious and diverse dishes and drinks at the market, and some examples of the cuisines, flavors, and prices that you can find in each:
Thai: Thai food is the most popular and common cuisine at Chatuchak Market, and you can find many stalls and restaurants that serve authentic and delicious Thai dishes and drinks. Some of the must-tries are pad thai (stir-fried noodles with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, and peanuts), som tam (spicy green papaya salad with tomatoes, beans, peanuts, and dried shrimp), tom yum (hot and sour soup with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and mushrooms), sticky rice with mango (sweet and sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut milk), and coconut ice cream (creamy and refreshing ice cream made from fresh coconut). The prices range from 30 to 100 baht, depending on the portion and the ingredients.
Chinese: Chinese food is another popular and common cuisine at Chatuchak Market, and you can find many stalls and restaurants that serve tasty and satisfying Chinese dishes and drinks. Some of the must-tries are dim sum (steamed or fried dumplings with various fillings, such as pork, shrimp, or vegetables), noodles (noodles with soup or sauce, and toppings, such as meat, seafood, or vegetables), dumplings (boiled or fried dumplings with various fillings, such as pork, shrimp, or vegetables), roast duck (crispy and juicy duck with rice and sauce), and bubble tea (sweet and milky tea with tapioca pearls). The prices range from 40 to 150 baht, depending on the portion and the ingredients.
Indian: Indian food is another popular and common cuisine at Chatuchak Market, and you can find many stalls and restaurants that serve spicy and flavorful Indian dishes and drinks. Some of the must-tries are curry (a dish of meat, seafood, or vegetables cooked in a rich and aromatic sauce, such as masala, vindaloo, or korma), naan (a flatbread baked in a clay oven and served with butter or cheese), samosa (a fried pastry with a savory filling, such as potatoes, peas, or onions), lassi (a yogurt-based drink with fruits, such as mango, banana, or strawberry), and chai (a tea-based drink with milk and spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon). The prices range from 50 to 200 baht, depending on the portion and the ingredients.
Japanese: Japanese food is another popular and common cuisine at Chatuchak Market, and you can find many stalls and restaurants that serve fresh and healthy Japanese dishes and drinks. Some of the must-tries are sushi (a dish of rice and vinegar, topped or wrapped with raw fish, seafood, or vegetables), sashimi (a dish of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, served with soy sauce and wasabi), ramen (a dish of noodles in a rich and flavorful broth, with toppings, such as pork, egg, or seaweed), yakitori (a dish of grilled chicken skewers, with sauce or salt), and sake (a traditional alcoholic drink made from fermented rice). The prices range from 60 to 300 baht, depending on the portion and the ingredients.
These are just some of the food stalls and restaurants that you can find at Chatuchak Market. There are many more, such as Korean, Vietnamese, Italian, and more. You can spend hours or even days eating and drinking at the market, and still not try everything. That’s why it is important to have a map and a plan, and to know what you are looking for and where to find it.
How to Get to and from Chatuchak Market
The last reason to visit Chatuchak Market is to experience the local culture and lifestyle of Bangkok. Chatuchak Market is located in the north of Bangkok, and there are several transportation options to get to and from the market, such as BTS, MRT, bus, taxi, etc. Here are some of the transportation options and some details or examples of the routes, fares, and travel times that you can find in each:
BTS: BTS, or Bangkok Skytrain, is a convenient and fast way to get to and from Chatuchak Market. You can take the Sukhumvit Line to Mo Chit Station, and exit at Exit 1. Walk along Kamphaeng Phet Road for about 5 minutes to reach the market. The fare is 15-52 baht, depending on the distance, and the travel time is 10-30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
MRT: MRT, or Bangkok Metro, is another convenient and fast way to get to and from Chatuchak Market. You can take the Blue Line to Chatuchak Park Station, and exit at Exit 1 or 2. Walk along Phahon Yothin Road for about 10 minutes to reach the market. The fare is 16-42 baht, depending on the distance, and the travel time is 15-35 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Bus: Bus, or Bangkok Bus, is a cheap and easy way to get to and from Chatuchak Market. You can take any of the following bus numbers to Chatuchak Market: 3, 8, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 44, 52, 59, 63, 77, 90, 96, 104, 108, 112, 122, 134, 136, 138, 145, 157, 159, 163, 171, 509, 510, 512, 513. The fare is 6.50-22 baht, depending on the distance and the type of bus, and the travel time is 20-60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Taxi: Taxi, or Bangkok Taxi, is a comfortable and flexible way to get to and from Chatuchak Market. You can take a taxi from anywhere in Bangkok to Chatuchak Market. The fare is 35 baht for the first 2 kilometers, and 2 baht for every 0.2 kilometers thereafter, plus a 50 baht surcharge if coming from the airport. The travel time is 30-90 minutes, depending on the traffic.
These are some of the transportation options to get to and from Chatuchak Market. There are also other options, such as tuk-tuk, motorcycle taxi, or bicycle. You can choose the one that suits your budget, time, and preference. You can also use a map or an interactive element to show the location and the transportation options to the market.
Conclusion
Chatuchak Market is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves shopping, eating, and experiencing the local culture of Bangkok. It is one of the most popular attractions in Bangkok, attracting over 200,000 visitors every weekend, from locals to tourists, from bargain hunters to collectors.
Thank you for choosing Tripoto, your trusted travel partner. We wish you a happy and memorable trip to Chatuchak Market. See you soon!
