Chatuchak Market
4.9
(87)
Shopping malls in Bangkok are definitely nice and all, but we think you can get a better feel of the city by visiting one of the famous local markets. Also fondly called J.J. Market, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the world’s largest outdoor markets and the largest market in Thailand. Drawing around 200,000 visitors per week, you can find almost everything you could possibly want, from pets to furniture to clothing all in one immense place.
There are more than 8,000 shops and stalls operating on this 35-acre land. Every weekend, Chatuchak Weekend Market receives more than 200,000 visitors coming to look to grab smashing deals here each year. Shopaholics would say that you can find almost anything on sale here. Chatuchak Market is divided into 27 sections and is labeled much like your typical street in Thailand. There’s a main road that splits into many smaller streets or sois as we call them in Thai. Walking through this labyrinth-like market is easier than it looks, as there are a handful of different maps you can use as a guide for your shopping experience.
At Chatuchak Weekend Market, you can almost find anything that you can think of. You will find quite a wide range of products that are sold here, such as Moroccan lamp, an antique wooden cabinet or a pair of vintage jeans. Don't be surprised, you may even see a python!
Also, bartering here is a must! Unlike many of the other tourist markets in the country, Chatuchak is not a place for hard bargaining since all the competition keeps prices reasonable. If you're buying a lot from one vendor, you may get a 10–15% discount, but rarely more than that. Before you start bartering, do check the sign first whether they let you do it or not.
TakeMeTour's Review
Falsely believed that it's only for foreigners. Many Thais love shopping at this market, especially the younger crowds with all the energy to spend walking through it! Most Thai teenagers come here with their friends with the full desire shop and hang out! Today, it is arguably Thailand’s most famous and most favorite market among both tourists and locals. Chatuchak Market has become a must-visit place for anyone in Bangkok, offering an alternative to glitzy temples and glamorous shopping malls.
