Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market, or Jatujak Market, is the largest market in Thailand and one of the world's largest weekend markets. Also known as JJ Market, the market once it was famous only among traders and wholesalers, but in the last decades it has reached a landmark status and it became a must-visit place both for locals and tourists. The world-famous market covers area of 70 Rai, over 35 hectares, divided into 27 Sections and contains more than 15,000 stalls selling goods from every part of Thailand. It is estimated that each day, in an average weekend, over than 200,000 visitors come here to browse through the merchandise on offer, 30 percent of them are tourists. Chatuchak Market was been open more than 60 years ago. Since 1942, the weekend market took place in Sanam Luang after a few months it was move to Sanam Chai and finally the market moved back to Sanam Luang in 1958. By 1983, all of the merchants had moved to Chatuchak Park area and the market was initially called Phahonyothin Market, was on 1987 that it took the actual name. Inside the market you can find almost everything what your imagination suggests. Most vendors come from local factories and offer crafts from all over Thailand, antique wood carving, clay handicrafts, Buddhist amulets, wooden funitures, hand made decorated flowers, plant, ceramic wares, Chinese wares, precious stones, jewellery, trendy fashions, silk, hill-tribe outfits and other merchandises. Although it’s impossible to name all, the merchandise offered inside the 27 Sections of stalls at Chatuchak can be roughly divided into 11 categories: 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 Weekend Market is the perfect place to buy and bargain, although prices are not negotiable as in many other Thai markets. The prices are already very low and the trading margin is limited, so if you see something interesting try to close the deal without insisting until the point of angering the seller, even if you can not get the price that you thinking, surely you are making a good deal anyway and, if you are not convinced, go ahead and try to find the same merchandise at another stall. Three gates allow access to market, close to each one there are the toilets and ATMs.  At north, close to the Gate 1 there is a First Aid, a Police Station, a Post Office, useful if you want to ship your purchases, and the Information Centre. Behind the offices there is the Jatujak Plaza and J.J. Mall, with three floors of assorted objects and several restaurants. The weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 07:00 to 18:00, and on Fridays, Wholesale Day, from 18:00 to 24:00. Plant Sections are open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 07:00 to 18:00. Chatuchak Night Market, Section 16 to 21 near Gate 3, is open on Friday night from 22.00 to 07.00. Jatujak Plaza is the only section of market open daily. Tips: Although the market is open throughout the day, buyers usually go there in the early morning or in the late afternoon, when the weather is not too hot. Wear light and comfortable clothing. Protect yourself against the sun by wearing sunglasses and use sunscreen. Always carry water and drink constantly to stay hydrated. Beware of pickpockets and pay attention to your wallet, bags or belongings. Bring enough cash, most vendors do not accept credit cards, and it can be a long walk to the next ATM. Always take with you the market's map, available at each gate or at Information Centre, getting lost is easier than you think. For any problems contact the Police Station, next to Gate 1.
Getting there: Chatuchak Weekend Market is located in Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road next to Chatuchak Park, just at north of Rattanakosin Island close to the heart of capital. The market is easily reachable by SkyTrain and Metro from every area of central Bangkok, thanks to the dedicated stops. The nearest SkyTrain station is Mo Chit BTS Station, while the closest subway stations are Chatuchak Park MRT Station and Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station. Both stations are a few walk distance from the market, to reach it simply follow the crowd and you will see soon one of the entrances leading into the market.Read More