Asia’s Largest Flea Market Awaits
Ready to get lost in another world? Are you a shopper with a keen eye for bargains? Therefore, you’ll love exploring the endless corridors of small shops at Asia’s largest flea market.
Bangkok offers a shopper’s paradise with stores for every desire. However, even the city’s glamorous air-conditioned malls can’t compete with its iconic outdoor markets. These markets sell everything from fresh vegetables to the latest fashion trends. Moreover, the undisputed king of these markets is Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Imagine if all the city’s outdoor markets combined into one massive space. Consequently, you’d get Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is the perfect place to find Bangkok designs at bargain prices.
A World-Famous Shopping Destination
Chatuchak Weekend Market has earned worldwide fame for good reason. Furthermore, it has a reputation as the one market in Asia where you can find absolutely anything. Shoppers can stock up on unique souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, antiques, and home decor items.
Literally anything is available at this market. For example, you’ll find items ranging from completely legal goods to questionable merchandise. Search hard enough, and you’ll discover what you’re looking for. Alternatively, simply visit to experience the thrill of finding hidden treasures. Most visitors find it difficult to leave empty-handed.
Market Layout and Navigation
Although the market has designated areas for specific item types, these boundaries have blurred over the years. Therefore, it’s common to find someone selling handbags near food stalls. Additionally, you might discover an antique shop next to a pet store or custom wedding dress tailor.
Several attempts have been made to create maps of Chatuchak Weekend Market areas. However, these maps serve only as loose guidelines because shops close, relocate, and change their merchandise regularly. Don’t panic though – your private tour guide can help by asking shop owners where to find specific items you want to buy.
Popular Sections for Locals and Tourists
Some areas draw many locals to the weekend market. For instance, the antique, animal, and book sections attract regular visitors. Many tourists enjoy the art section because it displays beautiful and varied works by local artists.
Artists are usually present in their shops, actively painting, drawing, and sculpting new projects. Therefore, you can watch creative work happen in real time. Moreover, many accept commissions for custom pieces.
Ladies particularly enjoy browsing the vast selection of clothing and accessory stores. These shops make up a large part of the market. Furthermore, first-time visitors are often surprised to learn that some well-known clothing labels started as original creations from small Chatuchak designers.
Custom Clothing and Bulk Shopping
Interested in buying clothing items in bulk at extremely low prices? Chatuchak Weekend Market is the perfect place. Additionally, you can have custom one-of-a-kind pieces made specifically for you. Local designers offer both ready-made items and personalized services.
Because many designers work directly from their stalls, you can discuss your needs face-to-face. Consequently, you’ll get exactly what you want at prices much lower than traditional retail stores.
Best Times to Visit
Unlike many other markets, you shouldn’t arrive too early at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Although shops officially open at 10am, many owners are slow to open their stalls. Moreover, they’re even slower to bargain during early morning hours.
Instead, it’s best to visit in the evening hours. Many shops remain open until 6pm, and sometimes even 7pm. During these later hours, shop owners become more social and the market’s mood becomes more festive. Therefore, sellers are more willing to negotiate prices, making it the ideal time for bargain hunting.
For a truly unique experience you can choose to arrive directly in the middle of Chatuchak Weekend Market by taking Bangkok’s underground train system (MRT) and getting off at the Kamphaeng Phet station. Chatuchak Weekend Market can also be reached via Bangkok’s elevated train system (BTS). BTS station Mo Chit is a short walking distance from Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Open only on Saturday and Sunday, hence the name Chatuchak Weekend Market. Sometimes visitors are confused because of the nearby JJ Mall, also called Chatuchak Mall, which is open every day of the week.
Things you should be aware of when visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market:
- Visitors should use the restroom prior to arriving at the market as the waiting lines at the market bathrooms can be very long.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended when visiting the market.