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A lot of people leave tourist cities disappointed because they invest their whole time visiting clichéd tourist traps that are often times not altogether so fascinating. What may look cool in a picture can sometimes be disappointing in person, and being surrounded by crowds of people bumping into each other for the best view can easily take away the authenticity of the experience.

Bangkok, unlike the typical tourist destinations, is not a place you go to simply sight-see, but to immerse yourself with the locals and experience the indigenous culture. While the Thai capital remains one of the most visited cities in the world, there is a plethora of reasons why tourists flock from all over the globe to immerse in its rich culture and history.

Chatuchak Market: Your place for Shopping & Leisure

One such Bangkok attraction that is worth checking out is the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Boasting more than 15,000 stalls spread across a whopping 35-acre area, the market has not only the fame, but also the size to be regarded as the world’s largest open-air market. You might want to ask, “How big is 35 acres?” Well, it’s nearly the size of 26 ½ football fields.

A hotspot for the locals and the visitors alike, the market draws a huge crowd looking for a convenient escape from the bustling streets of Downtown Bangkok. It is nearly impossible to not be captivated by the market’s sheer size and lively atmosphere that will leave you chock full of memories of friendly people, great food, and enthralling culture. Beware: This humongous market is not for the faint-hearted but for the ones who want to truly experience an authentic part of the everyday Thai life.

Transforming Shopping into a Cultural Experience

Travelers love ‘Made in Bangkok’ goodies and merchandises! From fun and funky souvenirs to a range of dazzling jewelry and locally made handcraft, shopping at the ‘Chatuchak Weekend market’ could be considered a tourist attraction all on its own.

Here at Chatuchak, you can sample some of Bangkok’s finest cultural heritages as you glance through locally master crafted relics. Or putter through the island’s bona fide ornaments, woven thatch bags and hats, one-of-a-kind paintings and woodcarvings. In between all the different stores, you can savor food from around the world: tacos, burritos, pizza, pasta, you name it.

P.S. While each store offers something a little different from the others, they all offer a truly immersive and invigorating cultural experience.

How to Make the Best of Chatuchak Market?

With so many stalls & sections, conquering the Chatuchak market may seem like a daunting task. In fact, strolling aimlessly around the market in the scorching heat is nothing but recipe for disaster, so why not go in with a solid game plan?

• First off, plan to spend your complete day here! There is so much to explore that you could spend several weekends and still not see it all. So, the best time to arrive is early morning– you’ll not only beat the heat but also arrive before most of the crowd. Remember: The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM.
• Make sure you are prepared— carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and bring a backpack to carry your purchases. Above all, do not forget to bring enough cash to cover your purchases, as the ATMs are very spread out in the market.
• Last but not the least; you’ll want to pre-decide what items you want to shop and which sections you want to explore. The market caters to 27 sections where each specializes in selling particular items. While there is some overlap, you can still plan your visit based on what you are looking to buy. These sections can be roughly divided into 11 categories:
  • Home decoration and Furniture (sections 1,3,4,7,8)
  • Clothing & Accessories (sections 2-6, 10-26)
  • Plants and Gardening tools (sections 3, 4)
  • Art, Craft and Gallery (section 7)
  • Handicrafts (sections 8-11)
  • Ceramics (sections 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25)
  • Pets and Pet Accessories (sections 8, 9, 11, 13)
  • Food and Beverage (sections 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 26, 27)
  • Collectibles and Antiques (sections 1, 26)
  • Books (sections 1, 27)
  • Miscellaneous and Used Clothing (sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 25, 26)

Pro Tips on the Go

• The market may get easily overwhelming as the day sets in and it is common to lose your way in the various sections. So, it is recommended to grab a map from the information booths to help you keep your bearings. In case, you get lost, use the clock tower as a reference point to keep your bearings. Moreover, it also acts a good meeting place if you get separated.
• Since the price listed on the items are generally higher than what the vendor will accept, ‘Don’t be afraid to bargain’. The secret here is to keep it friendly and follow-up with a flooding smile! If you can’t reach a mutually beneficial agreement, simply thank them for their time and keep going. Remember there is a fair chance that someone else is selling the same article at a better price!
• Keep a close vigil at your belongings. The market can get crowded within no time and being a tourist can make you a soft target for pickpockets and thieves. Moreover, keep your bags in your sight and wallets in your front pocket.

Is Chatuchak Market Worth the Hype?

One cannot say they have actually experienced Bangkok without visiting the Chatuchak market. While arriving to this humongous market for the first time can feel like pure chaos, it caters to a unique experience which is something like getting lost in wonderland. One can spend hours exploring the aisles of brightly colored clothing; try some of the most exotic Thai foods and chit chat with the friendly vendors trying to entice you to buy their products. On top of everything, Chatuchak market is worth the hype and definitely deserves your visit on your next trip to Bangkok!