中文 (香港)Chatuchak market is the biggest weekend market in Bangkok and Thailand, and also one of my favourite places to shop in the whole wide world. But it’s a maze in itself so here’s where this Chatuchak Market guide comes in.
From authentic vintage to the latest trendy outfit and local boutique design, it’s a fashionista’s true paradise. Beyond that you can also find everything from art to kitchenware and then some, with restaurants and massage places to boast. It’s my number one priority whenever I visit Bangkok. After more than a few pilgrimages, here’s my guide to shopping at Chatuchak:
- See all posts about Bangkok here, or check out my full Thailand series.
Table of Contents
Frequently asked questions on Chatuchak Market
What days is Chatuchak Market open?
Chatuchak Market is the most famous weekend market in Bangkok and the region. But it also operates on other day selling different items.
- Weds – Thurs: plants and flowers 6am – 6pm
- Friday wholesale day 6:00am – 6pm
- Friday night market
- Sat – Sun main market day
Which day is best for Chatuchak Market?
As an average shopper, the best day to shop in Chatuchak Market is Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday.
For Friday, it is cooler to visit at night but not as many shops are open, although you might get some cheaper stalls around.
For Saturday and Sunday, it’s best to go between 10:30 to around 5pm
How to Get to Chatuchak Market
The best way to get to Chatuchak is by public transport. While taxi is convenient, it is very crowded and Bangkok is a city that can be congested.
Getting to Chatuchak Market by BTS
If you are staying in the Sukhumvit area, the easiest way to get to Chatuchak is by BTS. BTS is the sky train and it can get quite busy. Be sure to have your Rabbit Card ready as the queue to buy tickets can be long.
Get off at Mo Chit station and there will be signs directing you to the right exit. This takes you to Gate 3.
Getting to Chatuchak Market by MRT
There are 2 MRT stations near Chatuchak Market, I preferred the MRT Station Kamphaeng Phet, which is near Gate 1 and section 2 to the west side of the market. The underground metro mall is a great place to hide from the heat and take a break if you are tired from all the shopping.
MRT Chatuchak Park is closer to Mo Chit and would require some walking to the market.
Chatuchak Market by Grab or Taxi
For taxi drop off, the most common place is either across Bangsue Junction along Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road on the west side of market, or somewhere south of Chatuchak Park under the BTS.
Tips: if you want to get a Grab out, it’d be easier if you are on the right side of the traffic.
Chatuchak Market Opening Times
The Chatuchak Market is actually open all week but you want to be there for its weekend market as a retail shopper. Although it has a Friday evening session, it’s best to go on Saturday or Sunday as that’s when the fashionable retail stores open.
The doors to the market officially opens at 7, but don’t expect everyone to be open until around 10-11 am. However, it’s good to arrive around 10:30 because you are likely to score better bargains as some shops treat their first sale of the day as a good luck and might be happier to negotiate.
Chatuchak Market Friday Night
Most of the blog is about visiting on Saturday and Sunday. But if you can’t get there on the weekend, Friday night is also a good substitute.
While only shops around the main road inside the market are open, there are also flea market stalls dotted around. And it is cooler than visiting during the daytime.
Opening times: after dark, best visit around 8-9pm.
Chatuchak Market Quick Tips
As someone who visit Chatuchak Market for upwards of twenty times, I have some handy tips for you:
Chatuchak Market Map
If you want to roam, you can absolutely get lost in there, hence why I wrote this Chatuchak Market guide. If you want to be more systematic – you can search for a simple online map and orientate yourself.
The market is split into:
- Sections
- Soi (Street)
- Shop numbers
If you see a shop you like, best to mark it down otherwise you won’t find it again by just walking around!
Wear walking shoes to Chatuchak Market
Shopping is tiring and serious business, so if you are a serious shopper like me, wear walking shoes. There are also a lot of people with narrow lanes in addition to drains, so having your feet covered is better.
Make use of Chatuchak Market’s lockers
Planning to buy a lot? There are lockers by MRT Station Kamphaeng where you can stash your goodies. They have various sizes and have information in English.
Negotiate when there’s no price tag
For the most part, prices are set but if you don’t see a clear price tag, by all means negotiate. You can ask the shop owner if they can give you a better deal if you are getting more than one item. Worst case scenario, walk away and loop back if you really want it!
Chatuchak Market Bathrooms
There are 8 bathrooms scattered around the perimeter of the market, but you do have to pay for it. The price is 5 baht, and the easiest one to find is near the MRT station by the lockers. If you don’t want to pay to pee, there are 2 options:
- MIXT Chatuchak – this mall runs directly parallel the north side of the market
- BangSue Junction – the vintage mall is accessible on a skybridge across the road by section 1.
Both of these malls have air conditioning and a top floor food court where you can eat without the heat.
Set a meeting point if you are going with friends
It’s not difficult to get lost when roaming Chatuchak Market, so if you are going with friends, set a meeting point ahead of time. Here are some suggestions:
- Kamphaeng Phet MRT station
- Clock Tower in the middle
- Entrance to MIXT Mall
Chatuchak Market Shopping Guide
There are 29 sections to Chatuchak Market, and it would take more than a weekend if you want to seriously browse every single Soi in the market.
How do I know? I used to try to do just that and have now condensed my effort to browsing only my favourite sections and a roam to the rest. Here are my break down for you:
Section 5 & 6 – Vintage
Gate 18 takes you straight to section 5 and 6 where all the vintage are and they are my absolute favourite place to shop. Prices hover around 200-500 baht, some even at 100 baht. The most common items seen are Levis jeans and Hawaii shirts, though there are a few shops that sell vintage dresses as well as upcycled garments.
Here are some of the ones that I always check:
Section 6 Soi 60 – most of my fav are cluster around this Soi (Street)
Mr Dee 100 – great vintage up cycle clothings at 100-200 baht mostly. There are a few similar shops around it.
White shop Section 6 61/3 – all white clothings but actually not vintage.
Section 5 Soi 54/2 – there is a Hawaii shirt store and a vintage dresses (20s style) that I love
Section 2-4 – boutique and design
Although not as cheap, there are more boutique and design stuff at the fashion district 2-4 between mrt station and gate 18. It’s a prettier area as well with trees in the middle of a wider lane and sunlight streaming through from the top. A good place for photos if you can catch a quiet moment from the crowds.
I bought the cutest doggy print tee from Section 3 45/1 – they do have a brand name which I had forgotten but they have a dozen cute doggie logo like corgi and shiba on various colour tees. There’s children size, too.
Section 4 Soi 47/1
Deporthu @deporthuofficial – my favourite brand with light and airy stylist cotton pieces. They also have great office wear.
Metasté @metaste.official – another local brand with urban style, both male and female items available.
Section 3 Shop 076 – Kanokwan @kanokwan.shop – have feminine urban outfits but is more suitable for smaller frames.
Section 4 Soi 47/2 – Just Me @justme_624 is a brand run by two Thai sisters with upcycled corset and other items from vintage pieces.
Section 4 Soi 48/2 – MOARE @moarebangkok – an Indian silk dresses and outfit brand. The items are great quality but pricier.
Other unbranded shops:
- Staple dresses 簡約裙子📍 Section 5 Soi 5/55
- Vintage scarf 復古絲巾📍 Section 3 Soi 43/1 💰 100+ baht
- Vintage Blazers 復古二手西裝外套📍 Section 3 Soi 41/1
Section 24 – Indian Style
Western end of section 24 has a lot of Indian styled clothings. If you are into the loose cut clothes and block print, this is a good area to shop around in.
Section 7 – Art
Art section is section 7 with painting and everything in between that’s home decor related. It’s pretty to see even if you are not planning to buy anything. There are a few snack stands nearby and this is usually where I get my first round of snacks.
Food in Chatuchak
Food in Chatuchak is a hit or miss with most of the food concentrated around Section 1. I personally ate there a few times and never found anything food – plus it is super hot outdoors. If you aren’t the best with direction, I recommend heading to the food court at MIXT or Bangsue Junction instead.
There are a lot of snack options if you don’t want to spend time eating as well. Here are a list of my top favourite dining options in Bangkok.
But in case you get hungry, here are my top picks: (Basically ones that I have tried and found tasty)
168 Thai Restaurant
This is a very popular option in Section 3 that serves a variety of Thai food. There is often a long queue as soon as the market open but if you’re here around 2pm the queue is much better.
I had their Tom Yum soup with omelette rice and a coconut for under 300 baht, which is pricier compared to some others but it was pretty good and the environment is pleasant. This place is more suitable for 2-4 people dining than solo.
Section 3 Soi 46/1
Jaephon Boat Noodles
There is a boat noodle place in Section 4 that is quite good value for money. The portion is on the smaller side but really good soup with a variety of toppings. A bowl of noodle only cost 65 baht so you can easily order two.
It’s located along the fence on the outer edge of the market!
Opening times: Sat – Sun 10:00 – 19:00
Duck Noodle
Nearby but facing the road inside the market is the Duck Noodle Place, which is open during the Friday Night Market. It’s around 70 baht for a bowl and also quite good.
Opening times: Fri 16:00 – 23:00; Sat – Sun 9:00 – 18:00
Mixt Food Court
If you prefer dining in aircon, Mixt’s Food Court is on the top floor with a variety of food option to choose from and plenty of seating. Best part? It overlooks the Chatuchak Market so you have a great view!
They use the food court card system like Terminal 21, so you would need to queue to load cash into a card to pay for food inside, and you can get the remainder of the money back when you return the card.
Prices are similar to the food section of Chatuchak Market with arguably better taste, so I would recommend coming here instead.
Opening times: 10:00 – 19:00
BangSue Junction Food Court
I have not eaten at the BangSue Junction food court before, but it’s also located at the top floor.
Hotel near Chatuchak Market
Best Western Chatuchak
The Best Western Chatuchak is the perfect choice for serious shoppers who are keen on exploring Chatuchak with the added bonus of being near the MRT station. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the famed Chatuchak Market with modern amenities and fashionable design.
They have an onsite bar facing Bangsue train station and the sunset that makes for a perfect place to window and the rooms are also clean, modern, and comfortable. Did I mention a good view of the cityscape and the local market On Tor Tor being directly across?
