27 Jul 10 useful tips for visiting Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak Market (also known as the “Sunday Market”) is perhaps the biggest market in Thailand. If you’re visiting Bangkok, it’s well worth spending a day immersed in this busy kaleidoscope of colors.
10 TIPS TO VISIT CHATUCHAK MARKET
Hot, crowded, an infinite number of stalls, strong smells, variety. This is Chatuchak.
To see. To taste. To live to the full.
Here are a few hints on how to make this a unique experience:
1
Get there early.
The morning, when there are fewer people around, is the best time to visit the market.
2
Clothing.
Wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing. I recommend using sun-cream, sunglasses and perhaps a hat too.
3
Look after your bag, wallet or purse.
Stalls only accept cash and there are ATMs in Chatuchak market. Watch out for pickpockets though, as the crowded conditions make it fairly easy for them to operate. Useful tip: set a budget and only take that amount with you (along with a photocopy of your ID).
4
Drink plenty.
The market is big and it often gets very hot and humid with temperatures of around 28-33°C (82-91°F), why risk being ill?
5
Get a map of the market.
-
- You can download an interactive map from the following websites: JJ Market Map, Chatuchak.
- Or buy the Nancy Chandler imap of Bangkok, which includes a detailed map of the market (275 baht, approximately €7).
6
Haggle.
The art of haggling is part of the Thai culture. If you’re not used to bargaining, Chatuchak is an ideal training ground!
7
If you see something you like, buy it.
The market is so big it’ll be difficult to find your way back to the stall later.
8
Stop for something to eat at the market.
With the numerous bars and restaurants in Chatuchak market, you’ll never run out of things to eat. If you manage to find it, the coconut ice-cream mixed with fresh coconut flesh and served in a half coconut shell is worth trying.
9
Find the toilets.
Public toilets are located at the entrances and along the main roads that circle the market. Don’t expect anything too clean, but they’re better than nothing. You have to pay 2 baht (approximately €0.05) to use the toilets and 5 baht (approximately €0.13) for toilet paper.
10
Stay to watch the market close.
Sit down, have a cool drink and watch the Thais at work. They are fascinating people.
Some prices (I can remember)
Lunch: 50 bath (approximately €1.3)
Coconut ice-cream: 30 bath (approximately €0.78)
Water-ice/lemonade: 30 bath (approximately €0.78)
Converse sneakers: 170 bath (approximately €4)
Canvas bag: 120 bath (approximately €3)
Flip-flops: 100 bath (approximately €2.5)
Bamboo fan: 20 bath (approximately €0.5)
Mango wood vase (medium size): 250 bath (approximately €6.5)
Thai triangle cushions (large): 950 bath (approximately €23)
Useful information
When: Chatuchak is open on Saturday and Sunday, from 6 am to 6 pm.
Getting there:
- MRT metro: take the Bangkok Metro Blue Line to Chatuchak Park station (exit 1); the station nearest to the flower market is Kamphaeng Phet.
- BTS Skytrain: take the Sukhumvit Line to Mo Chit station (exit 1).
What to buy: clothing (new and second-hand), ceramics, furniture, home decor, plants, accessories for pets, books, handicrafts, antiques, food, artifacts, etc. In other words, practically anything you could wish to buy in Thailand!
Shipping: there are several UPS booths at the market that will pack and ship your purchases.
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