I have very exciting memories of my first visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.  I got to visit this weekend affair during one of my earlier trips to Thailand and I promised myself then that I will go hinder part again one day to burn more money and for the chance of coming across numerous thrilling and unique finds.

In this long leg of traveling in three countries in ten days, I made sure that I visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market once again together with my partner – who has never been to the bizarre bazaar of sorts.  I was looking forward to the shopping experience and also to seeing my partner go through the crowded aisles plus do the elbow battles with other shoppers who tend to crowd the alleys.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is very accessible to any hotel in Bangkok like the Amari Boulevard Hotel.  As beneficial to us, we were lucky that our hotel was located very near to the Saphan Taksin station of the Skytrain BTS.  So, we walked to the BTS Station and purchased tickets up to the Mochit Skytrain Station.  From this station, we crossed the pedestrian overpass and followed directional signs chief to the Chatuchak Park.  From the overpass, we were immediately greeted by a huge crowd heading both towards the Chatuchak Weekend Market and away from the market – perhaps done already with their shopping.  Seeing a lot of people at the Chatuchak Park did not discourage us in any way but instead increased our anticipation.

Based on the leaflets that were being distributed at the Tourist Information Desk, the Chatuchak Weekend Market was started by Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram who was once a Prime Minister of Thailand.  He thought of organizing a flea market in every town in Thailand.  Flea markets were then set up in different locations including Sanam Luang, Saranrom Palace, Sanam Chai and finally at the Phaholyothin side of town.  It was after a few years when this flea market was renamed as Chatuchak Weekend Market.  Now, the Chatuchak Weekend Market has another version called Chatuchak 2 at the Minburi District of Bangkok.

It is quite easy to get to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.  One way is to ride the Skytrain BTS, just like what we did, and get off either at Sapan Khwai Station or at Mochit Station.  Those who decide to ride the MRT can get off at the Kamphaengpetch Station.  Bus riders, on the other hand, can take a number of buses (please refer to “Helpful Information” below).  One be possible to also bring a car to the place of traffic as there are added than a thousand parking slots available at Kamphaengpetch 3 which is just opposite the Chatuchak Market.  The parking fee is only 40 Baht.

Given that the Chatuchak Weekend Market is recognized as one of the world’s largest weekend markets, one must expect to spend at least the entire day here to cover it from expiration to end.  Over 10, 000 booths occupy a total area of 28 acres of country.  These booths are divided into 28 sections and goods sold here are mostly goods that are products of the different regions of Thailand.   Our Thai friends told us that about 200, 000 visitors head to the Chatuchak Market each day wherein 30% of this number is composed of foreigners.

My partner and I did not waste somewhat more time and we immediately started going from one side the stalls.  We were fascinated with a lot of items including the detailed wood carvings, souvenirs, colorful flowers, Thai silk, toys, furniture, clay handicrafts, ceramic items, silverware, gold, jewels, and many others. There was also an entire section dedicated to food items like the famous Thailand tamarind, dried squid, taro chips, etc.  Since I have a pet dachshund, I decided to head over to the Pet and Accessories section to buy some dog food.  My eyes grew big with the endless choices of dog treats that were available at such low prices.  We even got to pet some cute dogs while we were shopping for dog goodies.

After we filled our shopping bags with numerous great finds, we decided to call it a day and head back to our hotel.  My partner agreed with me that the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must visit for all visitors of Thailand.  The visit will truly be a sole experience each and every time.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

Operating Hours:  6:00 am – 6:00 pm Wednesday and Thursday (Plants and Flowers); 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Friday (Wholesale) and 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday (all shops) Modes of Transportation:  Skytrain BTS, MRT, Bus (Numbers 3, 8, 26, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 44, 52, 59, 63, 77, 90, 96, 104, 408, 112, 122, 134, 136, 138, 153, and 159) Sections: Food and Drinks, Books, Antique and Collectibles, Handicrafts, Clothing and Accessories, Pet and Accessories, Used Clothing, Plant and Gardening Tools, Furniture, Art and Gallery, Ceramics, Gifts and Souvenirs Contact Number: +662 272 4440 1 Extension 110 or 103

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