If there’s one market in Bangkok you can’t miss, it’s Chatuchak Weekend Market. We’ve been here multiple times, and honestly, it’s still one of the most overwhelming — and exciting — shopping experiences we’ve had in the city.
We’ve spent hours wandering through the stalls, picking up some amazing clothes and souvenirs that we still use today. On our second visit, though, we made one mistake — we didn’t check the schedule before coming and ended up there during the plant-selling day.
It was still interesting to walk around, but we left without buying anything. If your main goal is to shop for clothes and souvenirs, double-check the market schedule to avoid our mistake.
With over 15,000 stalls spread across 27 zones, Chatuchak is where you can find almost anything: trendy clothes, shoes, unique home décor, handmade souvenirs, local art, and some of the best street food in Bangkok.
Whether you’re here for a quick browse, a full day of shopping, or just to soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know before visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market — from how to get there and what to buy, to insider tips on navigating the crowds and finding the best deals.
Key Highlights
📍Location: about 25–30 minutes from Sukhumvit or Siam, and around 20 minutes from Khao San Road.
⭐️ Best time to visit: Early Saturday or Sunday morning for fewer crowds
🕥 Opening hours during the weekend: 9 AM – 6 PM
⏱️ Time needed: Plan for 3–4 hours at minimum, or even longer if you love shopping and eating.
🍀 Plant only days: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 AM to 6 PM
🚗 How to get there: BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, Grab, local bus
🥾Accessibility: stroller and wheelchair friendly, flat surface
Why do we think it’s worth visiting?
Every time we visit Chatuchak Weekend Market, we’re reminded why it’s one of the best things to do in Bangkok. It’s not just a market — it’s an experience.
The atmosphere is electric: rows of colorful stalls, the smell of sizzling food, music blasting from random corners, and crowds of locals and travelers walking through the narrow lanes. It can feel a little overwhelming at first, but it’s part of the charm.
What makes it so worth visiting is the variety. You can shop for trendy clothes, handmade souvenirs, art, home décor, electronics, and even plants or pets.
And when you need a break, there are plenty of cafés and food stalls to recharge — from coconut ice cream and Thai iced tea to grilled pork skewers and spicy noodles.
Where is Chatuchak Weekend Market?
Chatuchak Weekend Market is in the northern Bangkok area in Thailand. About 25–30 minutes from popular areas like Sukhumvit or Siam, and roughly 20 minutes from Khao San Road if the traffic isn’t too bad.
It’s right next to Chatuchak Park, so the area feels lively but also has plenty of space to take a quick break if the crowds get overwhelming. The market is also super easy to reach thanks to the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway, which both stop just a short walk away.
How to Get There
Getting to Chatuchak Weekend Market is super easy — it’s well-connected to the rest of Bangkok, so you’ve got plenty of options.
By BTS Skytrain
Take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit Station (Sukhumvit Line). From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the main entrance. Follow the crowd — you literally can’t miss it.
By MRT Subway
On one of our visits, we took the MRT from the Khao San area, and it was quick and easy. Getting off at Chatuchak Park Station or Kamphaeng Phet Station works perfectly.
By Bus
If you want a budget-friendly option, there are several bus routes that stop right near the market, including 3, 77, 134, 136, 138, 145, 182, 502, 503, 509, and 510.
We’ve taken the bus a couple of times, and it’s convenient and cheap, though it can take longer during traffic-heavy hours.
By Grab or Taxi
Another time, we took GrabBike, and while it cost a bit more, it was more fun. The scooter ride was comfortable, and we just relaxed and watched the city go by.
We don’t recommend using Grab car (unless you’re travelling with luggage) because you will get stuck in traffic. Scooters always overtake all cars.
Opening hours
If you can, we recommend going early in the morning — around 9 AM — when the market first opens. It’s cooler, less crowded, and much easier to move around the narrow aisles.
By the afternoon, it gets busier, hotter, and louder — which is fun if you want the full vibe, but it can get overwhelming.
- Wednesday & Thursday: 7 AM to 6 PM (Plant market only) – We suggest coming on these days only if you’re really into gardening or want to see the massive selection of tropical plants.
- Friday: 6 AM to 12 PM (Wholesale day) – Great if you’re planning to buy in bulk, especially clothes or accessories, but not ideal for casual shopping.
- Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM (Full market open) – This is when we recommend visiting if you want the whole experience — over 15,000 stalls with everything from clothes and souvenirs to food, home décor, and art.
What to Buy
One of the reasons we love Chatuchak Weekend Market is that you can find almost everything here — and we mean everything. Whether you’re after fashion, souvenirs, or something unique for your home, you won’t leave empty-handed (unless you really try).
Here’s what we recommend checking out:
- Clothes & Accessories – From trendy t-shirts and flowy dresses to handmade jewelry and quirky bags, this is where we’ve found some of our favorite travel outfits. The prices are already low, but bargaining makes it even better.
- Home Décor & Art – We love browsing the art zones. You’ll find paintings, handcrafted furniture, and small décor pieces that make perfect souvenirs for your home.
- Souvenirs – From magnets and keychains to handmade crafts, there’s something for every budget.
- Street Food & Drinks – Don’t skip the food stalls. Coconut ice cream, mango sticky rice, fresh smoothies, grilled meats, and Thai iced tea are everywhere — and they’re all delicious.
- Plants & Gardening – If you visit on a plant day or explore the plant zones on weekends, you’ll see an incredible variety of tropical plants.
- Pets – Yes, you’ll see animals for sale, from puppies to birds and fish. To be honest, we didn’t like seeing animals in cages, but for someone it might be interesting.
A tip that made our shopping so much easier:
We used the Maps.me app, which shows all the narrow aisles in the market. We marked the shops where we liked something, and if we didn’t find a better or cheaper option, we came back later and bought it. With a market this big, trust us — this trick saves time and helps you avoid getting lost.
And if you need a break, we found a spot called Fu Heng Thai Massage (4.9 stars on Google Maps), and we just had to try it. The massage was amazing and the perfect way to relax between shopping or after hours of walking around. We highly recommend trying it.
Quick tips that will make your visit easier
- Go early – We recommend arriving around 9 AM to beat the heat and the biggest crowds.
- Bring cash – Many stalls don’t accept cards, so small bills make bargaining easier.
- Use Maps.me – It’s a lifesaver for navigating the narrow aisles and marking your favorite stalls.
- Bargain politely – Start a little lower than the asking price, but always keep it friendly.
- Take a break – A Thai massage, like at Fu Heng Thai Massage, is perfect to recharge before more shopping.
- Set a meeting point: If you’re going with friends, agree on a spot to meet in case you get separated — the market is huge and easy to get lost in.
Are you temple-hopping in Bangkok? You can’t miss the Golden Mount temple, also known as Wat Saket.
Where to Eat and Drink
If you’re hungry, you’re in luck — Chatuchak has a massive food area with everything you can imagine. From fresh smoothies and coconut ice cream to noodles, grilled meats, and mango sticky rice, the variety is incredible. You could easily spend hours here just eating.
For drinks or a quick coffee break, we recommend stopping by one of the small cafés scattered around the market. Omise Café is perfect for a caffeine boost in the middle of your shopping spree, and Tik Café is another great spot to cool down and relax before heading back into the chaos.
Done with the endless shopping? Head over to Khao San Road — it’s the wild side of Bangkok you don’t want to miss.
FAQ
Chatuchak is famous for its massive size and variety. With over 15,000 stalls, you can find everything here — from trendy clothes and handmade souvenirs to home décor, art, plants, and endless street food options.
We recommend planning at least 3–4 hours for your visit. If you’re serious about shopping or want to take your time eating and exploring, you could easily spend half a day or more here.
Wednesday & Thursday – Plant market only
Friday – Wholesale day
Saturday & Sunday – Full market open with all stalls running
Most stalls are cash only, so we recommend bringing plenty of small bills to make bargaining easier. Some bigger shops may accept cards, but cash is still the safest option.
Honestly, almost anything! Popular picks include clothes, accessories, souvenirs, art, home décor, and plants. We love the food here too — coconut ice cream, mango sticky rice, and Pad Thai are must-try.
Where to stay in Bangkok
- Khao San Road / Banglamphu – Cheap and lively with nonstop nightlife, but hostels here often feel a bit run-down. We’ve stayed near Khao San a few times, and while it was budget-friendly, the places weren’t very well-maintained.
- Sukhumvit – Modern and comfortable, with malls, rooftop bars, and great BTS connections. Last time we stayed here and it felt much nicer and more convenient.
- Siam – Perfect for shopping and families, with huge malls and easy transport, though a bit commercial.
- Silom – A mix of business district and local vibes, close to Lumphini Park and night markets.
- Riverside – Scenic and relaxed with luxury hotels and boat access, but less connected to BTS/MRT.
👉 Based on our experience, we’d recommend Sukhumvit or Siam if you want comfort.
Best hotels in Bangkok
Check availability
Final Thoughts
Visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market is honestly one of the best things to do in Bangkok. Whether you’re here to shop, eat, or soak up the atmosphere, it’s an experience that leaves you with your mouth open and exhausted after so much walking.
We always left with full bags, happy taste buds, and a list of stalls to come back to next time. If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, make sure to set aside a few hours for this market — and don’t forget to bring cash, comfy shoes, and a bit of patience for the crowds.
Have you been to Chatuchak? Share your favorite find in the comments — we’d love to hear your tips for our next visit!
