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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 29 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Chris Schalkx

Whether you’re after a salad bowl or a pair of vintage sneakers, you’re almost guaranteed to find it at the Chatuchak Weekend Market – in ten different colours and sizes. This is the world’s largest weekend market, and even the most determined pathfinders are bound to get lost in its labyrinth of clothing shops, massage joints, souvenir stalls and coffee corners.

While most shops lining its main path specialise in tourist tat, the thousands of stalls beyond them sell everything from antique furnishing to quirky fashion by homegrown designers.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: weekly
When: Friday pm -Sunday
Duration: Weekend

Getting there & doing it

Chatuchak is easily accessible by public transport, either via BTS (disembark at the Mo Chit station) or the underground MRT (stop at MRT Kamphaeng Phet). From there, just follow the signs to the entrance.

Don’t expect to easily backtrack to that shop you saw an hour earlier – Chatuchak’s labyrin-thine alleys all look the same and are only spo-radically signposted. When you see something you like, you’re better off buying it on the spot – prices between stops rarely vary much any-way. While bargaining is no longer as common as it once was, you’ll still be able to lower the – often inflated – price with a friendly smile and joke or two.

Arrive with an empty stomach. Chatuchak is home to hundreds of street stalls selling every-thing from spicy papaya salad to top-notch pad thai.

While it’s generally safe, pickpockets are known to target unsuspecting tourists, so keep an eye on your valuables at all times.

When to do it

Open on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. Stalls set up at different times in the morning, so arriving around 10am will ensure that you’ll find most shops open. Crowds thin out in the late afternoon.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Ad Lib Bangkok

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[6 miles]

A garden-clad oasis in the heart of Bangkok with a lovely rooftop pool, fitness centre and easy access to the Phloen Chit BTS skytrain station.

Official star rating:

Bangkok Publishing Residence

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[6.6 miles]

A charming, family-run boutique stay in Bangkok’s atmospheric Old Town, with all the mod-cons of a well-appointed five star. Min age 15.

Official star rating:

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[6.9 miles]

A fabulous five-star with the atmosphere of a boutique stay, with both the glitz and glamour of Phloen Chit and the serenity of Lumphini Park within walking distance.

Official star rating:

ASAI Bangkok Chinatown

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[7.6 miles]

A hyper-smart design hotel on the fringe of Chinatown, within walking distance of legendary street eats and kaleidoscopic temples, but out of earshot from roaring tuk-tuks and rowdy market vendors.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bangkok

Central Thailand, Thailand

From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions, and one of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Jim Thompson’s House

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[6 miles]

The former home of silk magnate Jim Thompson – who mysteriously disappeared in the jungles of Malaysia – is a must-see for its well-preserved teak buildings and art.

Best for ages: 13+ | £4

Bangkok’s best food & drink

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[7 miles]

As the epicentre of one of the world’s most beloved cuisines, Bangkok is a superb spot to hunt down little-known dishes from all corners of the country.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Bicycle tours of Chinatown

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[8 miles]

Bicycle tours through the back-alleys of Chinatown and Bangkok’s rural suburbs offer a fascinating peek into the daily lives of the city’s residents.

Best for ages: 13+ | £20 | 3-5 hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

A warmly lit, cosy room filled with objects and paintings
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Papaya Studio

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[5.2 miles]

Part furniture rental studio, part cabinet of curiosities, Papaya Studio in the little-visited Lad Phrao suburb is a kooky spot to browse everything from life-sized Spiderman figures, Rococo mirrors and vintage pinball machines. Four stories filled with a million pieces of furniture and decoration.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overhead view of long tail boats with vendors selling food products
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Floating Markets

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[6.2 miles]

Flaming woks balancing on tiny canoes, mountains of fresh fruits – Bangkok’s floating markets are a kaleidoscope of Thai-tinged wonder. That said, their old-timey charm has long faded as souvenirs shops have replaced most noodle joints. It’s a fun day out, but no longer an authentic experience.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Luxury mall in Bangkok
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Central Embassy

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[6.2 miles]

Rising from the ground like a giant swirl of steel, this ultra-luxurious mall in Phloen Chit houses the typical Chanel, Hermes and Jimmy Choo, but is also an excellent spot to pick up smart (albeit pricy) souvenirs from homegrown luxury labels like Jim Thompson, Siwilai and S’uvimol.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Brightly lit up Siam Square mall in Bangkok
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Siam Square

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[6.3 miles]

Tucked behind Siam’s air-conditioned mega-malls, this labyrinth of alleys is a creative hub for artsy boutiques, trinket stores and beauty salons frequented by Bangkok’s hip young things.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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