Chatuchak Weekend Market
The
Chatuchak Market (JJ) is one of the world’s largest weekend markets.
It
covers an area of almost 30 Acres, is divided into 28 different
sections & contains more than 15.000 booths selling goods from all
over Thailand. You can imagine my face when I stepped out of the BTS
train and saw this huge market…jaw dropping. The Chatuchak Market is a
very popular shopping destination for Thais but has also become very
popular with tourists. Thais from all over the country come here to buy
goods for their local shop. Each day, about 200.000 visitors come here
(30 % tourists). You can pretty much find everything there, from books
to antiques to live animals and plants.
Yes, Chatuchak Makret sounds like a true shopper’s delight. For me, it
was much less than that; not only am I not a fan of huge gatherings, but
also the entire area was simply too large. As soon as we stepped out of
the BTS train, the crowds started showing up. The way from the BTS
station to the entrance of the market was maybe only 100 meters, yet it
took us almost 15 minutes to get there. Viewing the market from above
(from the bridge from the BTS station to the market area) still made it
all quite clear but as soon as we were down in the crowd, our
orientation got lost. I suggest that you go with the flow, because
otherwise you’re just going to struggle. They’ll lead you somewhere
anyway.
TIPS.
Chances of getting lost in the crowd are high. If you’re there with a friend, make sure you conclude a meeting point before.
Wear comfy shoes; you’ll walk a lot.
Drink, drink, drink…you’ll sweat like a pig so keep your water level high!
FACTS.
Opening hours: Wednesday-Thursday (Plants & Flowers) 6.00 am – 6.00
pm. Friday (Wholesale day) 6.00 am – 6.00 pm. Saturday-Sunday
(Miscellaneous) 6.00 am – 6.00 pm.
How to get there: Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station; take exit no. 1 and follow the crowd.
What to find there: Ah well, you’ve 30 Acres of pretty much everything you need (or don’t need).
Sourse: by www.cookiesound.com
