Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market - ©Heloise Bergman / Time Out

Chatuchak Weekend Market review Rate it

This kaleidoscopic labyrinth of 8,000-plus stalls is well signed into numbered, colour-coded sections divided by soi and stall number, but is better navigated with Nancy Chandler's Map. Meeting points include the clock tower, the in-market subway station or tourist office/bank building (open weekends, with ATMs). Benches, trees, pedestrianisation and trolleybuses help ease the heat, while cafés and toilets dot the edges. Dress light, secure valuables and visit early on to pre-empt the heaving throngs.

Some foodies go to Chatuchak Weekend Market just to eat. Vendors, stalls and restaurants (most on the perimeter, a few with air-con) draw dishes from all Thai regions. Isaan food fans scoff from pottery plates at Foon Talob (Section 26, Soi 1, 08 1838 1146). Coffee and fresh juice outlets occur every few steps, while bars swell from mid-afternoon, with regulars lending buzz to Viva (Section 26, Sois 1-2, 0 2272 4783) and its sister Aviv (section 8, both open 7am-6pm Fri, 7am-9pm Sat, Sun). There are air-conditioned stalls in adjacent JJ Mall.