Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest weekend market in the world. A vast warren of 15,000-odd shops and stalls, and with every conceivable item on sale, it’s one of Bangkok’s most popular excursions. Once you’re inside, it can seem like there's no order or escape, but the market is organized into coherent sections. The clock tower is a handy landmark.
Antiques, Handicrafts & Souvenirs
Sections 1 and 29 are the place to go for bronze religious statues, old LPs, Thai musical instruments and other random antiques with religious motifs. If you like to collect old watches and Japanese-style denim, head to Section 1, Soi 35. Antique ceramics, and old masks and carved doors can be found in Section 26, at places such as Product of Gargoyle and Raan Jipata Antiques on Soi 1. Also on Soi 1 is House of Lamp, with – you guessed it – lamps and knobs for drawers (this one is more for decor, but stores will occasionally bleed into other sections here). Next to popular Tik’s Cafe in Section 9 (great for a breather), you’ll find kohn masks, Buddha figures (they can be bought if they are small and show the whole figure) and baby-sized muay Thai gear.
Clothing & Accessories
Clothing dominates much of Chatuchak. Sections 2 to 4 deal in new and used clothing for every Thai subculture, from punks to cowboys. Sections 5 to 6 do used clothing, while 9 to 11 and 21 to 26 sell new clothing. Of particular interest is Section 6, Soi 59, where you’ll find cheap-but-stylish runners, hand-tooled leather belts and used cowboy boots. Further afield, Section 9, Soi 13 sells well-crafted straw handbags, and G-Shop in Section 21, Soi 28 sells bohemian dresses made of Indian fabric. A similar vibe can be found at Le Plaacard, made with Thai fabric, and Moaré on Soi 48. Bells_Shopp in Section 23, Soi 32 offers Issey Miyake-style pleated pants and dresses; Inky in Section 23, Soi 31 offers more tailored shirts and shorts.
As for jewelry, you can find pretty earrings and crystal necklaces at Hindo in section 24, Soi 33, or have fun at a silver jewelry workshop at Origin Ag in Section 22, Soi 30.
Eating & Drinking
Numerous food stalls set up shop between Sections 6 and 8 and also close to Entrance 1. Veteran standouts include Ice Cube by Café Ice, a western–Thai joint that does good pad thai and tasty fruit shakes; and Toh-Plue, which has all the Thai standards. In front of Section 20, a line forms outside of Duck Noodle at noon, and for the original coconut ice-cream at Coco JJ. If you are vegetarian, you can find food at Vegetarian Society in Chatuchak or Chamlong’s. And if you only want a chocolatey snack, there’s Alp Bakery in Section 21, Soi 28. Finally, Mixt, an air-condtitioned mall behind Section 27 with lots of 100฿ shops inside, also holds some eateries, as well as clean bathrooms.
Housewares & Decor
Sections 15, 19 and 20 specialize in all manner of housewares, from cheap plastic buckets to expensive brass woks. This area is a particularly good spot to stock up on inexpensive Thai ceramics, ranging from celadon to the traditional rooster-themed bowls from Lampang. If you're looking for traditional Thai ceramics, you can find them at Jirada Benjarong in Section 17, Soi 10 or J. J. Benjarong in Section 19, Soi 6. Bangsai Shop in Section 9, Soi 13 offers a plethora of wooden cookware, and there are charming straw baskets and dish covers (a traditional Thai item to hold off flies) in Section 8, Soi 14. Finally, you can sniff all the hand-poured natural soy candles at Teakwood Essence in Section 13, Soi 11 to find your favorite.
Massage & Coffee
The market is full of places in which to take a break. A foot massage is a great (and air-conditioned) way to ease the strain of a day’s shopping. There are massage shops throughout Chatuchak – their promoters will likely find you. Another way to ease stress is to stop for a coffee: they are everywhere, but we like Heart Rock Coffee in Section 18, Soi 26; Section 25 Coffee Corner (which is air-conditioned); and Coffee Drip Talen in Section 1, Soi 35.
Art, Paintings & Fragrances
Section 7 is an open-air art gallery showing a range of art, from traditional religious paintings to contemporary pieces. However, popular collage artist Pariwat Anantachina (@big_pariwat) of Pariwat Studio, who specializes in Bangkok-themed murals, has moved to Mixt mall.
Chatuchak is a low-key breeding ground for local fragrance brands. Saisalang in Section 15, Soi 10 produces Thailand-themed scents that make good souvenirs, as do About Herbs Natural, who also make pain relievers and mosquito spray.
Plants & Gardening
The interior perimeter of Sections 2–4 features a huge array of potted plants, flowers, herbs, fruits and the accessories needed to maintain them. Many of these shops are also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
