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Everything You Need to Know about Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok
- Things to Know
- Where is Chatuchak Weekend Market?
- How to Get to Chatuchak Weekend Market
- What to Do and See in Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Shop trendy clothes and accessories
- Explore arts and handicrafts by local artisans
- Browse rare antiques and quirky souvenirs
- Find exotic plants at the market’s vast gardening section
- Things to Do Near Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Visit the nearby Children’s Discovery Museum
- Relax at Queen Sirikit Park’s gardens
- Take a stroll across the Bird Wave Bridge
- Discover colorful species at the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
- Where to Eat and Drink in Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Chef's Place
- Retro 2020
- �� Thai Restaurant
- Where to Stay near Chatuchak Weekend Market
- SimpleStay Chatuchak, SureStay Collection by Best Western
- The Quarter Ladprao by UHG
- V20 Boutique Hotel
- Boutique Poo-Yai Lee @BP Place
- Matini Hostel
- FAQs about Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market has been around in Bangkok since the 1940s, thanks to a push by Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram to bring markets to every town—and it eventually found its forever home in the Chatuchak district in 1982.
By 1987, it became a Bangkok icon, complete with a clock tower to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60th birthday. Now, it’s practically a rite of passage for anyone visiting the city.
Expect endless rows of stalls—literally over 15,000 vendors—selling everything from local street food and vintage clothes to quirky souvenirs and even pets (yes, pets). It’s hectic, it’s overwhelming, but in the best way possible!
Things to Know
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 6 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Contact: [email protected]
Website
Where is Chatuchak Weekend Market?
Chatuchak Weekend Market is in the northern part of Bangkok, in—you guessed it—the Chatuchak district. The market itself is spread out over 35 acres, so yeah, it’s massive!
You’ll find it near big landmarks like Chatuchak Park and close to other famous spots like Or Tor Kor Market, where to foodie crowd usually heads after.
How to Get to Chatuchak Weekend Market
By train: If you’re using the BTS Skytrain, just take the Sukhumvit line and hop off at Mo Chit Station. From there, it’s a short walk—just follow the crowd because, let’s be real, everyone’s heading in the same direction.
By subway: Another easy route is the MRT subway; get off at Chatuchak Park Station or Kamphaeng Phet Station, and you’ll find yourself right near the action.
By bus or taxi: Bangkok’s public buses, like Route 3, 77, or 138, can drop you off close to the market. Oh, and if you’re coming from far out, a Grab ride or taxi works too!
What to Do and See in Chatuchak Weekend Market
Shop trendy clothes and accessories
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Chatuchak Market is like a treasure chest—packed with everything from streetwear and vintage finds to traditional Thai fashion. You’ll find hundreds of stalls selling trendy T-shirts, stylish dresses, and all kinds of cool jumpsuits or skirts.
Check out Zones 2, 5, and 6, which are usually loaded with trendy apparel. Accessories are another highlight here—from handmade jewelry and custom bracelets to colorful scarves and boho hats, you’ll find endless options here.
You’ll also find stalls with printed tote bags or canvas backpacks—they make cool souvenirs and are super practical for travelers. And the best part is that the prices are pretty budget-friendly!
Explore arts and handicrafts by local artisans
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For anyone who appreciates creativity, the arts and handicrafts section at Chatuchak is absolute heaven. From pottery and hand-painted ceramics to woven fabrics and wooden sculptures, there’s a massive variety of beautifully crafted pieces to explore.
A must-visit is Zone 7, where you’ll find most of the arts and handicrafts stalls. Look out for hand-painted fans, paper lanterns, or even miniature models of Thai architecture—fantastic souvenirs!
You’ll also come across colorful paintings and intricate carvings. Don’t miss checking out the textiles too; Thai silk, handwoven fabrics, and batik textiles are everywhere.
Browse rare antiques and quirky souvenirs
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Antique lovers, you’re in for a treat—Chatuchak has an entire section dedicated to rare collectibles, vintage finds, and quirky souvenirs. It’s where you’ll discover everything from vintage cameras and old typewriters to brass figurines and traditional Thai antiques.
While exploring, you might also stumble upon vinyl records or postcards, which make for nostalgic and super affordable takeaways.
For authentic antiques or heirloom-quality pieces, you’ll want to spend time in Zone 26, where most of the serious antique dealers set up shop. But heads up—genuine antiques can get pricey, so make sure to ask questions and try to bargain a little.
Find exotic plants at the market’s vast gardening section
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Located near the northern end of the market, this section is filled with vibrant orchids, bonsai trees, exotic plants, and garden decor.
On weekends, the gardening section comes alive with hundreds of vendors selling potted plants, gardening tools, and even DIY terrarium kits. If you’ve got space in your luggage, small pots of herbs, miniature cactuses, or orchid seedlings make awesome souvenirs.
Bigger plants are available, too, but they’re probably more for locals or serious plant collectors.
Things to Do Near Chatuchak Weekend Market
Visit the nearby Children’s Discovery Museum
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Address: 810 Kamphaeng Phet 4 Rd.
Contact details: +66 2272 4500
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Website
The Children’s Discovery Museum is all about learning through play, with hands-on exhibits and interactive zones designed to engage kids. The museum has three main buildings filled with science experiments, dinosaur fossils, and craft activities.
There are also outdoor play areas where kids can just run around or splash around in water play zones. One highlight is the Build Your City section, where kids can pretend to be architects and create cityscapes with blocks and other materials.
Also, check out the Dino Detective Zone, which has life-size dinosaur replicas and activities like paleontology digs. On top of that, the museum holds workshops, such as craft-making or science experiment sessions.
Relax at Queen Sirikit Park’s gardens
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Address: 200/1 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd.
Contact details: +66 2272 4358
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 7 PM
Website
Queen Sirikit Park is just a few minutes walk from the market and is filled with lush greenery, lotus ponds, and colorful flower displays. Covering over 200 acres, the park offers walking paths and shaded spots.
You’ll love the calming lotus ponds as well, and it’s also home to stunning water lilies. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, there’s a multi-use trail where you can go for a jog or an extended walk.
Bird watchers will also enjoy spotting a variety of local species that call the park home. Just bring along some water, as there aren’t many vendors inside.
Take a stroll across the Bird Wave Bridge
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Address: 10900, Chatuchak
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Right next to Chatuchak Market, the unique Bird Wave Bridge is something you want to walk across. This zig-zag-shaped pedestrian bridge weaves its way across a canal, connecting Chatuchak Market to Queen Sitikit and Wachirabenchathat Park.
The bridge has a cool wavy design, which is how it got its name, and it’s become a bit of a landmark in the area.
Discover colorful species at the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
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Address: Suan Wichian Benchatit (Rotfai Park) Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd.
Contact details: +66 2272 4359
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Website
At Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, you’ll find an enclosed dome filled with vibrant tropical plants and flowers, providing a home to dozens of butterfly species.
Here, you can walk around the garden’s paths and watch butterflies flitting about freely—look closer, and you might spot some rare species resting on leaves or feeding on flower nectar.
The interpretive signs around the garden provide interesting tidbits about the different species, their life cycles, and how they’re cared for in this space. Beyond butterflies, you’ll even see other insects and educational displays about Thailand’s entomology scene.
Where to Eat and Drink in Chatuchak Weekend Market
Aside from the must-try food stalls within Chatuchak Weekend Market, there are plenty of nearby restaurants that are worth checking out too! Some of them are listed below:
Chef’s Place
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Address: 102 Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 5
Phone: +66 8 3077 9744
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Good to know: Ideal for date nights, intimate gatherings, or celebrations
Website
Menu
Chef’s Place knows how to impress with a menu centered around premium cuts of meat and expertly crafted dishes. You’re here for the meats, no question.
Their fall-of-the-bone pork ribs and sous vide beef tongue are must-tries, both cooked to perfection. If you’re after something extra special, they offer Thai-French tomahawk steak (a crowd favorite!), which pairs wonderfully with their curated wine list.
Retro 2020
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Address: 4, 13 Vibhavadi Rangsit 3 Alley, Lane 13
Phone: +66 8 0203 2738
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Good to know: Ideal for hangouts with friends
Website
Retro 2020 is the kind of spot that’s perfect for kicking back, especially if you’re into live music vibes and a laid-back atmosphere. Their menu is all about shareable pub fare that easily complements their beer offerings.
Go for their fries or finger food if you’re in a snacking mood, or dive straight into one of their pizzas made for sharing. If you’re visiting on a weekend night, arrive early for better seating since live music nights can get packed pretty quickly.
168 Thai Restaurant
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Address: Chatuchak Weekend Market No. 275-276, Village No. 3
Phone: +66 8 0495 1665
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Good to know: Perfect for family or group meals
Website
168 Thai Restaurant serves up classic Thai dishes that feel like a warm, comforting hug after a busy day of shopping. Their menu offers all the Thai staples you’d want to dive into, but the Pad Thai is a favorite for a good reason.
The pineapple fried rice is another standout, and for something a bit heartier, you can’t go wrong with the Tom yum soup—it’s spicy, sour, and loaded with bold flavors. The menu doesn’t overwhelm you with options, but everything they do, they do well.
Where to Stay near Chatuchak Weekend Market
SimpleStay Chatuchak, SureStay Collection by Best Western
Media credit: simplestaychatuchak
Address: 18th Floor, 4-5 Kamphaeng Phet Rd.
Phone: +66 2853 3995
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 2 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
SimpleStay Chatuchak gives you stunning city views, especially at night. The rooms here are modern and functional and come equipped with everything you’d need—soft bedding, a minibar, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
From this hotel, you’re within walking distance of both the BTS Mo Chit Station and the MRT Chatuchak Park Station, making it easy to explore the city. Another bonus here is the service—the staff are always willing to assist with things like transportation and travel tips.
The Quarter Ladprao by UHG
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Address: 80 Lat Phrao 4 Alley
Phone: +66 2056 2999
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 2 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
The Quarter Ladparo by UHG is a fantastic hotel choice, blending style and convenience just north of Chatuchak Market. This hotel stands out with its chic design and practical amenities, with rooms featuring a minimalist, modern aesthetic.
The hotel also goes beyond just being a place to stay—it offers access to a rooftop swimming pool with views of the city. Also, their in-house restaurant serves up delicious Thai and international dishes, making it convenient if you’re too tired to head out.
V20 Boutique Hotel
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Address: 185/1 Vibhavadi Rangsit 20 Alley, Lane 3-4
Phone: +66 8 7738 8888
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 2 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
V20 Boutique Hotel is a quaint, stylish hideaway perfect for travelers who want to escape the city buzz while staying close to attractions like Chatuchak Market. Every room here comes fully equipped with TVs, plush bedding, and spacious bathrooms.
A standout feature here is their stunning outdoor pool area, complete with hydrotherapy massage jets, and a small garden and koi pond on-site. Another plus is that the boutique offers free shuttle services to nearby MRT and BTS stations.
Boutique Poo-Yai Lee @BP Place
Address: 5 Soi Phahonyothin 18 Lat Yao
Phone: +66 2617 7080
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 2 PM
- Check-out – 11 AM
Boutique Poo-Yai Lee focuses on providing a personalized experience with a homey vibe. One reason people choose this place is the great service, with staff members being friendly, helpful, and accommodating.
The hotel also has a small cafe where you can grab a quick breakfast or a cup of coffee before heading out for the day. Another convenient perk is the laundry service, which is a lifesaver for longer stays.
Matini Hostel
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Address: 6 31-32 Phaya Thai
Phone: +66 9 9609 9393
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 2 PM
- Check-out – 11 AM
Matini Hostel offers clean, no-frills accommodations with dorm-style and private rooms available. Each room is equipped with essential amenities like air conditioning, lockers for security, and free Wi-Fi.
The common areas in the hostel are a great place to meet other travelers, and the shared kitchen lets you prep your meals if you’re tired of takeout. They also provide basic laundry facilities, which is great for backpackers or anyone on a longer trip.
