Chatuchak Information Guide

Asia's Biggest Market

The Chatuchak area acquired its name from the large public park of the same name. However, the area is best known for the largest market in Asia, the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Chatuchak also provides a convenient gateway to other areas like Vipawadee Rangsit, Ladprao and Saphankwai with a variety of public transportations such as the Bangkok Skytrain (BTS), the underground (MRT), and countless of bus lines.

Other than the obligatory shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market, a visit to Or Tor Kor Market, the squeaky clean 'hi-so' market, is also recommended, especially if you look for quality products from top local manufacturers. Ready-made food, fresh seafood, Thai sweets, vegetables, and fruits are readily available. Relax or have a picnic at Chatuchak Park and Wachirabenjatat Park (locally known as 'Suan Rod Fai'). Chatuchak Park is one of the older public parks in Bangkok, established with land donated by the State Railway of Thailand. It was later augmented with Queen Sirikit Park and Wachirabenchatat Park. A train museum and the Children's Discovery Museum are also situated inside the park.

Beyond the market and the park, you'll find the Bronze Craft Centre (in Pradit-torakarn Community, Paholyothin), where quality bronze tableware and decorative items are on offer. If you're interested to find out how the first commercial bank of Thailand came about, a visit to the Museum of Thai Banking at Siam Commercial Bank (free admission) on Ratchadapisek Road will be an enlightening experience. For fun in the malls, there are several bowling alleys and cinemas at Central Plaza Ladprao and Major Ratchayothin.

If you're in the Chatuchak area, you simply can't miss Chatuchak Weekend Market. Boasting over 15,000 stalls specialising in everything you could imagine - from clothing, fresh and dry food, pets, plants and used books to furniture and even fighting roosters - Chatuchak should be a must-do on any visitor's shopping itinerary. Behind Chatuchak is Or Tor Kor Market, also worth checking out if you want to experience how the locals shop for food. If the sun gets too hot, head to Central Plaza Ladprao, and the Union Mall nearby for some air-con comfort and (more) retail therapy.

Learn more about Shopping Areas: Sukhumvit, Chidlom, Siam Square, Ratchaprasong, Sathorn, Riverside, Khao San Road, Old City, Chinatown, Pratunam, Ratchadapisek

Related Links: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thai Crafts, Fashion & Clothing

Many tasty eats can be found at  Chatuchak Weekend Market and Or Tor Kor Market. Try the refreshing grass jelly in iced syrup or go for old-fashioned popsicles to help you cool off amidst the market madness. Or Tor Kor Market also boasts some of the most luscious traditional Thai sweets you'll ever taste. Central Plaza Ladprao and Union Mall also offer a wide range of local and international fast food chains as well as food courts.

Equipped with two of the most advanced transportation systems like the Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT), Chatuchak has easy access to many of Bangkok's prime areas. If you want to take a trip to the outskirts of Bangkok (Don Muang and Rangsit areas), Chatuchak is a good starting point as there are many outbound buses, mini-vans, and taxis around. Also in the area is Mo Chit 2, where buses leave the city for all destinations in the north and northeast of Thailand.

There's an array of clubs, pubs, bars, and a little bit of a local gay scene just behind the Or Tor Kor Market. Other nightlife hotspots such as Silom, RCA, Thong Lor, and Sukhumvit Road can be reached easily with the BTS and MRT.