Welcome to the shopping paradise! Covering an area of 110,000 m², Chatuchak Market is the largest market in Thailand and one of the most impressive in the world! More than just a market, Chatuchak is a true institution in Bangkok.
Located in the north of the city, it is easily accessible by metro, bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk from your Bangkok hotel during your holiday in Thailand. It is an unmissable stop during your trip to Thailand if you are staying in the city.
Created in 1942 under the name Phahonyothin, it was originally reserved for wholesalers. It adopted its current name when it was established in Chatuchak Park. Today it is open to everyone, on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Wednesdays and Thursdays for plant and flower sales only.
Every weekend, nearly 200,000 visitors wander through its 15,000 stalls, both locals and tourists looking to buy souvenirs and find great deals. Prices are not inflated, but that doesn’t stop you from negotiating—within reason and with a smile!
Given the size of the market, it is best to arrive early and plan your visit according to the product categories: a total of 27 sections, each corresponding to a type of merchandise.
Main categories include clothing & accessories, handicrafts, ceramics, furniture and decoration, food and drinks, gardening, art, pets, books, antiques, and second-hand products… enough to spend hours exploring!
From antique furniture to vintage clothing and even an art gallery, you will certainly find something at Chatuchak to treat yourself—and your loved ones. The market also offers a parcel shipping service for larger items.
So what are you waiting for to explore the most spectacular market in Southeast Asia?
To guide you, here is a list of the 10 must-buy items at Chatuchak Market in Bangkok.
Buy a personalized Thai T-shirt at Chatuchak
Looking to refresh your wardrobe? Start by buying a customizable Thai T-shirt. Whether with the classic “Tuk Tuk,” the colors of Singha beer, or your own design, your shirt will be ready by the time you finish shopping! Just make sure not to pay more than 300–400 Baht per piece.
Thailand is generally known for the quality of its woven cotton fabrics, dyed in beautiful colors. The north of Thailand is particularly famous for producing vibrant batik fabrics, which can be found throughout the country in many forms: clothing (T-shirts, shirts, pants, skirts, underwear), household linen, or fabric by the meter. Cotton is particularly suited to Thailand’s hot and humid climate, making it a great value-for-money gift idea.
Buy an evening dress at Chatuchak
Chatuchak is also the perfect place to find a unique, original, and affordable evening dress. Expect to pay between €5 and €25 for a beautiful dress. The selection is huge and suits all tastes. You will find everything from designer-style dresses (sometimes counterfeits!) to traditional silk dresses and ethnic garments in every color imaginable.
Just be patient while searching for the dress of your dreams among such abundance!
Buy Thai harem pants at Chatuchak
Adopt a hippie-chic look by buying Thai harem pants (also called Thai sarouel, sarong, or pha tung for women) at Chatuchak!
This traditional Thai garment, originally from China and adopted by Thai fishermen, is particularly popular among Western visitors staying in Bangkok for its comfort, lightness, and bohemian style.
It is a loose and flowing pair of pants offering great freedom of movement thanks to its low crotch and adjustable waistband. Made from cotton, silk, or satin and available in plain colors or ethnic patterns, it stands out for its originality and gives style to whoever wears it—either elegant or casual depending on how it is styled.
Once reserved for men, it is now a unisex garment. Since the 1970s in particular, Thai harem pants have become very popular in women’s fashion. They can be worn short or long, with sandals or heels, whether going out or practicing yoga.
There are many stalls selling Thai harem pants at Chatuchak. It’s up to you to find the one that best suits your style!
Buy a bikini at Chatuchak
Chatuchak is also a paradise for those looking for a new bikini to wear on the most beautiful beaches in Thailand! You will find every color, shape, and size. Expect to pay around 200–300 Baht per piece.
Buy vintage clothing at Chatuchak
An entire section of the market is dedicated to second-hand products and clothing. You will find many vintage clothes and accessories at very low prices. Expect around 100 Baht for a shirt or 200 Baht for a skirt. It is a gigantic thrift store unlike anything you have probably seen before!
Buy shoes at Chatuchak
New or second-hand, shoes at Chatuchak are available in large quantities and in many styles and colors. Sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, heels—Chatuchak is the perfect place to find original footwear at very affordable prices. Expect to pay around 150–200 Baht for a new pair.
You will also find many other leather goods such as belts, bags, and small accessories, often handcrafted.
Buy silver jewelry at Chatuchak
Thailand is also a hotspot for buying silver jewelry at unbeatable prices. The north of Thailand in particular is famous for producing this type of craftsmanship.
High-quality silver jewelry is sold at wholesale prices in markets such as Chatuchak, where jewelry stalls are numerous and the selection immense: rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and piercings. You will also find many ethnic pieces made by the mountain tribes of northern Thailand, often at very low prices. As always in Thailand, bargaining is common—but always do it with respect.
Tip: Walk around different stalls and compare before negotiating to get the best deal.
Buy a painting at Chatuchak
Section 7, dedicated to art, features canvas paintings and artworks by Thai artists, often colorful and slightly “touristy,” but perfect for keeping a timeless souvenir of your trip to Thailand. Framing services are also available and affordable. Don’t hesitate to use the market’s express shipping service if needed.
For art lovers, section 7 of Chatuchak is a real treasure trove of local talent. Painters, engravers, and sculptors regularly exhibit their work there. Less crowded than other areas, it is pleasant to visit simply for the pleasure of the eyes and the bohemian atmosphere.
The antiques section also contains beautiful local, Chinese, Burmese, and Khmer antiques. However, be aware that some items—especially certain Buddha statues—require government authorization to be exported from Thailand.
Buy fresh coconut water to cool down
The heat inside the market can be overwhelming. To refresh yourself, nothing beats a glass of fresh coconut water. It is easy to find throughout the market, alongside the equally refreshing coconut ice cream served inside the shell—a Bangkok classic.
Enjoy a Pad Thai at Chatuchak
There are plenty of places to eat after a busy shopping day in the market, all at affordable prices. Expect to pay around 35–80 Baht per dish.
Head to section 1 of Chatuchak, where more than 400 food stalls and several open-air restaurants serve typical Thai dishes as well as international options.
This is the perfect opportunity to try the traditional Pad Thai, a complete dish of stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, or spicy Isaan salads such as Som Tam, a fiery green papaya salad. You will also find delicious grilled pork, squid, shrimp, and wonderful desserts.
Besides coconut ice cream, try Red Ruby, a refreshing dessert made of crunchy red water chestnuts coated in tapioca flour and served in sweet coconut milk. It is one of Thailand’s most popular desserts, along with mango sticky rice.
