A city is teeming with numerous options for seasoned hagglers and first-time bargainers alike, Bangkok undoubtedly has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping. No matter what your fetish is: be it shoes, bags, native necklaces, souvenirs or clothing, Bangkok is the right place for you to pour your money into. So just where do you want to shop? With the wide array of boutiques and shopping centers before you, you may be a little puzzled on where to start. Here is a little pointer: begin with the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

A city is teeming with numerous options for seasoned hagglers and first-time bargainers alike, Bangkok undoubtedly has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping. No matter what your fetish is: be it shoes, bags, native necklaces, souvenirs or clothing, Bangkok is the right place for you to pour your money into. So just where do you want to shop? With the wide array of boutiques and shopping centers before you, you may be a little puzzled on where to start.

Here is a little pointer: begin with the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Chatuchak is particularly famous for its numerous market stalls that feature a wide variety of shopping items. It is conveniently located, is accessible to all, and offers its customers a great sense of adventure while they search for whatever their hearts desire.

Easy Ways to Get There

Going to Chatuchak is relatively easy. You can travel to Chatuchak by the skytrain (BTS) or by the subway (MRT). If you ride the skytrain to Mo Chit station, follow the crowd through exit no. 1 until you see a lot of clothing stalls. Turn right and continue to follow the crowd. You will see a tiny entrance that leads into the market. If you opt to take the subway to Chatuchak Park station, follow the throng of people until you arrive at the small entrance that leads into a clothing section of the market. You can also enter the plant and flower section by getting off at Kampheng Phet MRT station.

Adventurous Traipsing

Chatuchak is composed of more than 8,000 market stalls with a lot of goods to offer. With this huge number, it is not surprising that first-timers may find Chatuchak a bit overwhelming to navigate through. Fret not! As long as you give it a chance, Chatuchak’s system will make traversing through the labyrinth relatively effortless and fun. There is one main walkway inside that encircles the entire market. This main trunk branches off into several numbered alleyways called Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, and so on. These alleyways are actually clustered into a total of 27 sections. If you are trying to locate a particular stall or attempting to determine your exact location, the said system can be quite valuable. Yet another way for you to navigate is to find points of references such as banks, numbered entrance gates, the BTS and MRT stations.

The Endless Possibilities

Looking for a pair of designer jeans for your teenager? Want to buy an exotic animal for your risk-loving primary grader? Or do you just want to get a decorative lamp or two to brighten up your living room? There is an amazing assortment of things you can buy in this shopping hub. There are 11 main categories of the items that can be found: clothing and accessories, handicrafts, ceramics, furniture and home decoration, and food and beverage. But don't you know that you can find plants and gardening tools, art and gallery, pets and accessories, books, antiques and collectibles, too?  If your mind can conceive it, Chatuchak has it. The choices are endless!

Some Useful Tips

Before you set out to empty your pockets on the delightful offerings of the weekend market, you should prepare well for the experience ahead. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Protect yourself from the harsh sun with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. A backpack worn on the front will be useful for storing your precious purchases. Stuff your wallet with enough cash and protect it from pickpockets.Bring along bottled water; remember to hydrate.  Grab a free map from one of the information kiosks you can find right within the market. Lastly, plan to go in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. When planning to shop at Chatuchak, bring with you a friendly attitude, a big smile, sharp negotiation skills, and of course, enough money to get you everything you need out of this place. With all these, you will surely discover the true nature of Chatuchak – the ultimate destination in Bangkok shopping.