Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market

Where is the Chatuchak Weekend Market?

Located in Bangkok, Thailand is the Chatuchak Weekend Market (also known as JJ Market), which covers more than 35 acres and incorporates close to 15,000 stalls for venders.  It is next to the Kamphaengphet station (MRT) of the Bangkok metro, and is a five-minute walk from nearby Mo Chit Skytrain (BTS) station, as well as the Suan Chatuchak station (MRT).   

What is the Chatuchak Weekend Market?

The Chatuchak weekend market is a flea market that receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors every Saturday and Sunday, the only days most venders are open.  The hours of operation are 8 am to 6 pm, which includes Friday’s wholesale day.  For those who need more hours to shop, many plant shops open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 am to 8 pm.  As you can imagine, there is an almost unending supply of clothing, jewelry, household items, Thai handicrafts, religious objects, trinkets, and even food and live animals.  Enjoy the festive atmosphere as you barter with shop owners for the best price on souvenirs. 

A Brief History of the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram, the late prime minister of Thailand, is credited with the idea of establishing a flea market in every town.  The first flea market in Bangkok was located in Sanam Luan.  Due to spatial constraints, the market was relocated to Saranrom Palace, where it remained for eight years.  The success of the market and its limited space prompted a move back to its original location.  During the year of that move, Sanam Luan was converted to a public park that would host the celebration of the 200^th anniversary of Bangkok.  This made it necessary to establish the market in the Phaonyothin area where it remains to this day.  The name was changed to the Chatuchak weekend market in honor of the nearby Chatuchak Park.

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