Chatuchak Weekend Market (Jay Jay Market)

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Located in the north of Bangkok, it only takes a trip to Mo Chit station on the BTS Skytrain in order to reach Chatuchak Market. This market is the biggest in Thailand, which makes it popular among wholesalers and traders. It has now become a landmark and a must-visited place for travelers. For shopaholics with a budget, they can definitely shop till they drop. Seasoned shoppers can only be in awe at the sight of more than 8,000 market stalls in this 35-acre area of Chatuchak. More than 200,000 visitors flock in this market on a typical weekend.

This famous market may look like a maze with internal and external passageways, but there is an official map at the entrance that helps you avoid getting lost as you shop around for goods. On its map, you can see a list of all the types of goods that can be bought and where they are located over 27 different sections. You will find one main walkway encircling the entire market, and it has branched alleyways called Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, and so on. The people selling the goods are also very friendly, and they always have a smile on their faces.

TIPS

Check the goods you want to purchase in order to see if there are damages. There are vendors who sell factory rejects.
For buying antiques, don’t trust vendors easily. You can bring a friend who is an expert on antique-buying so that you won’t be easily fooled by those sellers who keep on saying their products are “genuine.”
Come to the market with brushed-up negotiation skills; these are handy for bargain-hunting or securing the best purchase deal.
Wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
Bring enough cash, because most stalls do not accept credit cards. Going to the next ATM machine may also take a long walk.