Discovering Chatuchak Market

The Chatuchak is located in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Frequently called J.J. or Jatujak, it is the largest market in the country. Its entire area covers 35 acres or 1.13 square kilometres and it contains about 5,000 stalls. This vast bazaar receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. It is also considered a weekend market because most of the shops are only open during Saturdays and Sundays.

The idea for Jatujak came from Field Marshal Plaek Philbulsongkram, a former Prime Minister. He thought of setting up a souk in every town. As a result, the first one was put up in Bangkok at Sanam Luang. However, it had to be moved to the Saranrom Palace because the former location was needed for other special functions. The bazaar had to be relocated several more times before it found its final home in the Phahonyothin area, which was later called Chatuchak Market after a major park nearby.

The marketplace is about a 5-minute walk from the Mo Chit station of the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line. It is also adjacent to the Kamphaengphet station of the MRT Bangkok Metro Blue Line.

If you plan to shop at J.J., be sure to come early. Stalls usually open at around 9:30 am and the crowd will be thick by noon. Remember to keep a sharp eye on your belongings, or you could end up losing them to pickpockets. In the souks, you will find a wide range of merchandise - from ordinary household items to exotic animals. It is the place to get great bargains on Thai silk, handicrafts, wooden carvings, and coloured gems.