Chatuchak Weekend Market
#3 in Best Things To Do in Bangkok
Key Info
Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 5.0Value
- 4.0Food Scene
- 4.0Atmosphere
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the biggest street markets in the world. It sprawls more than 35 acres and contains somewhere in the neighborhood of 15,000 shops and vendors. Here, you'll see a multitude of goods for sale, from fruit to puppies to clothing, antiques and more. The best way to navigate this mammoth market is to grab a map at the information offices on the edge of the market. Chatuchak is broken up into 27 different sections, but don't expect them to correspond to one type of good sold. Everything is completely spread out, and while it definitely overwhelmed some travelers, others found the energy of the market completely enthralling.
Travelers recommend visiting in the morning when there are fewer crowds and the heat isn't oppressive. But considering an average of 200,000 people visit this market per day, you're going to have to share space with lots of locals and tourists regardless. Visitors say you shouldn't be afraid to bargain here, as some vendors are willing to come down on their prices. Also, make sure you bring lots of cash. Most vendors don't accept cards and many travelers said they walked away buying way more than they had initially planned.
Chatuchak is accessible via the metro at the Kamphaeng Phet stop and Skytrain at the Mo Chit station. Keep in mind that the market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the market's website.
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#1 Wat Arun
Wat Arun, meaning "Temple of the Dawn," is named for the Hindu god Aruna, God of Dawn. And fittingly, this 270-foot temple is glorious to behold at dawn or sunset. The temple is covered from top to bottom with mosaics, pieced together by Chinese porcelain. To experience it, visitors can pay a small admission price to climb inside the temple's central prang, but keep in mind that the steps are steep and the stairway is very narrow.
Many travelers rave about Wat Arun for its beauty and tranquility – that is if you get there before the crowds. Recent visitors report crowds here aren't as bad as they are at the Grand Palace or Wat Pho but it's still best to get here early if you want to experience the attraction at its most peaceful. No matter what time you go, be sure your knees and shoulders are covered. And depending on where you go in Wat Arun, you may be required to take your shoes off.
Wat Arun, meaning "Temple of the Dawn," is named for the Hindu god Aruna, God of Dawn. And fittingly, this 270-foot temple is glorious to behold at dawn or sunset. The temple is covered from top to bottom with mosaics, pieced together by Chinese porcelain. To experience it, visitors can pay a small admission price to climb inside the temple's central prang, but keep in mind that the steps are steep and the stairway is very narrow.
Many travelers rave about Wat Arun for its beauty and tranquility – that is if you get there before the crowds. Recent visitors report crowds here aren't as bad as they are at the Grand Palace or Wat Pho but it's still best to get here early if you want to experience the attraction at its most peaceful. No matter what time you go, be sure your knees and shoulders are covered. And depending on where you go in Wat Arun, you may be required to take your shoes off.
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