In the north of Bangkok, Chatuchak Market, which Thais also call "JJ" or Jatujak, is the largest market in the country: more than 15,000 stalls spread over 27 sections, and more than 200,000 visitors every weekend. You will find everything here, from clothes and crafts to ceramics, antiques, plants and street food. Founded in 1942 and moved several times before settling here in the early 1980s, it is free to visit on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm. Allow at least half a day.
Highlights
The clock tower
In the centre of the market, this white tower was built in 1987 for the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol. It is the only real landmark in the maze of covered lanes: the numbered sections are laid out around it. Make it your meeting point if you come as a group.
The covered lanes
The "soi", narrow alleys under tin roofs, are lined with hundreds of small shops: designer clothes, fabrics, bags, shoes, home decor. Each section has its main trade, but shops are often mixed. Note the section and soi number of a shop you like: you will rarely find it again by chance.
Ceramics and crafts
Gilded tea sets, painted porcelain, wooden objects, soaps and lamps: the craft and decor stalls are among the most photographed in the market. This is the place to buy a souvenir of Thailand for less than in the shopping malls, as long as you compare several stalls.
Street food
Along the main lanes and around the clock tower, stalls serve fresh fruit juice, coconut ice cream, skewers, pad thai and desserts. Take a break in the shade between two sections: in the middle of the day, the heat under the tin roofs is intense.
The Wednesday and Thursday plant market
On weekdays, only the plant market operates, along Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, on the Kamphaeng Phet metro station side: orchids, tropical plants, cacti, pots and garden tools, in a much calmer atmosphere than at the weekend. Its hours vary from stall to stall, from early morning until around 6pm.
The parks and Or Tor Kor market
Just to the north, Chatuchak Park, Rot Fai Park (Wachirabenchathat) and Queen Sirikit Park form a large free green area, ideal for a breather after the market. Across Kamphaeng Phet Road, the covered Or Tor Kor market, run by the Marketing Organization for Farmers, is known for its fruit and ready-made dishes.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Bargain with a smile, especially if you buy several items, even though some stalls display fixed prices. Bring cash in small notes, a bottle of water, comfortable shoes and a light bag. The sections are numbered: find your way with a map at the entrance rather than following the crowd. For another market, this time in the evening, see [Jodd Fairs](/fr/attractions/jodd-fairs-marche-de-nuit); for the big air-conditioned malls, [Siam](/fr/attractions/centres-commerciaux-siam-bangkok). Prices checked in October 2026: free entry.
How to get there
Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak district, Bangkok, between Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road and Phahonyothin Road. MRT Blue Line, Kamphaeng Phet station (exit 2), the closest to the heart of the market and the plant market, or Chatuchak Park station (exit 1). BTS Sukhumvit Line, Mo Chit station (exit 1), then a few minutes on foot following the crowd. More details in our guide to [getting around Bangkok](/fr/articles/transports-bangkok).
Opening hours
Nearby
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