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story : 25
June 05 / Vol. 22 No. 6
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The
Biggest and Most Popular Weekend Market
of Thailand |
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When thinking about shopping in Bangkok,
there is no way more enjoyable to do it than the Thai way --
at outdoor markets. This way you will experience the people's
lifestyles amidst the hustle and bustle of urbanization, which
will add colour to your stay in this country. Chatuchak (Jatujak)
Weekend Market or commonly called JJ Market on Phahonyothin
Road in Bangkok, with a total area of 70 rais or 28 acres, is
the place we recommend you to spend your leisure time in.
Since 1982, Chatuchak Weekend Market
has gained popularity among the Bangkok residents and foreign
visitors alike.
Thousands of people come here on weekends to view and buy many
kinds of goods, almost anything you can imagine, ranging from
clothes to handicrafts, from garden plants to pets, and from
utensils to antiques. For shopping lovers, this is one of the
best places not only to try out your bargaining skills but also
to get some exotic goods whether for yourself or your home.
The main part of Chatuchak is open on Saturdays and Sundays
from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additionally, the plant section
is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays (6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) as
well.
Moreover, on Fridays, you will find wholesale shops ready to
welcome you from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Fridays, cars are
allowed in JJ but not on Saturdays and Sundays.
Up to the present time, there are 27
sections in Chatuchak Weekend Market, to name a few, clothing
and accessories, handicraft products, leatherware, household
decorative items, pets and pet-related products, and plants
and gardening tools. Chatuchak is very dynamic. |
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That's
why it is difficult to set the place in good order. However,
below are details of items sold in Chatuchak.
Chatuchak Zone
Clothing
& Accessories
Zone: 2,
3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23
Handicraft
Products
Zone: 8, 11, 13, 15, 27
Ceramics
& Pottery
Zone: 7, 15, 17, 19, 25
Art
& Galleries
Zone: 5, 7
Food
& Beverages
Zone: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 20,
21, 26
Plants
& Gardening tools
Zone: 3, 4
Decorations
& Furniture
Zone: 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 23, 24, 25
Pet
& Accessories
Zone: 9, 11, 13, 15, 17
Books
Zone: 1, 27
Antique
& Collectibles
Zone: 1, 25, 26
Miscellaneous
& Used Clothing
Zone: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 23, 25, 26
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Tips for Shoppers
• Beware of your belongings. Ladies, keep your
purse in front of you, not beside or at the back.
• Don't be afraid that you're being too cheap
in your dealing. If the vendors are kind of angry with
you, just walk away. Chances are they will call you
back to resume bargaining.
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Please bear in mind that if a seller agrees to your
price then the deal is done. Reneging on an agreement
is very rude.
• Drink sufficient
water as it will be really hot during the day. You are
advised to put on a hat and don't forget to apply sunblock.
• If you come across something you like, buy it
immediately. It is hardly possible for you to be able
to walk back to buy it after observing the whole sections
of this weekend market.
How to get there
It is very convenient to reach Chatuchak (see Map
of Bangkok) as there are ordinary buses, air-conditioned
buses, micro buses, skytrain (BTS) and metro (MRT) passing
this weekend market. If you are in Bangkok downtown, you
can start at the Victory Monument as there are a lot of
buses you can take to JJ. Also, you can catch a BTS there.
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