Chatuchak Weekend Market is a vast area of over 15,000 stalls. A rabbit warren of narrow alleyways, brimming with enthusiastic Bangkok shoppers looking for a bargain.

Chatuchak Market is the mother of all Thai markets. The Lonely Planet Guide (12th Edition Aug 2007) describes it as having “everything imaginable for sale”.

However, it is not for the fainthearted. This crowded and popular maze of tiny streets requires careful planning to prevent first-time visitors from getting hopelessly lost.

To make the most of Chatuchak (also known as Jatuchak) it is advisable to plan several trips, concentrating on specific areas each time. For tourists this may not be an option therefore these few simple tips will help to optimize your visit:

1. When to Go

Sundays are the most crowded so Saturday is preferable. Some stall holders set up on a Friday afternoon and will happily sell their items to opportunist shoppers.

Although Chatuchak is a weekend market, the plant and flower stalls also open Wednesday and Thursdays from7am, and the new, air conditioned JJ Mall ,at the corner of Kamphaengphet 2 and 4 roads, is open everyday from 10am – 9pm.

2. How to Go

The quickest and by far the most hassle-free methods are by Skytrain to Mo Chit station or by subway (metro) to Kamphaengphet. Car Parking can be a problem, especially on Sunday’s, and whilst arriving by taxi may be reasonably quick, returning to the heart of Bangkok in the mid-afternoon involves being caught in huge traffic jams.

3. Get a Map

Making your way through the maze of crowded, narrow streets can be very disorientating. Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok has a comprehensive section devoted to Chatuchak market. The market has been extended since the last edition (23rd) was printed but regular updates are available on the Nancy Chandler website. Section 2 near the Kamphaengphet subway entrance has an outlet selling her maps and cards.

A free market map is also available from one of the many information kiosks.

Most goods are grouped together in zones, so the key is to find an area of interest and aim for it (trying not to get too distracted along the way). This works in principle, but does not always apply in practice. It is possible to come across DVD sellers amongst the Tropical Fish section, for example!

4. Avoiding the Crowds

Market timings are 9am – 6pm on Saturday and Sundays. Many stall holders don’t open until 10am but it still pays to get there early to avoid the crowds. After midday, especially on a Sunday, Chatuchak gets very, very busy.

If traveling by Skytrain in the morning then you can expect a seat and a comfortable ride. Any later however, and the trains are full of noisy, enthusiastic teenagers eager to spend their Thai Baht.

Getting off the Skytrain one stop earlier at Saphan Kwai rather than Mo Chit is a sure way to avoid the masses. A 10 minute walk (past some interesting road-side stalls selling watches and Buddha amulets) leads to Exit 1 at the quieter end of the market; consequently avoiding hundreds of excited, potential shoppers, alighting further down the line.

5. Bargaining For Discounts

Getting a rough idea of prices before you go helps understand what is a fair and acceptable price. Not all vendors are keen to haggle but it is worth a try. Prices for westerners will often be higher than for Thais. Look around and see what the locals are paying and then try your luck! Bargain politely, with a smile.

6. Beware When Buying DVD’s

In the excitement of finding (pirated) DVD’s of the latest movie releases, be aware that the quality varies considerably from vendor to vendor. Also don’t make the mistake of buying VCD’s unless they are specifically marked “soundtrack” or “Thai Subtitle”, as 99% of VCD’ are in Thai.

7. Getting Lost

If someone in your party happens to get lost, arrange to meet them at the ‘clock tower’; an open-spaced meeting area which can be seen from most sections of the market.

8. Dangers

When walking through crowded areas, keep a hand on your wallet or purse. Pickpockets look for easy targets and young children are often used as decoys.

Dehydration is a danger. There are cool drinks available on almost every corner and plenty of coffee kiosks or food stalls to pause at and take a short rest.

9. Taking Things Home

The Thailand Post counter can arrange same or next day deliveries to an address in Bangkok, should purchases be a problem to carry back to the hotel. DHL has a courier service for larger or high value items which need to be shipped abroad.

Be wary of fake designer bags. If you are determined to buy a fake Fendi or counterfeit Chloe then remember that you could have it confisticated on the way home.

10. Market Facilities

ATM machines, money changers and a bank are all available within the market area. Some stall holders also accept credit cards.

Adequate toilet facilities are strategically placed at various points throughout the market, although expect queues to be long during busy periods.

By using your common sense and following a few simple rules your Chatuchak shopping experience should be both a lucrative and pleasant one. More details are available on specific areas of the market.