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Chatuchak Weekend
Market
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 The
Chatuchak market is the city's largest market, replacing
the former flea market, which was located at Sanam Luang
from 1948 to 1982. Chatuchak, often known as Talat J.J.,
occupies an area of more than 70 rai (35 acres) with
15,000 shops and stalls. The market attracts 200,000
visitors daily on Saturdays and Sundays, while certain
sections of the market are open on weekdays too.
Chatuchak
sells just about everything. Large sections of the huge
open-air expanse are dedicated to plants and gardening
equipment; pets; antiques and curios; fresh and dried
foods; ceramics and home d?cor items; clothes; books;
and gift items. There are also more than 400 food outlets
with everything from a la carte cuisine to a lowly bowl
of noodles or a plate of somtam.
 All
sections of Chatuchak Market are open on weekends from
as early as 7.00 am to 6.00 pm. In the afternoon, the
place gets hot and steamy, so serious shoppers should
take along loose, cool clothing and plenty of water
to drink. Bargaining is necessary if you want to get
a decent price; going along with a Thai friend to do
the bargaining for you would be an even better idea.
In recent years, some of the shops have started overcharging
tourists, even the noodle shops.
Chatuchak
Weekend Market is located on Phahonyothin and Kamphaengphet
Roads, in northern Bangkok. The market adjoins a large
park, Suan Chatuchak, where the Thais go for recreation,
to relax or for a jog. The main entrance to Chatuchak
Market is close to Morchit BTS Station. Numerous buses
also pass by the entrance to the market.
Things
to buy at Chatuchak Weekend Market are in its 27 sections:
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Section
1 Amulets, books, collectibles, fod shops, cafe |
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Section
2 to 4 Collectibles, home decor, paintings,
terra cotta |
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Section
5 to 6 Clothes, adornments, miscellaneous products |
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Section
7 to 9 Antiques, funiture, ceramics, handicrafts |
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Section
10 to 24 Clothes, consumer products, adornments,
household appliances, pets |
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Section
17 to 19 Ceramics, fresh and dry food |
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Section
22 to 26 Antiques, furniture, handicrafts |
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Dream
section Book, food and dessert shops, collectibles |
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