Bangkok is Thailand's cosmopolitan capital, renowned for its amazing shopping opportunities. Having plenty of shops and malls, the city is a haven for shoppers. Visitors to the capital city looking for good bargains should try the market at Chatuchak. With over 8,000 market stalls crammed into a 35 acre piece of land, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is the place to go to get almost anything. It is the largest market in Thailand, and is located along Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok. Though once a popular shopping area for traders and wholesalers, that is no longer the case as over 200,000 visitors (a sizeable number of the visitors are foreigners) come over the weekend to browse through the countless items on display, searching for an irresistible bargain.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is divided into 27 sections. Section one contains books, amulets, collectibles and a myriad of cafs and food shops. Sections 2 to 4 contain terra cotta items, paintings, collectibles and household decorative items. Sections 5 and 6 are devoted to clothes, while sections 7 through 9 sell furniture and antiques. From section 10 to 24, one can find household appliances, clothes and other consumer goods. Sections 24 to 26 sell traditional handicrafts and antiques, and are probably the best places in Bangkok to shop for souvenirs. Section 27 again contains bookstalls and food shops.
The market is a shopper's paradise. The goods on sale are generally cheaper than the rest of the city, but one can get better prices with a little bargaining. Foreigners should exercise caution when it comes to purchasing antiques and jewellery, as they may not always be genuine items. Opening hours are between 9 am and 6 pm on weekends. The market is adjacent to the Kampheng Phet MRT Station and is only a short 5 minute walk from the Mo Chit BTS Skytrain Station.
Finding accommodation in the city is quite easy. Those looking for a modern and luxury
Sukhumvit hotel, can stay at Grand Millennium Bangkok. With tastefully decorated rooms and an enviable location, this
Bangkok hotel offers a range of friendly services that are quite useful, especially for first time visitors to the capital.
