Last updated on February 16th, 2020 at 02:21 pm
Guide on Things to Do Around Chatuchak Weekend Market You Might’ve Never Known About
If you’ve visited Chatuchak Weekend Market (a.k.a Jatujak also JJ Market จตุจักร) more than a few times you’ve probably become too familiar with one of Bangkok’s most famous shopping attraction. And by now, maybe it’s boring.
That’s why I listed 5 points of interest that are near and around Chatuchak Weekend Market you might find new and interesting.
A lot of my friends that frequently visit Chatuchak all think that the market is only good for buying cheap clothes and tchotchke souvenirs. There are over 15,000 stalls opened on weekends so it’s kind of hard to leave Bangkok’s largest flea market with your hands void of plastic bags stuffed with Thai souvenirs.
But there’s a whole lot more than t-shirts and throw away hats and sunglasses at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Or this little hip and chic spot right inside JJ Market I wrote about here.
Did you know Chatuchak has the largest aquarium fish market open 7 days a week?
Admit it, even if you’re not an aquarium hobbyist you did learn something new today. Just a short distance from Chatuchak Weekend Market there’s also an area where you can find Thai hand made items to decorate your home.
And skip the food sold inside Chatuchak Weekend Market and head to Aor Tor Gor Market, where you can buy the best durian in Bangkok just a short distance away.
Places to Visit Close to Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Aor Tor Gor Market
- Browsing for Furniture and Home Decoration
- Largest Aquarium Live Fish Market in Bangkok
- Get a Manicure and Pedicure with Nail Art
- JJ Green Night Market
JJ Green Night Market -One of the easiest night markets to travel to Bangkok…
Even though I’m very familiar with Chatuchak Weekend Market due to the fact that I’m always playing tour guide for my visiting friends and family. I always try to find alternative areas around Chatuchak to show my friends.
And I’m more than happy to share it here! First off is a place I highly recommend and it’s my go-to place for good authentic Thai food and the freshest fruit this side of Bangkok at Aor Tor Gor Market.
1. Aor Tor Gor Market (ตลาด อ.ต.ก.)
-
A selection of prepared Thai foods...
-
Or food cooked to order...
Through the years Aor Tor Gor Market which is super close to Chatuchak Weekend Market, by the way, is making a name for itself today. This is the market Thai locals go for good eats and the freshest but pricey fruit year round.
The real reason why you would want to come to Aor Tor Gor Market is for the food. The second reason why you would want to come to Aor Tor Gor Market is for the variety of fruit.
There’s a food court section with tables to enjoy our lunch but afternoon times when the lunch crowd hits it’ll be hard to find empty chairs and tables.
After scarfing down some delicious Thai food you’re going to want to walk off those calories. How about some furniture shopping? Anyone up for some antiquing?
Opening Hours: 6:00am – 8:00pm (every day)
Location: Kamphaengphet Road, opposite Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Best Way to Get There: Take the MRT subway to Kamphaeng Phet station. Exit #3 is the nearest to Aor Tor Gor.
2. Furniture and Home Decoration
-
Smaller home decoration items are also a big hit here...
-
Thai wood furniture quality and workmanship
One would easily think Chatuchak Weekend Market was created specifically for foreign visitors. But no, this popular market has local roots and a place for local Thais to hang out, shop and eat. Which is why you’ll find lots of furniture shops from modern to vintage.
Many expats including myself and local Thais can find stylish furniture and home decor near the surroundings of Chatuchak Weekend Market. Personally, I’m not into antiquing but if buying old things floats your boat you’ll want to wander around this area for some items to stick in your abode.
Whatever you can’t carry with you on the plane there are many shipping companies located in the area ready to help you arrange shipping from boxing to packing and delivery.
Now that you know where to find furniture and home decorations, how about having a pet fish with an aquarium to go along with your brand new home decor?
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (every day though most shops open Friday to Sunday)
Location: Kamphaengphet Road, between Chatuchak Weekend Market and JJ Mall
Best Way to Get There: Kamphaeng Phet – Take the MRT subway to Kamphaeng Phet station. Head out from Exit #2 walk straight up Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road and head 300 meters before JJ Mall.
3. Browsing the Largest Aquarium Fish Market in Bangkok
For the hobby aquarist at heart, you’ll find one of the largest aquarium supply centers in Bangkok right by Chatuchak Weekend Market. Thailand is one of the biggest exporters of tropical fish in the world.
From freshwater and saltwater fish to aquatic plants. You’ll even find supplies to set up your home aquarium at reasonable prices. Even if you’re not ready to buy and take home it’s quite nice to just take a walk through and enjoy the beautiful aquarium designs.
Lots of aquatic hobby products are produced in Thailand. Which means the cost is lower. Most countries even allow transporting live fish as carry on. As long as it doesn’t exceed the liquid allowance on certain flights to certain countries.
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm (everyday)
Best Way to Get There: Best to take a taxi to Kamphaengphet 4 Road, opposite Chatuchak Weekend Market
4. Get a Manicure and Pedicure with Nail Art
Glam up your nails before heading back home or the night out in Bangkok…
There’s a very popular and affordable little nail salon near Chatuchak Weekend Market called Glamour Girls Nail Salon. I wrote a review post about them here.
After a long day of checking out those areas why not drop by for a bit of nail therapy. They also provide spa manicures and spa pedicures services. But Glamour Girls Nail Salon are best known for acrylic extensions and nail art service in Bangkok near JJ Weekend Market.
After getting your nails glammed up at Glamour Girls, why not head over to one of Bangkok’s popular night markets that is easy to get to, which is JJ Green Night Market.
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9:00pm (every day)
Location: The One Park Mall Bangkok opposite from Union Mall.
Best Way to Get There: Take the MRT train to Phahon Yothin Station and head out from Exit#3
Website: http://www.glamourgirlsnailsalon.com/
5. JJ Green Night Market **(Closed Indefinitely)**
One of the easiest night markets to visit right within Bangkok near Chatuchak Weekend Market…
(Update February 2020 – I know that this night market is super popular. Currently it has moved to a different location in Bangkok’s Laksi district and renamed as JJ Green 2 Night Market)
Open Thursday to Sundays, JJ Green Night Market is at its peak busiest on weekends from 6 pm to midnight. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest though, especially during long holiday weekends.
Located a short distance from Chatuchak Weekend Market it’s a smaller market but has an enjoyable ambiance at night. There are bars and pubs also which sometimes open past midnight.
Also, a good place to buy local Thai made products like clothes designed by Thais. It’s also a popular area to scope out second-hand items at reasonable prices. And of course, you’ll find cheap sunglasses and hats.
Lots of snacks can be found at JJ Green Market too but if you love seafood I recommend going to Koongtung (กุ้งถัง ). It’s seafood boil style with fresh shrimps, clams and crabs. If you can’t handle spicy they have different levels you can order.
Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday 5:00 pm – 2:00 am
Address: เลขที่ 1 ถนนกำแพงเพชร 3, แขวงจตุจักร, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Best Way to Get There: Even though there is an MRT (Chatuchak) and BTS (Mo Chit) stations nearby, JJ Green Night Market is a little bit deep inside Chatuchak Park. So best to take a taxi.
The Takeaway
Chatuchak Weekend Market is like an institution in Bangkok. The area surrounding Chatuchak is growing with more businesses especially with the new BTS train lines being constructed around the area. Which means more people will be able to travel to Chatuchak easily.
With all the progress and more visitors means more shops and businesses opening up in the neighborhood. And I wouldn’t be surprised if one day you took a walk around Chatuchak Weekend Market and discovered something new for yourself.
