Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok

Posted by Mr Tuk Tuk on September 16th, 2011 filed in shopping

Thailand is famed for its vibrant and colourful markets. Markets selling household utensils, spices, and fresh fruit and produce can be found in small villages. In the towns these markets are usually under a shelter supported by posts and are the places to pick up fresh meat and fish. The fish are often still swimming in bowls and will be slaughtered and filleted by the fishmonger.

In Bangkok, Chatuchak Market is held every Saturday and Sunday and is one of the biggest in the country. Stalls on the market sell a plethora of hand-crafted souvenirs which have been created by Thailand’s finest artisans. Offerings include wood-carvings and ceramics from Chiang Mai, stools and bags made out of bamboo strips, and northeastern silk clothing.

Various vendors at Chatuchak also sell second books in Thai, English and other principal European languages. The latest bestsellers and classics in English go for less than a third of the prices charged by Asia Books. Pet lovers planning on staying in Thailand for a while will find there are pedigree cats and dogs as well as parakeets for sale.

Stalls dotted about the market, often with small seating areas, serve up gourmet coffees, juices squeezed from fruit such as guavas, dried and grilled calamari, fried meatballs on skewers and a good choice of other local snacks.