When planning a trip to Bangkok, you’ll quickly realize just how many must-visit spots the city has. Fitting everything into a single trip is nearly impossible — even if you had ten days or more.
That said, not every highly recommended place is truly worth going out of your way for. Some spots are enjoyable if you’re already nearby, but don’t necessarily justify a special detour.
Among Bangkok’s many popular attractions, however, there’s one place that genuinely earns its reputation — even in the heat: the Chatuchak Weekend Market, better known as JJ Market.
Why is it so special?
Whether you’re into shopping, bargain hunting, or street food, Chatuchak Weekend Market delivers on all fronts. It’s widely recognized as the largest weekend market in the world, with countless stalls selling everything from clothes and home décor to snacks and souvenirs. The sheer scale alone makes it an experience — and chances are, you’ll leave with more than you planned to buy.
Whenever I’m in Bangkok, I make a point of visiting JJ Market at least once. In this guide, Caramel Loafing shares practical Chatuchak Market tips and answers the questions travelers ask most often, including:
- What are the JJ Market opening hours?
- How do you get to Chatuchak Market?
- Can you bargain while shopping there?
- How do you bargain politely?
- What should you wear?
- What’s the best time to visit?
- How much time should you plan to spend there?
Let’s get started.
JJ Market Opening Hours
One of the most common questions travelers ask is simple: when is JJ Market actually open?
As its name suggests, Chatuchak Weekend Market operates primarily on weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays, the market is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with most sections fully active during these hours.
That doesn’t mean the entire area shuts down during the week, though.
JJ Market is completely closed only on Mondays and Tuesdays, when the whole market takes a break.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, only the Plant Section is open. This area is popular with locals and features fresh flowers, potted plants, fruit trees such as mango and pomelo, rare herbs, and gardening supplies.
Fridays are a different story. From 6:00 PM to midnight, the market opens mainly for wholesale buyers. Many stalls begin setting up early in the evening, giving visitors a preview of the Chatuchak Night Market. Friday nights tend to be lively, especially among locals.
On weekends, daytime shopping usually winds down around 5–6 PM, after which parts of the market gradually shift into a casual night market atmosphere.
For most travelers, the best times to visit are Friday evening and throughout Saturday and Sunday. Below is a quick overview of JJ Market opening hours:
| Day / Time | Open / Closed |
|---|---|
| Monday & Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday & Thursday 7:00 AM–6:00 PM | Plant Section only |
| Friday 6:00 PM–12:00 AM | Mainly open for wholesale buyers; night market activity begins after 6:00 PM |
| Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | Entire market open; night market activity begins after 6:00 PM |
How to Get to Chatuchak Market
There are several convenient ways to reach Chatuchak Weekend Market:
- Take the BTS Skytrain
- Take the MRT subway
- Take a taxi or book a Grab
- Ride a tuk-tuk
- Use a local Bangkok bus
1. Taking the BTS Skytrain
If your hotel or previous stop is near a BTS station, this is a convenient option. Take the BTS Sukhumvit Line to Mo Chit Station (N8).
From Mo Chit Station, you’ll need to walk through or around Chatuchak Park. The walk takes about 10 minutes at an easy pace.
While Mo Chit is not the closest station to the market, the extensive BTS network makes it a practical choice for many visitors.
Below is a reference table showing estimated travel times and fares along the BTS Sukhumvit Line to Mo Chit Station, which can help with route planning:
| Station | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| N7 Saphan Khwai | 2 min | ฿16 |
| N5 Ari | 4 min | ฿26 |
| N4 Sanam Pao | 6 min | ฿30 |
| N3 Victory Monument | 8 min | ฿33 |
| N2 Phaya Thai | 10 min | ฿37 |
| N1 Ratchathewi | 11 min | ฿40 |
| Siam | 14 min | ฿44 |
| E1 Chit Lom | 16 min | ฿44 |
| E2 Phloen Chit | 17 min | ฿44 |
| E3 Nana | 19 min | ฿44 |
| E4 Asok | 21 min | ฿44 |
| E5 Phrom Phong | 23 min | ฿44 |
| E6 Thong Lo | 24 min | ฿44 |
| E7 Ekkamai | 26 min | ฿44 |
| E8 Phra Khanong | 28 min | ฿44 |
| E9 On Nut | 30 min | ฿44 |
2. Taking the MRT Subway
If you’re staying near an MRT station, this is the most direct and convenient way to reach the market.
Take the MRT Blue Line to Kamphaeng Phet Station. Exit 2 leads directly into Chatuchak Market, making this option especially convenient during the day.
The table below shows estimated travel times and fares from major stations along the MRT Blue Line to Kamphaeng Phet Station:
| Station | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Hua Lamphong | 31 min | ฿42 |
| Sam Yan | 29 min | ฿42 |
| Si Lom | 28 min | ฿42 |
| Lumphini | 26 min | ฿42 |
| Khlong Toei | 24 min | ฿42 |
| Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre | 22 min | ฿39 |
| Sukhumvit | 20 min | ฿37 |
| Phetchaburi | 18 min | ฿35 |
| Phra Ram 9 | 17 min | ฿32 |
| Thailand Cultural Centre | 15 min | ฿30 |
| Huai Khwang | 13 min | ฿28 |
| Sutthisan | 10 min | ฿25 |
| Ratchadaphisek | 9 min | ฿23 |
| Lat Phrao | 6 min | ฿21 |
| Phahon Yothin | 4 min | ฿19 |
| Chatuchak Park | 2 min | ฿16 |
MRT Tip:
Some guidebooks suggest getting off at Chatuchak Park Station, which is located next to BTS Mo Chit Station. While this is a reasonable option, Kamphaeng Phet Station is generally more convenient during the day, as Exit 2 connects directly to the market. In the evening, either station works well, as night market stalls extend toward the surrounding areas.
3. Taking a Taxi or Grab
If you’re staying far from the BTS or MRT, such as near Khao San Road or Bangkok Chinatown, taking a taxi or booking a Grab can be a practical option.
The main advantage is convenience. Taxis and Grab cars can drop you off close to the market entrance, which is helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the area or traveling in a small group. Fares in Bangkok are generally affordable, and when shared between two or three people, the cost can be comparable to public transport.
The downside is traffic. Bangkok congestion is unpredictable, and a short trip on the map can easily take much longer than expected.
For this reason, taxis are best used when public transport is not convenient or when traveling outside peak hours.
Important Reminder:
When taking a taxi, always make sure the meter is turned on. Official metered taxis display a “TAXI METER” sign on the roof. Some drivers may offer a flat fare instead, even when the sign is lit.
Using the Grab app is often the easiest way to avoid pricing issues, as fares are shown upfront.
4. Taking a Tuk-Tuk
For travelers looking for a more traditional Thai experience, riding a tuk-tuk to Chatuchak Market can be an option.
Tuk-tuks are iconic and can be a fun way to experience Bangkok’s street life. That said, they are best viewed as an experience rather than a practical mode of transport.
Tuk-tuks do not have seatbelts and offer limited protection, so the ride can feel rough, especially in heavy traffic. Prices are usually higher than taxis, and there is no meter. Fares are negotiated before the ride.
If you plan to take a tuk-tuk, it’s a good idea to ask your hotel or accommodation staff about a reasonable price beforehand and agree on the fare clearly before getting in.
5. Taking a Local Bus
Another option is taking a local Bangkok bus. This is the most budget-friendly choice, with fares often under ฿20, depending on whether the bus is air-conditioned.
However, local buses can be challenging for visitors. Many bus stops are marked only in Thai, and route information is limited. Unlike the BTS or MRT, there are usually no clear stop announcements in English.
Bus routes may also change without notice, which can make navigation difficult if you’re unfamiliar with the system.
For these reasons, local buses are generally not recommended for first-time visitors. They are better suited for travelers who are comfortable navigating the city or who are looking for a more local experience.
Can You Bargain at Chatuchak Weekend Market?
Bargaining is expected at Chatuchak Weekend Market, and it’s part of the overall shopping experience.
Unless a stall clearly displays fixed prices or a menu—such as restaurants, cafés, or bars—most vendors are open to negotiation.
The most important rule when bargaining is simple: be polite.
Some shoppers believe acting uninterested or criticizing an item will lead to better prices, but this approach often backfires. A friendly attitude works far better. Showing interest while calmly suggesting a lower price is usually the most effective strategy.
If the vendor doesn’t agree to your offer, it’s perfectly fine to thank them politely and move on. With so many stalls selling similar items, you’ll often find comparable options elsewhere in the market.
Insider Tip:
Bargaining itself is easy. Finding the same stall again is not. The market’s layout can be confusing, so if you see something you really like, take note of nearby landmarks or the section number.
What to Wear & When to Go
Bangkok’s heat can be intense, and Chatuchak Market offers limited shade.
Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunglasses are highly recommended. Bringing water or a reusable bottle will also make your visit more comfortable.
The best time to visit is in the morning, when temperatures are lower. Midday—especially between 2:00 and 3:00 PM—is usually the hottest and least comfortable time to walk around the market.
Late afternoon is another popular option. Arriving around 3:30 or 4:00 PM allows you to shop during the day and continue into the evening as parts of the market transition into a night market atmosphere.
Keep in mind that some daytime stalls begin packing up around 5:00 PM, so not every shop will stay open into the evening.
How Much Time Should You Spend at Chatuchak?
The ideal amount of time depends on how you prefer to explore.
If you want to browse extensively, eat at several stalls, and cover multiple sections, plan to spend at least five hours.
For a more casual visit—wandering, taking photos, and buying a few items—three hours is usually sufficient.
Given the sheer size of the market, allowing only one hour is rarely enough. Many visitors return multiple times and still feel they’ve only explored part of JJ Market.
Quick Tip:
Using the toilets at Chatuchak Market costs ฿5 per visit. It’s a good idea to carry small coins, as lines can be long during busy periods.
Other Places Nearby
If Chatuchak Market feels overwhelming, there are other interesting markets nearby that offer a different pace and atmosphere.
JJ Green Market
JJ Green Market was once located within walking distance of Chatuchak and was known for its relaxed vibe, with bars, food stalls, and vintage-style shops.
Note: JJ Green Market has permanently closed. While there have been discussions about relocation or reopening, travelers should check for the latest updates before planning a visit.
Or Tor Kor Market
In the opposite direction, near Kamphaeng Phet Station Exit 3, you’ll find Or Tor Kor Market, which has been recognized by international media as one of the world’s top fresh markets.
Often described as Bangkok’s “luxury market,” Or Tor Kor is clean, spacious, and well organized. It specializes in high-quality Thai produce, premium fruits, and specialty ingredients. Prices are higher than at typical local markets, but the quality reflects this. The market also has a food court and cafés and is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
A Quick JJ Market Recap
Chatuchak Weekend Market is divided into 27 sections, covering categories such as clothing, home décor, gifts, plants, food, and more. In practice, these boundaries often overlap, and stall locations can change over time.
If you’re looking for a specific shop or product, checking the most recent stall location online before your visit can save time once you’re inside the market.
Here are a few final JJ Market tips to keep in mind:
- Take the MRT Blue Line to Kamphaeng Phet Station. Exit 2 leads directly into one of the main market sections.
- Compare prices and bargain politely. Negotiation is expected at most stalls.
- Visit in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Carry small coins, especially ฿5 coins, for toilet use.
- If time allows, consider visiting nearby markets such as Or Tor Kor Market for a different shopping experience.
For a visual overview of what to expect, you can also watch our JJ Market food and travel guide video below.