Chatuchak Weekend Market in the largest market in Bangkok, as well as in the world. It covers an area of 70 rai (35 acres) and has at least 15,000 stalls. Over 200,000 people visit it every weekend, to shop or simply to gawk at the endless variety of goods up for sale there.
Chatuchak was created when Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkam, the late prime minister of Thailand, wanted to have a flea market in every town in Thailand. The first flea market in Bangkok was at the Sanam Luang field, and was called Sanam Luang flea market. However, as Sanam Luang often had to be used for official and special functions, the flea market was transferred to Saranrom Palace. It stayed there for 8 years, before being shifted to Sanam Chai. Due to lack of space, it moved back to Sanam Luang. When the government of Bangkok decided to turn Sanam Luang into a public park, the market was moved to the Phahonyothin area, and took the name Chatuchak, after a field nearby.
The official opening hours of the market is 9:00am and closing time is 6:00pm, on Saturday and Sunday. However, some shops are also open on Friday, although technically Friday is for wholesalers only. The Garden stalls are also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
The easiest way to reach Chatuchak is to take the Skytrain, disembarking at Mo Chit station.
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