Chatuchak Market - Fresh Plants & Flowers


The atmosphere is buzzing, people push and shove past you, manoeuvering through the narrow sois en route to find their next great bargain in the jumble of items piled up in one of about 8000 sellers' shops. This is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, also known as the Jatujak Market, located on 35 acres northeast of Bangkok, attracting 200 000 visitors every weekend to tackle the maze of stalls.




 


 


 


 

Bright colourful flowers... luscious leaves of all shapes and sizes... you breathe in and smell the comforting scent of greenery, plants and soil. Whether you're searching for the perfect potted plant to decorate your patio, or for some cut flowers for a friend, the flower stalls at the Chatuchak Market are home to a wide variety of plants, all thanks to the excellent climate and growing conditions that allow plants to flourish all over Thailand.



The overall warm climate in Thailand allows for flower production all over the country, with specific varieties being grown in different locations. Orchids and other tropical flowers are grown in the more central regions around Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakorn Prathom, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakorn, Kanchanaburi and Ayudhaya. Subtropical and temperate blooms are from more northeastern regions of the country. There are many varieties of orchids for sale, as well as other types of flowers, along with potted plants, hanging baskets, shrubs, and small trees. The Chatuchak Market plant stalls are located on the outer perimeter of the market. Unlike the rest of the market, which is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, plants are available for sale on Wednesdays and Thursdays as well.

About half of all flower production goes to local markets, such as Chatuchak, while the rest is for the global market. Flowers of all kinds, including orchids, are highly sought after in the country for common religious uses as well as for decorative purposes. They create a beautiful and joyful atmosphere. Buddhist shrines and spirit houses all over the country are decorated with bright floral displays like garlands, which are given as offerings as a sign of respect. Features in the country which are deemed important, such as shrines to the Royal Family are always decorated with bright floral arrangements to make them more beautiful. Since the country is so warm, it allows for homes to be decorated, both and inside and outside, with plants that thrive in warm temperatures, making for a more inviting The Chatuchak Market provides an opportunity for Thai plant growers to sell their plants and flowers to local Thais who consider them an integral part of their lives and culture.

Although it may not be evident while wandering around the Chatuchak plant stalls, the Thai plant and flower growing industry one of the most competitive of its kind in the world. About half of all flower production goes to local markets, such as Chatuchak, while the other half is destined for export to other countries, thus making it an important contributor to the Thai economy. Generations of families have passed down companies that specialize in flower production in Thailand, and work hard to keep their businesses flourishing. New innovations through universities, the Ministry of Agriculture as well as different Royal Projects ensure that the entire Thai flower market is able to maintain its competitive edge.

Tips for Visiting Chatuchak Market

  • It can get very hot! Make sure to dress appropriately and stay hydrated. Temperatures are generally cooler in the morning than in the middle of the afternoon.
  • Wear comfy shoes, as there aren't many places in the market to sit down and take a rest.
  • Go in the morning to avoid the huge crowds; around 10 am is probably ideal.
  • Theft is common: be aware of your belongings, keep valuables (money, passport, credit cards, etc.) in a safe place on your person. If you have a backpack, wear it on the front.
  • Bring cash, generally in smaller bills because vendors don't always have a lot of change. There are ATM's onsite if you run out.
  • Be aware that if you're an obvious tourist, prices will generally be higher. If you're comfortable with it, try your hand at bargaining with vendors to get the best deals. Just be prepared that they don't always go your way, and be prepared to walk away when it isn't worth it.
  • If you find something you really, really like, buy it! It is very difficult to find your way back to a particular market stall after leaving.
  • Bring your own reusable bag or backpack to bring home your goodies and to avoid wasting plastic bags.

Address

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Located about 11km Northeast of downtown Bangkok, Thailand

Easily accessed by MRT Subway and the BTS Skytrain


MRT Subway: Get off at Kamphaeng Phet, and you will pop up inside the market

Online map of MRT Subway

Click here for more information about the MRT Subway

BTS Skytrain: Get off at Mo Chit Station, follow the crowds down onto Phahonythin Rd., follow it southwest about 1 Kilometre and turn right onto Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd. until you reach one of the entrances on the left hand side of the street

Online map of BTS Skytrain

Click here for more information about the BTS Skytrain


Location of Fresh Plants & Flowers

Section 4 - Soi 48-50

Contact Information

The Administration of Chatuchak Market

Tel: 02-272-4440-1

Hours of Operation

Hours: Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm

Plant section also open Wednesday and Thursday 7am-6pm

Free Admission

Facilities

Maps are available at each entrance

Click here for an online map of Chatuchak Market


Toilets located throughout the market

- Section 7, Soi 66 and 67

-Section 4, Soi 52 and 49

-Section 2, Soi 38

-Section 27, Soi 67 and 64

-Section 1


The main streets inside the market are wheelchair and stroller accessible


The pin on the map above is centrally located in the area where you will find the greatest concentration of fresh plant and flower vendors in Chatuchak Market.



This point of interest is one of many on the GuideTags app –
a free digital interpretive guide that features thematic tours, routes, and discovery sessions,
and automatically tells geolocated stories about the places that surround us.
Download the app today, and start exploring!
Contact us if you would like to create your own content.
Report an error or inappropriate content.