Chatuchak Market - Books


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.




 


 


 


 

Whether you are looking for old, used, or new book selections to add to your collection, the back corridors of Chatuchak Market have hidden stalls overflowing with them. Shoulder-high stacks of books line the walkways, and rows and rows of hardbacks and paperbacks fill every corner of the stalls. Novels, children's literature, guide books, and maps can be found beneath the mountains of books just waiting to be discovered. Because these stalls carry older and used books the prices tend to be lower, and striking a bargain is a great way to find the one story or useful guide to make your stay in Thailand that much more memorable.



Thailand has a great selection of books both in Thai and English language. International schools are popping up around the country and it is clear that learning to speak English has become a priority for many residents. Many visitors and tourists also seek to gain an understanding of basic Thai. Vendors and stalls within Chatuchak Market cater to such needs. Everyone benefits from having access to affordable books and guides. A mix of cultures leads to greater opportunities for Thailand and its people.

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.

    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 Books

    Section 27, Soi 69

    Contact Information

    The Administration of Chatuchak Market

    Tel: 02-272-4440-1

    Hours of Operation

    Hours: Saturday to Sunday 9am-6pm

    Free admission

    Facilities

    Maps are available at each entrance

    Click here for an online map of Chatuchak Market


    Toilets are located throughout the market

    -Section 7, Soi 66 and 67

    -Section 4, Soi 52, 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 new and used book vendors in Chatuchak Market.



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