Chatuchak Market - Woodwork


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.




 


 


 


 


Hidden outside the main sections of Chatuchack Market within a couple stalls are where you can find handcrafted and manufactured wood work. The scent of the wood hits you before you see the goods; it is warm and inviting, and entices you to linger as long as possible. Here you can find kitchen essentials such as cutting boards, mortars and pestles, trivets, and many more. There is also a wide range of wooden lanterns, as well as indoor and outdoor lights with different shades of coloured glass panels incorporated into the design. It is worth seeing if you are looking to bring natural elements into your home.



Thailand historically had a vast supply of workable woods that led to the carving, shaping and sculpting of some of the most intricate decorative designs and Buddhist images in the world. This profusion of skilled artisans has also made Thailand one of the leading cultures in producing traditional wooden housewares, kitchenware, decorative items, furniture and small knickknacks. Skilled Thai artisans once produced items for their own use in rural villages, such as carved wooden mortars and pestles, bowls, and tools. Now they also apply these skills to produce practical and decorative items for sale, as well as more esoteric products like architectural trim and mouldings. Today we can see temples incorporating ancient wooden designs rising up in busy cities, and wooden items in abundance for sale everywhere. The craftsmanship remains astounding and beautiful.


Thailand has a long history of woodcarving and it can be seen here at the Market. Some of the best-known hand carved sculptures and practical items have originated from Thailand and the skilled craftsman who have past down their knowledge through the years. The use of traditional hand tools - chisels, hammers and mallets - is still common today, and the results are just as beautiful as they were centuries ago. Today, due to high demand and lower cost, many everyday wooden products are now produced in factories - but do not let this deter you from visiting the stalls of Chatuchak Market.

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 Wood Work

Section 27 - Soi 68



Contact Information

The Administration of Chatuchak Market

Tel: 02-727-4440-1

Hours of Operation

Hours: Saturday and 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 woodwork vendors in Chatuchak Market.



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