Review: Chatuchak Weekend Market

What's this place all about?
Known as JJ Market to most locals (the official name, Chatuchak, is pronounced with a J sound), this is the granddaddy of all markets: With 15,000 stalls, it's among the largest outdoor markets in the world. Note that it's only open on the weekends, and Fridays are generally reserved for wholesalers.

What can we find here?
What can't you find here? Everything from home décor, art, clothing, accessories, and cooking equipment, to trinkets and oddities like knock-off Nikes and Beats by Dre, iPhone covers, and—yes—even live animals is on offer. Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the absolute best places to shop for clothing by up-and-coming Thai designers. You can definitely get knock-off U.S. brands, but for savvy shoppers who know where to look, there are some high-quality finds here. Thailand has a cool local design scene (high-end brands like Srestis and Disaya make regular appearances on international catwalks and in the closets of celebs like Lady Gaga) and a lot of young talent get their start here. Thammada Studio does beautiful, handcrafted jewelry while TA.THA.TA is great for leather items.

If we're in the mood to splurge, what should we look for?
The adjacent JJ Mall sells amazing home décor; go for a custom piece of furniture that is often as cheap as a sofa from Ikea. You'll also find antiques and massive works of art in section seven; if you buy something that won’t fit into your suitcase—like, say, a bronze statue—there is a DHL shipping center right onsite, and most vendors offer shipping services, too.

And if we want a more moderate purchase?
There are great wallet and suitcase-friendly things at the mall, but I always bring home palm-wood serving spoons, hammered stainless steel salt and pepper shakers, unframed artwork, colorful earrings, vintage maps of Thailand, spice packets to make Thai curries back home, and monogrammed passport covers. You should also stop for a coffee at Café DoiTung, a local chain that supports sustainably harvested coffee beans grown by hill tribes. They also sell a few handwoven items and ceramic mugs, all of which provide a source of income for these rural communities.

Who can you expect to see here?
JJ Market is always crowded, especially on weekends—you’ll see backpackers in elephant print pants, European antiques dealers haggling with shop owners, and families pursing the racks with the kids.

Any tips for navigating the market?
Each entrance has a large map—we recommend taking a photo before journeying into the maze. Despite its sheer volume, everything here is pretty well organized, with goods divided into zones. Since time won’t allow you to see everything, you’ll want to prioritize. There are water vendors, ATMS, and food stalls galore, so the only thing you’ll need to bring is small bills, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and bargaining skills. At the end of the day, grab an excellent mojito garnished with gobs of fresh mint and a sugarcane stick at Viva 8, a funky little bar where DJs spin house in the evenings.