Chatuchak Weekend Mkt or Sunday Walking Mkt in Chiang Mai?
Nov 10th, 2009, 10:22 AM
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Chatuchak Weekend Mkt or Sunday Walking Mkt in Chiang Mai?
Chatcuhak will be the first market I will be visiting and Chaing Mai Sunday Walking Market the last. Do both markets more or less have the same Thai souvenirs and approximately same price range? I just hate the thought of buying most of my stuff in Bangkok then lugging them around to Krabi and then on to Chiang Mai and back to Bangkok for 1 1 /2 days before leaving back to the states.
Would appreciate any suggestions.
wassala
Would appreciate any suggestions.
wassala
Nov 10th, 2009, 10:58 AM
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Chatuchak is MASSIVE and way way bigger than CM. I LOVE CC market and for me is a must visit in BKK. However many here don't like it. If you are staying at the same hotel on your returnm to BKK ask them if you can store your purchases.
Nov 10th, 2009, 05:48 PM
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It has been a while since I've been to either (although I am looking forward to being in CM in a few weeks!), but it seems like the Sunday Walking Market had local (to N Thailand) items that you won't see in Bangkok, or at least at such good prices. Unfortunately, I don't remember how prices compared on similar items.
What specifically are you looking for? That might help people advise you better (e.g., does "souvenirs" mean T-shirts or wood carvings?).
The cost/benefit ratio really depends on what and how much you plan to buy, how much you want to spend, and how long you will be in Thailand. You might start by deciding how much not having to lug stuff all over Thailand would be worth to you.
What specifically are you looking for? That might help people advise you better (e.g., does "souvenirs" mean T-shirts or wood carvings?).
The cost/benefit ratio really depends on what and how much you plan to buy, how much you want to spend, and how long you will be in Thailand. You might start by deciding how much not having to lug stuff all over Thailand would be worth to you.
Nov 10th, 2009, 06:44 PM
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We went to CC in Bangkok and loved it!! We came prepared to shop and that's what we did!! Great stuff from hand made silk shoes to fun jewelry, silk scarves, t-shirts, etc. Bring cash and a large bag.
Nov 10th, 2009, 07:09 PM
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The Sunday Walking Market is one of my favorite shopping and people watching place. I also love CC because of the massiveness. The walking market does have more local crafts and I think better quality over all. I find the prices are better at the walking market. Many times the people who make the product are the sellers or live in the village that it is made at.
Nov 11th, 2009, 04:59 AM
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I've never been to the Sunday Walking Market in Chiang Mai. That said, I do love shopping at the various market areas on the outskirts of the city (Bosang, Hangdong, Bantawai). I would imagine some of the same things I see in these outer markets are available at the Sunday Walking Market (tho I've not been so cannot be sure). Prices are amazing at the outskirts markets. You probably pay slightly more at the Sunday market, but everything would be in one location, rather than spread out. That would probably be a plus for you.
Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok is now one of my regular stops. The first time I went, I was overwhelmed. Now, I go with my Thai friend/s and go to specific areas where I know I can buy the handmade goods I am wanting. No need to wander the other areas of the market. CC is probably just about the biggest market in the world. It really is amazing!
You will find craft items from Chiang Mai, but not everything. There are some things I can only buy in CM. On the other hand, there are some CM goods at CC that are cheaper than I've seen them at the CM Night Bazaar! You would think you'd pay more at CC after having to move goods from CM to BKK...! Go figure....
Enjoy which ever market you decide to shop!
Carol
Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok is now one of my regular stops. The first time I went, I was overwhelmed. Now, I go with my Thai friend/s and go to specific areas where I know I can buy the handmade goods I am wanting. No need to wander the other areas of the market. CC is probably just about the biggest market in the world. It really is amazing!
You will find craft items from Chiang Mai, but not everything. There are some things I can only buy in CM. On the other hand, there are some CM goods at CC that are cheaper than I've seen them at the CM Night Bazaar! You would think you'd pay more at CC after having to move goods from CM to BKK...! Go figure....
Enjoy which ever market you decide to shop!
Carol
Nov 11th, 2009, 07:34 PM
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We loved the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. That being said, I recommend that you buy what you like when you find it. The prices may be cheaper later on, but you may find that you cannot locate the item you thought you would get a better deal on later in the trip. I waited to get my gifts and souvenirs on my last stop (Chiang Rai) and was so disappointed when I couldn't find items I had previously seen.
