Hello all,
we are staying on the river in January and thinking of exploring this weekend market.Not necessarily looking for purchases but it appears to be a great visual and diverse experience. Your thoughts on this and also ...how accessible is it from the river area.
Many thanks,

People either love it - or not. It's beastly hot. If you go early in the morning it's cooler, but not everything is open. There is now an air-conditioned mall there as well, but of course it's not the same experience. You can access it on public transport from the river area. There is a subway stop within the market area.

Thanks so much...this continues to be a great site -appreciate your input greatly!

depending on how much time you have in bkk, i usually would give it a pass if you are not there for 4 days or more

I went twice to the market during my last visit (two weeks+ in Bangkok and Samui, April/May) and enjoyed it both times. It was hot and sticky and crowded!! But people watching is part of the allure of the place, besides finding everything under the sun is available there.

Agree though, that if you are only in Bangkok for a few days, you might pass on it.

January weather is really the best!! Not so humid. Not so hot. April is the hottest month.

I would need my BTS (skytrain) map to be absolutely sure which station, coming from the river, is also a subway stop. I'm thinking it's Saladaeng. Going by a combination of skytrain and subway would be your best bet. Skytrain gets you "almost" there... but the subway stops right inside! Mind you, it's NOT the obvious stop though. It's not the one with the name Chatuchak Park. It's the NEXT station that's right inside the market.

Have fun.

We always stay on the river and make it a point to always visit jj market! From the river on the BTS you have to change trains to get to the market stop, which is the very last stop, its called mo chit. Get off there and follow everyone else!

I agree with TD its a must visit for us but go early and leave by lunchtime, its hot hot hot. however we found if you get off the sky train at the stop BEFORE mo chit, it takes you nearer into the nicer area of the market. There's a couple of cool bars that we like called Viva do a GREAT milkshake or a very cold beer. Buy a Nancy chandler map and a luxe guide both invaluable (IMHO) for a visit to the market

Excellent...we have 4 days so this and a Nancy Chandler map are two musts. thanks again

Don't worry about finding it. When you get off the Skytrain, everyone will be walking to the market. Just follow them. We usually have one type of thing we're looking for, e.g., amulets. This gives some structure to the wandering.

i would also get a luxe guide. they havbe a great little section about chatuchak

Hi

It is always fun to visit the weekend market I have been there a couple of times and I haven't bought that much but it is fun to browse around. Here is my Bangkok trip report from last year http://gardkarlsen.com/Bangkok_trip_report_2007.htm . I hope that you can find some useful info there

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Prepare to get "slimed" there

Don't know what your travel history has been but unless you are a shopper don't go unless you have a lot of extra time. We went when we had 8 days in Bangkok and are glad we did as it is an important part of the Bangkok experience. We don't need to go back though. If you do go, it will kill an entire morning. Do get there by 9-10 am as most things will be set up and it will be cooler. 2 hours will do it if you are just going for the experience. Easy to get to via Skytrain - as Gpanda said, follow the crowds when you get off. The subway goes there too but the skytrain is probably more direct from the river.

I agree that you should go. In January I did not find it to be all that hot at 9am. All of the stalls appeared to be open by then. You can devote 2 hours and be on your way. The bulk of the crowds seemed to be pouring in around 11am and by then you can be on your way out of there (IF you can find the exit!!)

There is a lot more for sale than tourist-oriented stuff...so I would say that it would provide the experience you are looking for...