Thanks for the great responses about how much time to expect to spend at Wat Arun and Wat Pho. Now I thought I'd ask for feedback about the weekend market. I understand that it's huge. Should we allot an entire day for the market?

Thanks!

It is huge. Go EARLY!!! I usually arrive around 9:00AM and am far gone by 11:30AM because that's when the crowds...and I mean crowds...arrive. My best friend uses this schedule,too.Plus it's stifling hot there and you don't want to be there in the heat of the day. Plus by arriving early, I get an early pick of the merchandise since I go for specific things. I go two days in a row instead of going once and spending one long day.Then once finished, I have the rest of the day free and can go back to my hotel for lunch and lounging until I hit the streets again when it's a bit cooler.Happy travels!

What's good to buy at this market? Are prices better than they are in the shops?

An alternative to the crowded, hot, weekend market is the Night Market- it has pretty much the same stuff but its a lot easier on the body.

Does anyone have any idea how long it might take to get from the weekend market to Wat Pho? What would be the quickest way/route?

Thanks!

the quickest way may be taking the sky train down too phaya thai and on soi ayuttaya heading west pick take a moterbike taki. they are a couple of guys waiting at the entrence it should cost about 60-80 depending on how you haggle. this is your QUICKEST way. not necceseraly your safest. the trip may take about 25-35 minuts.. which is nothing considering the distance, in BKK trafic turms.

I think the best buy in the weekend market is thai furniture and household products which are of the same (or nearly the same) good quality as those you could find in large department stores but of a much lower price. Many of these shops have connections to ship overseas as well.

Another alt is to go on a Fri. 60-70% of the shops open Fris and it is far less crowded. In terms of what to buy - the crafts are gorgeous, pottery, ceramic, benjarong, sandstone. Amazing textiles too. Candles, wine bags, incense burners, even Kenneth Cole luggage have been some of my or my friends other finds. If u choose to go Fri reach around 10:30 as shops open a bit later. Also start with Chatuchak Plaza - that is open daily. The Night Bazaar is also an amazing experience, much closer to the center of town and more user friendly as daily in the evening. But Chatuchak jhas its own charm. I'd do both! May be an idea to Buy nancy Chandler's Chatuchak map before you embrak else u could be disappointed. Are sections full of second hand clothes, animals in cages and the like.

The Weekend Market is great! It?s an experience in itself, and IMO has a lot more to offer than the night markets. If you are really serious about shopping, then I would recommend you buy a map called "Nancy Chandler's Guide to Bangkok" You can it buy it on the web from her website (Nancychandler.net), or your hotel may have a copy in their gift shop or bookshop. The guide has a specific section and map on what items are located where in the market. The market is very large and full of narrow twisting alleys, so it is very easy to get lost, and this map is invaluable. She also points out where the restaurants are.

I am confused by Orgy7's message above. You can take the Skytrain directly TO the market. Take the Sukhumvit line to the last stop, Mo Chit. You then walk for about 5 minutes to the market, just follow the crowds.

A map and info on the Skytrain can be found at http://www.bts.co.th/en/map.asp. You may need to click in the upper right for English.

Orgy7 was replying to my question about how long it might take to get from the weekend market to Wat Pho and also what would be the best means/route to get there.

Orgy7, if we didn't want to take the motorbike taxis and opted for regular taxis, how long do you think it might take? Also, what about taking the Skytrain to the end of the line and take the river taxi to Wat Pho? How long do you think that might take?

Thanks so much for your help!

the skytrian boat option is your secound best bet. people like you and I may have too go too the end of the line. but it is posible too cut the time drasticly buy using one of the many cannals that connect the city too the river there seems too be one verry near the market, that I suspect could take you wat Pro in no time and for less then $1, but personaly I don;t know how too deal with them plus I just cant handle how the pairs (sp) shake so darn much I have NO balance... the trip too the end of the line and up the river. may take about 30 to 40 minuts

Jlaughs...are you planning on buying many things... keep that in mind if you want too lug bags all over the HOT city. especialy on the boats and inside some of the most buitifull temples anywhere.


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This is just my opinion but I think too many people are waisting thier presious travel time by going too the weekend market. and treating it like a tourist destination.. As many have posted it is a great place and is especially good for furniture, live animals and used items. if your only looking for souvaniers (sp) you can find them anywhere for the same prices. if your in town for about a week do check it out. but for those that are only in bkk for 3 days or so day. the night market is your best bet and helps keep itinuary nice and tight.

forgot too anwere your question refering to taking a taxi.. well actually since you may be going on a saterday or sunday trafic may not be that horible. so it may take less then an hour/50 minuts . and cost you about 130 baht.
NOTE... I am calculing the time and price by using routs that I have used and involves going threw victory Monument .. the taxi driver should be able tooo skim some more time from what I mentioned.

Orgy7, thank! I *had* forgotten about maybe needing to stop back at our hotel to drop off any purchases. We'll be staying at the Asia Hotel which, from what I've read, is right at one of the BTS stops. I've just been trying to figure out that, if my daughter and I decide that we want to go and get a massage at Wat Pho after walking the market, what time would we absolutely need to leave by. Thanks for all your replies!! Of course, we'll keep in mind the Thai phrase "Mai pen rai", but a little knowledge always helps!!

Ohhh. your staying at the asia hotel.. welll it will take 10 minuts too go up too the market. the hotel is be right near Ratchathewi station.

So i think you should shop till you drop take the sky train back. drop your things off take a shower (the market is just like a sauna).. and either take a taxi from the hotel or go for an advanture and use the BTS/bouat option.

A little story to add to this thread. I had a foot massage at Wat Pho after spraining my ankle very badly on an uneven sidewalk! (Do watch your step) After my 1-hour foot massage, I could have danced all night! It was painful, but oooohhh soooooo good when it was over!!! I recommend it! At home in the US, my doctor would have wanted me to keep it elevated and stay off of it! That massage was like a miracle.

I'm not usually a massage kinda person (unless my muscles are really tight, then they're heaven), but I'm bound and determined to try a Thai massage. After all, it's listed in my book of "1000 Things To Do Before You Die"!!!

orgy7, after reading all the responses before, I had rethought my itinerary and decided to go to the market on Saturday AND Sunday, but mornings only. I was going to visit Wat Arun Saturday evening and then do Wat Pho and the massage on Sunday afternoon. Do you think this sounds like a better plan? btw, my original plan was to do the market all on Saturday and try to get to Wat Pho massage afterwards (with Wat Arun & Wat Pho on Sunday with more time for shopping).

Thanks!

jlaughs,
Just got that book from Amazon today! What a great list of things to do! I've crossed off some of them already, you know... been there, done that... but it's fun trying to see how many one can do in a lifetime!

simpsonC510, I know. I haven't travelled a whole lot, but I was still able to check off a few just because so many are in California. I was pleased to see that, with the exception of staying at the finer hotels they included (we're going to at least go in and take a look around), my daugther and I will be doing/seeing almost everything listed for Thailand.

IF you can stay a full day walking around in what is basicaly a bunch of open air complexes with green tin roofs, then you should get a metal. Not even thais can handle the heat in there...

if your a hard core shoppen then spltting it up may be a good idea.

I have to agree about the heat at the weekend market. Don't try to make a day of it because you'll get heat stroke! There will probably be many things you will have no interest in seeing. The night bazaar at Suanlum, although not nearly as big, is fun to check out.The temps drop a bit in the evening. There is an open air stage with music, food, cold beer, etc.
Carol