our experience a few years back was that it did not really get into full swing until perhaps 10 AM... but many parts are open before that

Smeagol,

Info from my wife: It depends on what you're buying. In general the market is set up for wholesale and some vendor will sell to individual buyer. Much more fun if you go during the weekend!

Thought so (and please thank your wife) as we only have 2 days in BKK (thursday and Friday) thought we could either go friday if open OR as mentioned go VERY early saturday as we really need to be back at the S-la to get our ride to the airport at 10.30am. I cannot bear the thought of missing out on JJ market. (we are normally looking for leather bags and thai handicrafts/buddhas etc)
Is Suam Lum(sp?) still open?

Yes the SL Bazaar is still open. Another chunk of it has just recently been bulldozed making way for more construction. Not sure how lively or active the shopping there is at the moment.

What sort of leather goods are you buying? MBK has lots and lots.

Carol
I hate to say it but i can't bear MBK, i dont know why but it doesn't have the appeal of the weekend market (to me).
I would be looking for good quality leather bags (i bought a beautiful one in JJ a few years ago) Will also be looking for good quality scarfs and this year i have promised myself a nice jewellery box (but may get a lacquer one in Vietnam)

I have several really fantastic quality leather bags from MBK. I love looking there. But I will check out the leather at JJ as well!!

Carol

just what you women need, more bags!!!

Carol
There is a particular bag stall i go too it's section 26 (i think) i will to remember its name. REALLY good quality bags.
Also Ginnys at Silom village REALLY great bags.
Maybe i should revist MBK?? (not sure i'll have time though this trip)

Well, there is a Harnn and Thann in Ottawa...So one needn't always head over to BKK (but then again, why not!)

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried the boutiques around Siam Square? I read that young Thai designers set up shop in that area, with inexpensive offerings...

Also, what about the Jim Thompson Outlet stores? Are they worth the trek?

We always take a trip out to the JT Outlet store on Soi 93. Take the Skytrain to On Nut and a taxi from there.

I love the JT outlet! Definitely worth the trip. I spend all of my time on the 4th floor (?) where they have the purses and other bags and clothing.

I've wandered around Siam Square, but I have yet to find a store that draws me in. I had heard the same thing, about young Thai designers. I think this area is for young Thais, not a 60-something farang! lol
Carol

I also love the JT outlet. Like Carol, I head for the 4th floor. Sometimes there is nothing of interest, but I've found some great deals - including my current favorite purse (tapestry of monkeys eating grapes with leather trim).

JT outlets are interesting....one day there is nothing of interest and the next day we could buy 10 items....stocks change on a regular basis...

we have also bought quite a bit of yard goods there as well, both silk and cottons....they are a huge savings over the full price items in the main store on suriwongse rd. we find savings of about 70%.....our living room is a JT sub-outlet....

i should also make note of the periodic warehouse sales that JT holds at the Impact center ourside bkk.....they are really fantastic....look on the JT website for dates....i know there is one just before christmas each year and usually one in april/may timeslot... they are worth building a trip around...the offerings there range from yard goods to T-shirts with a smattering of all the JT merchandise... i warn you it is a bit of a free for all...

I personally thought the JT outlet a waste of time but maybe it was just what they had on the day i went there, there was nothing for me. It was also a bit of a trek BUT i was looking for a specific colour scheme so maybe thats why.

we always go there with nothing specific in mind as you are sure to be disappointed by going there with hopes of getting that red purse you have seen in JT stores or some other specific item....remember its an outlet...that means left overs or failures...
its sort of like the gpanda of shopping