Mention Chaktuchak Market and almost everyone will know this iconic place. It’s a weekend market that has everything you could ask for and you could get it at a bargain. It is a must-visit place if you are in Bangkok which explains why it is always super crowded since all the shops will open on Sunday. The market starts at 9am but if you reach there at 9am, some vendors are still setting up.
The other tip everyone always shares is buy something immediately if you like it because the place is huge. There are so many stalls that you may not be able to return to the original stall if you walk away.
I discovered something to solve the problem. I am not sure why there isn’t much mentioned online but I tried it twice now and it helped me save time when shopping at Chaktuchak Market. It also helped me find my way around the shops and finding shops is a breeze! I will confess that I found Butterfly Thai Perfume shop using the hack. 😝
Real-Time Location Marker
A common meeting point at Chatuchak Market is the watch tower. It is a very prominent landmark that is in the middle of the market. Regulars will know where it is 😊
There is a Chaktuchak Map QR code at the tower, once scanned will show you the map of the market and a blue indicator of your real time location in the market. The only catch is that you have to allow the site access to your location.
I like to use it because it shows me exactly where I am going, and it saves me a lot of time from walking around aimlessly. It’s especially helpful if you know the areas or the shops that you want to visit.
Butterfly Thai Perfume (BTP)
For all those who wants to try and buy their perfume but do not want to squeeze in with the crowd (yes, I’m talking about you Centralw0rld!), you may want to consider going to their shop at Chaktuchak Market.
You can find the shop at Chaktuchak Market, Section 24 soi 34/3. Don’t worry, just use the QR code and find the shop. That’s what I did and finding the shop is a breeze. Just note that they are only open on weekends and at 10am (one hour later from the market opening time).
Its perfect to get some shopping done before you proceed to the shop. I reached the shop at 10.15am and there were only 3 people trying the perfume, but the shop was slowly filling up.
Luckily for me, Butterfly Thai Perfume also had an ongoing birthday discount promotion for December. Of course, I took advantage of the promotion heh. Do keep a lookout for their promotions if any!
Coconut Ice Cream
This coconut ice cream deserves a mention because it is really delicious and it’s real cool eating out of a coconut shell. The shop has a very friendly owner too!
I didn’t know what toppings to choose so he recommended me the sticky rice and I decided to add the crispy mung beans which goes well with it (taking reference from mango sticky rice) and the combination is the bomb!
I am definitely eating it again when I go back!
I hope that the real-time location marker will help you when you shop at Chaktuchak Market! Have fun shopping!
PS: I don’t know what it is about Bangkok. I went there last April and December but I am missing being in Bangkok again.