Chatuchak Market is one of the largest weekend markets in the world and one of Bangkok’s most famous shopping destinations. With thousands of stalls selling everything from fashion and handicrafts to antiques, plants, pets, and street food, the market attracts both locals and international travelers every weekend.
Because of its enormous size and maze-like layout, many visitors find it easy to get lost or miss key sections. Having a clear Chatuchak Market map helps travelers plan routes, locate favorite shopping zones, and save time navigating the busy walkways.
In this guide, you will learn how the market layout works, how each section is organized, the best entrances to use, recommended walking routes, and navigation strategies that help you explore Chatuchak efficiently.
Chatuchak Market Layout
How Big is Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak Market covers approximately 35 acres (around 14 hectares), making it one of the biggest open-air markets globally. The market contains 15,000+ stalls operated by thousands of vendors, welcoming over 200,000 visitors on busy weekends.
The market often feels like a maze because stalls are tightly packed and interconnected by narrow alleys. Many paths loop around or connect to different zones without obvious signage, which makes a map essential for first-time visitors.
How the Market is Organized
Chatuchak Market is divided into numbered sections that group similar products together. The layout follows a semi-circular and grid-style design, with main walkways connecting multiple zones.
You will find:
Outdoor walking lanes filled with street stalls
Covered corridors with tighter shop clusters
Semi-indoor zones with permanent structures
Food courts and resting areas scattered throughout the market
Chatuchak Market Map Explained
Understanding Section Numbers
Chatuchak Market is divided into 27 numbered sections, and each section groups similar product categories together. Large section signs are placed throughout the market, helping visitors navigate and locate stalls more easily.
Although the numbering system is helpful, sections are closely connected through small alleys and corridors. Visitors often move through several sections without realizing it, which is why understanding product zones before visiting can significantly improve navigation.
Main Categories by Zone
Below is a detailed breakdown of Chatuchak Market zones based on product categories and section numbers.
Complete Section by Section Guide
Clothing and Accessories Sections (Sections 2-6, 10-26)
The clothing and fashion zones make up the largest portion of Chatuchak Market and are among the most popular areas for visitors.
Shoppers can find:
Trendy Thai fashion brands and independent designers
Vintage clothing and retro streetwear
Handmade jewelry and accessories
Leather bags, shoes, hats, and sunglasses
These sections attract younger travelers and fashion enthusiasts looking for unique styles at affordable prices. Many stalls also sell limited handmade items that cannot be found in shopping malls.
Souvenirs, Crafts and Handmade Goods (Sections 8-11)
These sections are ideal for travelers searching for authentic Thai souvenirs and handcrafted products.
Visitors can explore:
Traditional Thai silk scarves and textiles
Wooden carvings and decorative handicrafts
Handmade soaps, candles, and artisan products
Cultural gift items and locally produced homeware
This zone is especially popular among international tourists looking for meaningful gifts and locally made products.
Ceramics and Pottery Areas (Sections 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25)
The ceramics sections showcase Thai craftsmanship through handmade pottery and decorative ceramic goods.
Visitors will find:
Handcrafted plates, bowls, and cups
Decorative ceramic sculptures
Traditional Thai pottery designs
Modern artisan ceramic tableware
These sections are great for travelers looking for high-quality handmade souvenirs or unique home decoration pieces.
Furniture, Home Décor and Interior Design (Sections 1, 3, 4, 7, 8)
These zones focus on large decorative items and furniture pieces made by local craftsmen.
Shoppers can discover:
Traditional Thai wooden furniture
Vintage interior décor pieces
Handmade lighting and decorative sculptures
Modern Thai-inspired interior design items
Many interior designers and collectors visit these sections to find rare and customized furniture pieces.
Plants and Gardening Zones (Sections 3-4)
The plant market is one of the most famous parts of Chatuchak and attracts both locals and plant enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore:
Tropical plants and rare flowers
Bonsai trees and cactus collections
Garden décor and landscaping accessories
Hanging plants and indoor greenery
This area is busiest in the morning when plants are freshest and temperatures are cooler.
Pets and Animal Sections (Sections 8, 9, 11, 13)
The pet zone is well known for selling small animals and pet accessories.
Visitors may find:
Aquarium fish and bird stalls
Small pets and exotic animals
Pet food, cages, and accessories
Aquarium equipment and supplies
Visitors should note that regulations regarding animal sales may change, so checking updated market policies is recommended before visiting this zone.
Antiques and Collectibles (Sections 1 and 26)
These sections are popular with collectors and visitors interested in vintage and rare items.
Shoppers can browse:
Antique Thai décor and furniture
Retro collectibles and memorabilia
Vintage home accessories
Rare artwork and historic decorative pieces
These areas offer a unique shopping experience for visitors looking for one-of-a-kind historical items.
Key Landmarks to Help You Navigate
Clock Tower Meeting Point
The iconic clock tower stands at the center of Chatuchak Market and is the easiest landmark for meeting friends or reorienting yourself. Most section routes branch from this central point.
Main Streets and Walkways
The market features:
Outer ring routes for easier long-distance walking
Inner alleys connecting stalls closely together
Major walkways connecting entrances to central zones
Rest Areas, ATMs and Facilities
Facilities available across the market include:
Public toilets
ATM machines
Cooling zones and seating areas
Convenience stores and drink stands
Best Entrances and Transport Map Guide
Entering from BTS Mo Chit Station
This entrance provides easy access to clothing and fashion sections and is one of the most popular entry points.
Entering from MRT Kamphaeng Phet Station
This MRT exit offers the fastest route to handicraft, souvenir, and plant zones. Many visitors prefer this entrance for direct shopping access.
Entering from MRT Chatuchak Park Station
This entrance leads visitors to food zones and souvenir clusters close to the park side.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Drop Off Points
Recommended drop-off areas are near main gates along Phahonyothin Road and Kamphaeng Phet Road for easier navigation.
How to Use the Chatuchak Market Map Efficiently
Planning Your Route Before Visiting
Visitors should:
Identify priority shopping categories
Mark sections to visit first
Set meeting points and rest stops
Using Physical Maps vs Digital Maps
Physical maps are available at information booths and entrances. Digital maps through Google Maps or travel apps provide navigation and stall pinning options.
Navigation Tips for First Time Visitors
Take photos of section signs
Drop location pins on favorite stalls
Note nearby landmarks to relocate shops later
Suggested Walking Routes Using the Map
2 Hour Quick Visit Route
Start from MRT Kamphaeng Phet entrance, explore souvenir and handicraft sections, visit the clock tower, then stop at nearby food zones before exiting.
Half Day Shopping Route
Enter via BTS Mo Chit, explore clothing zones, continue to furniture sections, then finish with street food and dessert areas.
Food Lover Route
Focus on central food clusters, dessert alleys, and drink zones. Move between multiple food sections instead of staying in one location.
First Time Visitor Route
Follow a circular route around the clock tower, visiting each main category zone before exiting through the same entrance.
Chatuchak Street Food and Dessert Map Highlights
Must Try Thai Street Food Areas
Popular food sections include stalls selling:
Grilled pork skewers
Thai fried chicken
Seafood snacks
Boat noodles and local meals
Dessert and Drink Hotspots
Famous dessert stalls include:
Coconut ice cream vendors
Mango sticky rice shops
Thai milk tea stands
Fresh fruit smoothie counters
Digital Maps and Useful Apps
Official Market Maps
Official Chatuchak maps are displayed at entrances and information booths. These maps show sections and facilities clearly.
Google Maps Navigation Tips
Visitors can search for specific sections or food stalls and save locations using the Google Maps pin feature.
Offline Map and Travel Apps
Downloading offline maps helps when mobile signal is weak in crowded zones or you can find online map on Chatuchak Market official website.
How to Save Stall Locations on Your Phone
Take photos of shop signs, note section numbers, or save GPS pins to revisit stalls easily.
Best Time to Visit Using Map Strategy
Crowd Flow by Time of Day
Early morning: Best for plant and pet sections
Late morning to afternoon: Peak shopping crowds
Evening: Cooler weather and food-focused visits
Which Sections Open First
Plant and wholesale areas often open earlier than clothing and fashion stalls.
Heat and Weather Navigation Tips
Visitors should plan routes through shaded or covered sections during hot weather and schedule food breaks regularly.
Common Navigation Mistakes to Avoid
Entering without planning a route
Forgetting stall or section numbers
Underestimating market size and walking distance
Using overcrowded main entrances during peak hours
Practical Tips for Visiting Chatuchak Market
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Portable fan or cooling towel
Reusable shopping bags
Cash and small change
Payment and Bargaining Tips
Most vendors accept cash, while some accept QR payment or cards. Bargaining is common, especially when purchasing multiple items.
Safety and Comfort Advice
Stay hydrated, take regular rest breaks, and keep personal belongings secure while navigating crowded areas.
Explore more tips, shopping highlights, and travel insights by reading our complete Chatuchak Market guide, and continue planning your Bangkok trip by discovering iconic attractions like Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew, two must-visit cultural landmarks showcasing Thailand’s rich history and stunning temple architecture.