Getting Around Jatujak Market

[GoodHeart]

This is one of those- 'I answered my own question' thread.

I was out to the market the past couple of weeks and wished that I had a good map with me. Well, I didn't. So then I thought maybe someone had posted one here [or some links to one]. So I ran a search and came up blank. That's when I got busy, and turned to Google for answers.

And here's what I came up with: There's a very nice web site devoted to the market named Jatujak Guide that has a very nice map. But it was a wee bit too small, and wouldn’t print to my satisfaction. So I took the liberty of tinkering with it….

Then I decided to put it on the web via Google Pages.

See the results here: Bangkok's Jatujak Weekend Market

Just in time for the weekend...

Happy shopping ja!

Edited July 28, 2006 by GoodHeart

[sbk]

Nancy Chandlers map of Bangkok also has a pretty good map of the weekend market for those who don't have a printer.

Also, hers has lots of interesting places listed for the entire city as well.

[Jockstar]

Chatachak is not difficult to get around. It adds to the fun.

[GoodHeart]

Right. Not difficult to get around, but it is vast.

Coincidentally, todays' The Nation had a great article in their Weekend section about a very eclectic Jatujak vendor- Trendy. The Thai owner is a die-hard global traveler with a keen eye for design. See their website here: http://www.jj-trendy.com/default.asp

PS- the article made the shop appear far more impressive than the web site would suggest.

Edited July 28, 2006 by GoodHeart

[udon]

Thanks for the map.

Along with Nancy Chandler's (map) finding vendors should be a lot easier.

[Mossfinn]

Chatachak is not difficult to get around. It adds to the fun.

I haven't got round it yet....

[sbk]

I always get lost in the plant section

[GoodHeart]

I always get lost in the plant section

Easily done...

Speaking of plants, have you ever taken a walk down Khampaeng Phet Road and shopped the plant vendors there? They've got more variety than even the Jatujak vendors.

Start at the Kamphaeng Phet Metroexit 3 and work backward from the way the exit points you. You come out right besides the Or Tor Kor market, which is great for fresh produce and edibles of all sorts.

[jdinasia]

i love JJ ... but i never got there last trip up! <last weekend>

[Lacoste]

Chatachak is not difficult to get around. It adds to the fun.

I think if your looking for something specific it would be an extremely useful tool. Some people dont go to the market for 'fun' they go for another reason.

Why be so negative towards a post intended to help?

Thanks

[sbk]

I always get lost in the plant section

Easily done...

Speaking of plants, have you ever taken a walk down Khampaeng Phet Road and shopped the plant vendors there? They've got more variety than even the Jatujak vendors.

Start at the Kamphaeng Phet Metroexit 3 and work backward from the way the exit points you. You come out right besides the Or Tor Kor market, which is great for fresh produce and edibles of all sorts.

OOH, you should be renamed Black Heart you evil tempter you!

[bulmercke]

Chatachak is not difficult to get around. It adds to the fun.

I think if your looking for something specific it would be an extremely useful tool. Some people dont go to the market for 'fun' they go for another reason.

Why be so negative towards a post intended to help?

Thanks

Twelve years ago when I first started visiting Chatuchak market it was possible to move around and see what you wanted without having to encounter much human congestion. Nowadays it's a nightmare - packed out with ever more western and Thai shoppers. No disrespect to these folks and I, myself, include myself amongst these masses as I like to go there and buy the occasional book and magazine every now and then.

Every time I'm there now, which is not often, I find myself having to shuffle around slowly for the crowds and work way my past all those who have decided to stop and browse something, blocking the way for others wanting to get past.

Not a particularly pleasant experience - what with the heat and lack of ventilation in the covered sections.

They should never have put it in the Lonely Planet guide! Can't move for backpackers squabbling rabidly with vendors over that all important extra ten baht discount!

It would make sense to bulldoze Chutachak and relocate it to somewhere more spacious - like Muang Thong Thani or Phattum Thani or perhaps, to somewhere out near the new airport. There seems to be plenty of space there! Just a thought.