Even with all the advantageous markets that Bangkok promises, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is the choicest pick of them all, renowned for its extensive number of stalls, its vibrant crowd, its great bargains and the availability of anything and everything under the sun. While trekking through a labyrinth of confusingly set stalls numbering up to 14,000 might not be everyone’s perfect day of shopping, it is still worth strolling through not only for the experience but also to make some excellent purchases that will get you more bang for your baht.

This extensive market is found in the northern part of Bangkok and is very close to the Mo Chit sky train station. The underground system also opens to the market at two different places so the accessibility is not an issue for anyone taking public transport. Sprawling over a massive 35 acres, the 15,000 stalls, although colour-coded and spread out into different segments and depicted in a layout map, can still provide a confusing maze, especially with a crowd of some 200,000 per day said to frequent this area. The market opens in the morning hours and goes on until the late evening. Most visitors advocate simply ignoring the map and just passing through quickly to find what you need, as the map is difficult to match with the real findings of the narrow alleys and pathways and time is better spent buying rather than perusing the map.
The array of items at the market is numerous and varied, from simple household good, and fresh veggies and fruits, to Thai souvenirs, jewelries, quirky accessories, and garments targeted at tourists. Bargaining is a must at the market (it’s a great opportunity to hone your skills) and while the authenticity of items such as antiques is a little suspect, most other items are claimed to be worth their price. From food stalls to drink stalls and air-conditioned stalls, there’s enough to keep you comfortable even in the somewhat warm and humid conditions that surround the market.

Among the many prospects that this vibrant and bustling city offers, a Bangkok luxury hotel transports one to another plane of comfort and style. When it comes to luxury options such as the Metropolitan Bangkok, there is a refinement within that simply appeals to the fastidious traveler. Falling under the banner of quality COMO hotels, this luxury hotel in Bangkok is one of the best choices to host a visit to the city.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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