Chatuchak Weekend Market

Although many go to Singapore, but the fact is that Bangkok is a great place for shopping as well. In fact the Chatuchak weekend market in the city is the biggest market in the world. Also known as JJ, Chatuchak is huge (more than 35 acres or 1.13 km²) and there are in excess of 15,000 stalls. According to estimates, anywhere between 200,000 to 300,000 visitors visit the market daily during the weekend. The published opening hours for the market are from 9.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday and Sunday, though many of the stalls actually open sometime between 9.00am and 10.00am and close around sunset.

If bargain-hunting gives you an adrenalin rush, get ready for a head-spinning, earth-moving experience. Conquering this massive market is no easy feat though. The reward for taking a lot of patience along - together with a bottle of water is that you can find pretty much anything here. The range of products on sale is extensive, and includes household accessories, handicrafts, religious artifacts, art, antiques, live animals (which unfortunately are frequently caged in cruel conditions), books, music, clothes, food, plants and flowers and much more. Get a free map from one of the information kiosks and (try to) plan your adventure through the never-ending maze of crowded, narrow alleys.

How to reach the market: Take the skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station and exit down the right-hand stairs, follow the crowd for a five-minute walk, and you're there.