Chatuchak is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. In this detailed guide to Chatuchak area you will find the essential information about this neighborhood with the most popular attractions and things to do in Chatuchak, transportation, and selection of hotels according to your budget.
Chatuchak is the area near Lat Phrao intersection. Its landmark is Chatuchak Weekend Market making this area widely known as a shopping spot attracting crowds of locals and tourists. Chatuchak area is also full of lifestyle attractions suitable for the new generation who want to live in the city at a reasonable price. Chatuchak area is always lively during the weekends. The nearby Soi Ari is a hip place with plenty of cheap dining options. Accommodation in this area is slightly cheaper than in other more central areas.
Chatuchak Area is also a good place to stay if you need to be around Don Mueang Airport, Krung Thep Aphiwat Railway Station, Mo Chit Bus Terminal or Mochit Van Terminal. Both MRT Metro and BTS Skytrain lines pass this area so it's easy to get from Chatuchak to anywhere in the city.
Things to Do near Chatuchak Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market): A must visit outdoor market in Bangkok with all sorts of products available in every category from fragrances, soaps, souvenirs, home decor, clothes, bags, footwear, books, to plants.
Chatuchak Friday Night Market: An all-time favorite night market for both Thais and foreign tourists opens only one day a week on Friday night and lasts until Saturday morning.
Chatuchak Park: A public park in the heart of the city suitable for jogging, cycling, sitting and relaxing, located next to Chatuchak Market.
JODD FAIRS DanNeramit: Lively Bangkok night market, located approximately 600 meters from Central Ladprao mall, is divided into a flea market zone, a vintage room zone with over 1,200 stalls and a castle and a lake.
Children's Discovery Museum: An interactive museum for children to learn with fun, situated in Chatuchak Park. There is a huge jungle gym, library, a science exploration area, funny mirrors, a kids’ kitchen, dinosaur exhibit, theater and kids water park area.
JJ Mall: An air-conditioned shopping center next to Chatuchak Park that sells almost everything from fashion products, clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, IT products, furniture, home decorations, souvenirs, to food.
Queen Sirikit Park: A public park in the middle of Bangkok next to Chatuchak Park. The park is very shady from various kinds of flowers and plants, and is suitable for taking a walk and relaxing.
Hall of Railway Heritage: A train museum, where steam engines, train models, and miniature trains are exhibited along with the story of world railway systems. The museum is located on the western side of Chatuchak Park, adjacent to Kamphaeng Phet Road.
Wachira Benchathat Park (Rot Fai Park): A large public park where locals come for cycling, seeing the wild nature, jogging and family picnicking. There are clean bathrooms, restaurants, coffee shops, and convenience stores.
Or Tor Kor Market: A market, which was originally used as a common area for farmers to bring their produce to sell, now has become a high-end farmer market in Bangkok selling fresh products, including food, seafood, snacks, and fresh fruits in premium quality. It’s easy to get there by Kamphaeng Phet MRT station.
Elephant Tower: One of the most unique buildings in Bangkok as it resembles an elephant. The building located at Ratchayothin Intersection in Chatuchak District height is 102-meter high with 32 floors.
Central Plaza Ladprao: Large department store that has everything to choose from, located at Lat Phrao Intersection, which is now easier to go to with MRT metro and BTS Skytrain stations nearby.
Union Mall: A medium sized department store at the Lat Phrao junction, which mainly sells women's fashion clothes, shoes, and accessories at inexpensive prices along with restaurants spread on several floors of the mall.
Baan Bangkhen: A vintage style cafe with a nostalgic vibe and many antique collectibles that will take you back to the 90's, offering outdoor food stalls and eatery.
Calm Hideaway Spa Experience: Maximize your stay in the luxurious resort-spa of Calm Hideaway in the heart of Ari, where you can experience a variety of impressive massage treatments performed by professional therapists.
Transportation in Chatuchak Bangkok
BTS SkyTrain and MRT Metro are an excellent way to get in and around this area and other parts of the city. The main BTS stations in Chatuchak area are Sanam Pao, Ari and Saphan Khwai, before reaching its final destination at Mo Chit, where you can change to MRT at Chatuchak Park station.
The area is also close to the new central railway station of Bangkok, Bang Sue Grand Station, also known as Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, where you can take a train from Bangkok to the other provinces of Thailand.
There are direct buses A1 and A2 going from Don Mueang Airport to Chatuchak area.
Taking a taxi is another convenient option for traveling around, if you are staying in Chatuchak area, but insist on the meter.
Mochit Bus Terminal, which is the largest bus transportation hub in Bangkok, is also located in Chatuchak area. From there buses depart to Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai), Northeast Thailand and some destinations in Central and Eastern Thailand such as Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Pattaya, and Trat (for Koh Chang). Minivans to these destinations depart from the nearby Mochit New Van Terminal.
How to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chatuchak
By Train: Airport Rail Link train connects the airport with MRT Metro at Makkasan Station. There you can take a train from Phetchaburi MRT Station to Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station or Chatuchak Park MRT Station.
By Private Transfer: Enjoy a premium and hassle-free experience going from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Chatuchak area with private transfer service. All-inclusive price includes a ride with comfortable seating and ample luggage space.
By Taxi: Taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chatuchak area takes approximately 1 hour. The price should be approximately 250-300 THB plus an additional 50 THB airport fee.
Explore Bangkok right away by booking Bangkok Airport luggage delivery to send your luggage from the airport to your accommodation within the city.
How to get from Don Mueang Airport to Chatuchak
By Airport Bus: Bus A1 and Bus A2 that run from Don Mueang Airport to Chatuchak are very convenient for reaching the area. The bus will drop you right at Mo Chit BTS Station, where Chatuchak Market and Chatuchak Park are located.
By City Train: SRT Red Line Train from Don Mueang Airport stops at Bang Sue station, which is connected to MRT Blue line with metro trains running to Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station and Chatuchak Park MRT Station.
By Taxi: Taxi ride from Don Mueang Airport to Chatuchak area takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the traffic. The price should be approximately 130-180 THB plus an additional 50 THB airport fee.
Places to Stay in Chatuchak Bangkok
Some of the best-rated hotels in Chatuchak Area are listed below.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Chatuchak
KENCOZY accommodation: Affordable accommodation with 16 rooms to choose from. Every room has a private bathroom with steaming hot shower, TV and free Wi-Fi. The property is located near Big C Supercenter, about 10 minutes’ walk from Saphan Khwai BTS station.
Pillow & Bread: Affordable, convenient and safe hostel with all air-conditioned rooms, shared bathroom, shared kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry service, garden and co-working space. The hostel is located a 12-minute walk from BTS Saphan Kwai Station.
Elizabeth Hotel: 3-star hotel featuring 275 rooms and perfectly positioned with an easy access to Sahpan Kwai BTS station and the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Mid-Range Hotels in Chatuchak
The Quarter Ladprao by UHG: Smart travel hotel featuring modern design with boutique stay experiences and a panoramic rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, garden and restaurant, set on the Ladprao intersection and adjoining to MRT station.
C U Inn Bangkok: A stylish 3-star hotel that offers 50 non-smoking rooms with city views and a designed restaurant, located on Vibhavadi Rd. Free shuttle bus to MoChit BTS Station for Chatuchak Weekend Market is also provided.
Craftsman Bangkok: Mid-size resort offering accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, fitness centre and garden, located in the middle of Ari. A complimentary Tuk Tuk transportation to and from the hotel and BTS stations is available.
Luxury Hotels in Chatuchak
Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok: Five-star luxury Bangkok city hotel with modern rooms, shopping & convention centre and rooftop bar, located in the heart of Ladprao's commercial district, near the Chatuchak Weekend Market and a 15-minute drive from Don Muang Airport.
The Quarter Ari by UHG: 4-star hotel offers modern accommodations with luxurious facilities including the Urban Fit fitness centre, the rooftop lap pool and the Hilltops sky bar, situated on the 22th to the 34th floors of Ari Hills building, within a walking distance from BTS Ari Station.
Best Western Chatuchak: 4-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and complete facilities, just steps away from the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Day Tours in Chatuchak Area
Chatuchak Weekend Market Half Day Tour: Join this unique tour and explore Thailand’s largest market that is home to over 15,000 stalls, 11,500+ vendors, and more.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Chatuchak Weekend Market Half Day Trip: Enjoy the unique experience of shopping for local food and other Thai favorites on a boat and explore Thailand's lively culture as you walk around the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Other Bangkok Areas
Planning a trip to Thailand and wondering where to stay in Bangkok? To make your visit in the capital city easier, find the guide to the best Bangkok areas and choose accommodation according to your preferences and trip plan.
Detailed guides to other popular Bangkok areas:
