Jenny Sky Is The Limit

On my second day in Bangkok, I found myself contemplating how to maximize my four-day stay. At the top of my list was the renowned Chatuchak Market, an attraction exclusively open on weekends. With little room for negotiation in my schedule, I decided to kick off my exploration with this bustling marketplace. Opting for convenience, I booked a hotel in the Rattanakosin district.

This strategic choice placed me near the Grand Palace and main temples, all within walking distance. However, the lack of nearby metro or train stations posed a logistical challenge for other destinations. Undeterred, I embraced the spirit of adventure and chose to navigate the city using local buses. Being an avid user of Google Maps, my go-to travel companion, I relied on it for 95% of my trips (I’m also a proud Google Local Guide). To ensure a smooth journey, I meticulously checked the available bus routes and sought additional information from the hotel reception. Armed with all the necessary details, I set out on my Sunday venture, ready to explore the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok.

I walked five minutes from my hotel to the bus stop, anticipating my upcoming adventure. However, after a 20-minute wait, there was no sign of the buses I needed. This provided an unexpected opportunity to observe the diligent traffic police officer stationed at each bus stop. Their responsibility was to ensure buses departed and arrived safely.

Despite the scorching 34 degrees Celsius heat, the officer stood resolute in his uniform, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a vest, helmet, sunglasses, and a face mask (presumably to shield from the sun). While I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him, it struck me that these officers are likely accustomed to the challenging conditions.

Bus Journey: After the initial confusion, I approached the traffic officer for directions, realising I had unwittingly been waiting on the wrong side of the street, a small hiccup in the usually reliable Google Maps, earning it a playful jab about its 95% reliability. Undeterred, I crossed the congested road and patiently waited for another 30 minutes until the bus I needed finally arrived. Stepping onto the bus, I found a seat and, within a few minutes, a friendly lady came around to collect the fare, a mere 17 baht (£0.40).

Bangkok’s buses indeed present different levels of comfort, ranging from those with air conditioners to those without. Fortunately, luck was on my side, and I found myself on a bus equipped with cooling relief. As we weaved through the lively tapestry of the city’s traffic, the 40-minute journey unfolded seamlessly, eventually bringing me to my intended stop. Kudos to Google Maps, which, in this instance, lived up to its reputation by guiding me accurately to my destination.

Chatuchak Market boasts a remarkable legacy, having thrived for over 70 years. It stands proudly as one of the world’s largest markets, featuring a staggering 8,000 fixed stalls and an additional 15,000 when accounting for informal vendors. The market is a sprawling labyrinth, organised into 26 distinct sections, each offering a unique array of goods and experiences, as illustrated in the accompanying picture. It’s a testament to the market’s rich history and its status as a bustling hub of commerce and culture.

Arriving at around 10:30 am, I had high expectations for Chatuchak Market, having read about its abundance of sights and activities online. Serendipitously, I encountered a tourist officer who generously handed me a map and an informative leaflet about the market. A humorous twist ensued when he mistakenly assumed I was Korean, prompting a friendly “fight” to secure my English version. It added a lighthearted touch to the beginning of my Chatuchak adventure, emphasizing the market’s global appeal.

This market draws a diverse crowd, attracting people of all ages, both locals and numerous tourists. A network of narrow roads weaves through the various sections of the market, creating a bustling atmosphere.

The stalls are densely packed, offering a fascinating array of goods. You name it, and you can likely find it here, from food and antiques to clothing, furniture, art paintings, pets, and plants. Taking a leisurely stroll, I explored some handicraft shops, eventually settling on a small gift for my lovely niece. Along the way, I couldn’t resist indulging in some delectable snacks from the kiosk vendors.

The options ranged from sweet fruits to savoury delights like chicken and sausages, all of which were not only incredibly affordable but also delicious. After approximately three hours of exploration, I decided to treat myself to a relaxing foot and shoulder massage. For a reasonable 200 baht (£4 or COP 17,000), I enjoyed 45 minutes of bliss, a well-deserved break amid the vibrant energy of Chatuchak Market.

Exploring the clothing stalls proved to be a fruitful endeavour, and I ended up buying four new dresses, each ideal for the sweltering weather. Engaging in the local art of negotiation, I haggled for a couple of minutes, successfully securing the most expensive dress for 300 baht (£7 or COP 25,000). The thought crossed my mind that Chatuchak Market would be akin to Disneyland for my mother, given the myriad choices and the excitement of finding great deals amid a sea of options.

The market buzzed with activity, though I’ve encountered more intense crowds in other markets. The numerous restaurants and local shops offered me valuable insights into the market’s dynamics. I couldn’t help but draw a comparison to a place in my hometown of Bogotá called Pasaje Rivas, albeit on a colossal scale, Chatuchak Market is roughly 200 times larger and exudes a relentless heat, creating a unique atmosphere distinct from my familiar Pasaje Rivas back home.

Around 3 pm, I made the adventurous decision to return to the hotel by foot, covering a distance of over 9 km. Thanks to the wonders of Google Maps, this unconventional choice seemed entirely feasible. For an hour and a half, I navigated through various areas, some slightly questionable, but everything went smoothly until my phone battery decided to call it quits. My propensity for using my phone constantly (so much so that my ex-colleagues at Discover gifted me an iPhone charger as a farewell present, an amusing testament to my phone habits) meant my phone’s battery life was shorter than most.

Faced with a dead phone, I reluctantly hailed a taxi even though I knew I was incredibly close to my destination. I would have managed the final 25 minutes on foot if not for the battery conundrum.

For more information about the market Click here 🙂

Happy Days,

❤️

Jenny