Chatuchak Shopping Guide by Section: How to Plan Your Route (From a Shop Inside the Market)

Chatuchak Weekend Market is huge, and first-time visitors often spend half their day walking in circles. We have run our scarf shop inside the market for more than 10 years, and the most common question we hear at our counter is simply "Where am I?"

This guide explains how the numbered sections work, how to plan a route, and where our two shops sit on the map. We keep facts about the market itself general, because stall mixes change over time. Always check the official maps posted around the market on the day.

How Chatuchak sections work

The market is split into numbered sections, and each section is made up of small lanes called "soi". Every shop has an address made of section, soi and room number. For example, one of our shops is Section 6, Soi 59/3, Room 071.

Many sections lean towards a certain type of product, such as clothing, home decor, plants, pets, antiques or handicrafts. The grouping is not strict, though. You will find souvenirs and fashion spread across many sections, so treat any "this section sells X" list as a rough guide, not a rule.

Tip 1: Get a map and photograph it

Large printed maps are posted at entrances and along the main walkways. Take a photo of one as soon as you arrive. Every lane looks similar once you are inside, and a photo of the map is the fastest way to reorient yourself.

Tip 2: Plan by what you want to buy, not by section number

Write a short list before you go: souvenirs, clothes, home decor, gifts for colleagues. Then ask a shopkeeper which sections are best for each item. Most of us are happy to point you in the right direction.

Tip 3: Save a meeting point

If you shop with family or friends, pick a fixed meeting point near a numbered gate. Gate numbers are easier to find again than a specific stall, and phone signal can be patchy in crowded lanes.

Tip 4: Start early, finish with the light stuff

Mornings are usually cooler and less crowded. Buy fragile or bulky items last so you are not carrying them all day. Light items like scarves fold flat and fit in any bag, so they are easy to pick up at any point.

Where our scarf shops are

We have two shops, and you can find full step-by-step directions in our English guide to finding Bangkok Souvenirs.

Section 6 (near Gate 18)

Soi 59/2 Room 043–044 and Soi 59/3 Room 071. Open Friday to Sunday, 9:00–20:00. This is where most travellers find us.

Section 13

Soi 11/1 Room 013–015. Open Tuesday to Thursday 9:00–17:00, and Friday to Sunday 9:00–18:00. This shop also handles wholesale orders.

What you will find at our shop

We sell cotton scarves at 100 THB each (buy 10, get 1 free), hair scarves at 60 THB or 2 for 100 THB, and large 130 x 130 cm shawls at 200 THB or 3 for 550 THB. The large shawls are popular with visitors heading to temples. If you are buying for a group, wholesale starts from 30 pieces and you can mix any designs and colours.

Want a preview before you visit? Browse our online shop, or read our guide to scarf types and prices in Bangkok.

FAQ

How long do I need to explore Chatuchak?

It depends on your list. Many visitors spend a half day. With a clear plan, you can cover your main items in a few hours.

Is every section open every day?

No. Many shops open mainly on weekends, and some sections open on certain weekdays. Opening hours vary by shop, so check before you go. Our own hours are listed above.

Which gate is closest to your Section 6 shop?

Our Section 6 shop is near Gate 18.

Can I contact you before visiting?

Yes. Message us on LINE (gib-atale), or follow us on Instagram @scarfstory_bkksouvenirs and TikTok @bkk.souvenirs.