Bangkok

There are markets in cities all over the world – indoor malls, outdoor malls, exclusive galleries, flea markets and farmer’s markets. Of course, the most interesting are those that provide a truly culturally-immersed experience. That is, where do the locals shop?

The answer is Chatuchak. Open on weekends only, Chatachak is where Thais come to shop and to browse. Yes, Chatuchak may be popular with tourists, but travellers make up only about 30% of the crowd. This is a true immersion experience, and is not to be missed on a visit to Bangkok.

Every weekend, between 200,000 and 300,000 shoppers flood Chatuchak. Imagine an open-air supermarket, and then double it. That’s how big Chatuchak is. One of the world’s largest markets, it contains 15,000 stalls and covers an area of 14 hectares (35 acres). Vendors sell everything from designer jeans to fake football jerseys to little wooden frogs that sound like the real thing when tapped. There’s also high-end furniture, artisanal creations, trendy housewares, fresh fruit and tons of live plants.

It all started when Field Marshal Phibulsongkram, the former prime minister of Thailand, came up with the idea of setting up a flea market in every town. The first in Bangkok was held at Sanam Luang. The idea gained almost immediate popularity, and the market kept outgrowing its venues and until it finally ended up in the present location.  

Reaching the market is easy as Bangkok's Skytrain stops right outside. Instead of trying to find your way around Chatuchak using the colour-coded map, you may prefer to just wander. After all, you might miss the illuminated leis of plastic frangipani, the young Thai boys break-dancing in one of the sois (alleyways) or the pampered dogs being pushed along in pet buggies.

Even if you’re not looking for a designer lamp or a souvenir t-shirt, there's the endless fascination of watching the locals at leisure. It’s a destination not to be missed.