Staff Writer

Recently I paid a visit to Chatuchak 2, a smaller version of the original Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is located in Minburi, a suburb of eastern Bangkok.

Minburi is easily accessible via Ramkamhaeng Road, or Ram Indra Road depending on the route you choose to take. Car, bus, taxi or other forms of transport are the most convenient forms of transport since the there are no MRT subway or BTS skytrains linking downtown Bangkok with this area of town.

I had initially thought on viewing the market's exterior that it was fairly small, but once you get inside, it can actually become a bit of a maze.

The market resembles the original ‘JJ’ in many ways, but seems to be particularly strong in the areas of plants and gardening, wooden furniture and wood products, clothing and flower and food stalls.

Living things

If you’re in the slight bit squeamish about the sale of wild animals, you better look away. Wild birds, such as ducks and chickens, can be found for sale here. If you’re looking for a four-legged friend, you’ll be in luck since there are plenty of cats, dogs, gerbils/mice and rabbits for sale. A Golden Retriever pup will set you back about 5,000 baht (US$150), according to one vendor. Several traders sell miniature birds.

One individual at the market was very sensitive about me taking photographs, but most stall owners did not mind when I politely sought their permission.

At the center of the market is a traditional wet market, where you can buy fresh fish and seafood, along with traditional kanom (cakes), fruits and vegetables.

There are also several stores selling genuine antiques. The one thing I was interested in buying, though – an antique Bakelite radio – was suddenly “not for sale” when I asked its price! Quite a frustrating experience to be honest! There are some interesting crockery and pottery stalls at the market, and you may also get the chance to find some real bargains. I almost chose to purchase some very nice and sturdy-looking mugs for 15 baht (less than US$0.50) a piece, but was already traveling with a lot of other items on my motorcycle so eventually opted to pass on this occasion.

There are also one or two stalls producing nice hand-woven clothing in some fairly interesting and contemporary-looking designs.

Lovers of Buddhist amulets or other related religious items are catered for, while there are also some excellent forms of basketry available on site.

Realistically, allow for two to three hours in order to fully enjoy a visit to Chatuchak 2.

Transport connections:

Car: Taxi is probably the most practical solution since the market is far from any rail networks. It would cost about 200 baht from the center of Bangkok, maybe 100 baht from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Chatuchak 2 is on a road which links Ramkamhaeng Road with Ram Indra Road on the eastern side of Bangkok. If you drive right along Ramkamhaeng Road to the very end (you'll know since there is a very obvious T-junction), turn left.

Keep driving until you see a branch of Tesco-Lotus on your left-hand side. Slow down and watch out for the signs since the entrance to the market is about 200 meters away.

Bus: Bus is a cheaper option. It will cost 12-20 baht on the 148 aircon airbus which travels all the way up Sukhumvit Soi 71 (Prakhanong). Ask for Talad Minburi (Minburi market) and the ticket seller will give you an idea of where to get off. Ask for Talad Chatuchak Song (Chatuchak 2 market) when you get off and the locals will point you in the right direction, since it's a five-to-ten minute walk from this point.