Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
enamel platters to secondhand Vespas. With mobile snack vendors, VW van-based bars
and even a few land-bound pubs, it's also much more than just a shopping destination.
Nearby: Or Tor Kor Market
Or Tor Kor
(Th Kamphaengphet; 8am-6pm; Kamphaeng Phet exit 3)
is Bangkok's highest-qual-
ity fruit and agricultural market, and sights such as toddler-sized mangoes and dozens of
pots full of curries amount to culinary trainspotting. Head to the market at lunchtime for
its open-air food court, which features dishes from across Thailand. It's directly across Th
Kamphaengphet from Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Understand
Bargaining
Many of your purchases at Chatuchak Weekend Market will involve an ancient skill that has long been aban-
doned in the West: bargaining. Contrary to what you may have seen elsewhere, bargaining is not a terse ex-
change of numbers and animosity. Rather, bargaining Thai style is a generally friendly transaction where two
people try to agree on a price that is fair to both of them.
The first rule to bargaining is to have a general idea of the price. Ask around at a few vendors to get a rough
notion. When you're ready to buy, it's generally a good strategy to start at 50% of the asking price. If you're
buying several of an item, you have much more leverage to request a lower price. If the seller immediately
agrees to your first price, you're probably paying too much, but it's bad form to bargain further at this point.
Keeping a friendly, flexible demeanour throughout the transaction will almost always work in your favour.
Th Phahonyothin
9am-6pm Sat & Sun
Chatuchak Park exit 1, Kamphaeng Phet exits 1 & 2,
Mo Chit exit 1 & 3
