Chatuchak markets

Saturday 13^th Feb 2016.

The majority of the wedding group arrive this afternoon and we’re meeting them for dinner at their hotel, the Pathumwan Princess. We did a test run on the train yesterday to see how long it would take to get there and it’s only 3 stops on the skytrain, so at least we know where we’re going and how long it will take to get there. Bandara Suites runs their own tuk-tuk to the station between 11am and 9 or 10 at night, so that’s been a real leg and time saver. 2 other Aussie women caught the tuk tuk with us yesterday and we mentioned we were going to the Chatuchak weekend market. They said they were going as well and they were told it was best to go on the subway (MRT), but didn’t really know why it was best. So we decide to stick to the plan and get the skytrain, that way, we get to see a bit more of the place. WRONG!! The train was so full you could barely see out, really only when the doors opened at the station and then all you saw was station! But the real kicker awaited us at Mo Chit station. It was Q all over again, but this time there was little self regulation except the speed of movement. Slowly we approached the market gates and weaved our way inside, where slowly the pack dispersed. We decide right there and then that we’ll take the MRT home! They say Chatuchak markets are very big – understatement of the century! Chatuchak markets are humungous and have to be seen to be believed! One very important rule here – if you see it and want to buy it, do it right then and there because you may never find your way back.

Caught the MRT back home, get cleaned up and jump back on the BTS (Skytrain) to National Stadium station for the Pathumwan Princess. I don’t think I mentioned before, but to get to PP from the station, you can go outside in the heat, or you can walk through the air-conditioned comfort of the MBK, a huge shopping centre that is apparently full of bargains. If we were here to shop!

Happy hour pre-dinner drink then it’s into Loop Restaurant for a delicious dinner with the gathering wedding crowd. 14 people tonight.