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 Bangkok
is the commercial centre of Thailand and so has by far the greatest
range of shopping options anywhere in the country. Whether it’s
souvenirs or handicrafts that you’re looking for, some fine Thai silk, a
perfectly tailored suit or some of Asia’s best quality gems and
jewellery, they can all be found in abundance in Bangkok.
But Bangkok isn’t all about shopping for the premium goods only as there
are many markets and street stalls selling imitation designer goods and
DVDs at knock down prices. These bustling places also have many great
products of a more legitimate variety and can be fantastic places to
hone your haggling skills to acquire some real bargains.
You can shop almost 24 hours a day in Bangkok, as there are numerous
night markets throughout the city. Most of the markets are located near
popular bars and restaurants so you can even fit in a cheeky bit of
post-dinner shopping before you move on to Bangkok’s evening
entertainment establishments.
So, to help you pick you way through the seemingly endless array of
options, here’s a glossary of shopping destinations in Bangkok and where
to find everything and anything…
Antiques Thai antiques are steeped in colourful and interesting
history, and as well as being beautiful to look at, it is also very
valuable. To pick up some of these treasures, head for the River City
Complex or to Gaysorn. Most of the items here are Buddhist art and most
of what you see is reproductions. They look like the real one but much
more affordable.
Books There are bookshops all over Bangkok but most of them only
sell Thai publications. If you need to find English language books or
magazines, you may proceed to Siam Discovery Center or Siam Paragon,
both nearby the Siam BTS station, where branches of Asia Books can be
found. Another branch of Asia Books can be found in the Emporium Centre
on Sukhumwit road. There are also a few of second-hand bookshops in most
tourist areas especially along Khao San Road. You can trade in your old
books as well but don’t expect to get much cash from them!
Camera equipment If you’re looking to stock up on films, memory
cards or batteries, there are many convenience stores which are selling
these kinds of items everywhere in Bangkok. But if you want to get some
more serious kit, the best place to shop is at Pantip Plaza or Fortune
Town and MBK Mall at Siam Square where you’ll be spoilt for choice.
There are also many specialist camera shops.
Clothing is the dominant product among street vendors and night
markets, including the popular Chatichak Weekend market and this
includes brand knock offs and casual wear at cheap prices. In Bangkok,
you will become very familiar with many slogan t-shirts that seem to be
vogue among tourists in Bangkok, often bearing an amusing phrase or a
company logo, either in Thai writing or doctored to make a statement of
some kind. These can be found everywhere, along with football shirts and
other cheap souvenir-type clothing items. The designer clothes can also
be found as well as other more practical items, such as bikinis, shoes,
shorts or swimming clothes.
Handicrafts There are many attractive, yet affordable handicraft
items that can be found in Chatuchak Weekend Market (open on Saturday &
Sunday only) at very good prices. A few numbers of small shops are
scattered around Sukhumvit Road, Silom Road and Khao San Road and you
need to be a good bargainer to get a good price. The Suan Lum Night
Bazaar by Lumpini Park is one of the better places to shop with its
attached beer gardens and food courts.
Novelty Items If you’re looking for something a bit unusual or
rare to take home as a souvenir, then head for some of the ‘funky’
stalls in Chatuchak weekend market where all kinds of fun and novelty
items can be purchased including dancing flowers, ‘splattering’ rubber
tomatoes, slithering snakes and many more strange and weird objects.
 Silk
It would be a great shame to leave Thailand without some of its most
famous product, Thai silk. Silk is widely sold by street vendors and you
can easily get it with some bargaining skill, of course.
Toys Since toys are so cheap in Thailand, it is a must to have if
you have a family with young children. Most are made in China and are
considerably cheaper than back home. The big department stores and other
malls have a dizzy selection that will send the kids wild with
excitement. Cheaper but lower quality items are sold at Chatuchak market
and by vendors at street side stalls.
Watches At some time during your stay in Bangkok you will
probably be approached by a street hawker shoving handfuls of watches
into your face, encouraging you to buy these cheap goods. For the real
thing, high quality designer watches can be found at outlets in Gaysorn
or the complexes.
Wines and spirits Thai wine is still in its infancy and there
aren’t many that can compete on a worldwide scale. But you still can buy
a decent bottle and make as a nice souvenir for friends.
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