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Shopping in Thailand
Thailand
offers a wonderful experience for the ardent shopper, with a tremendous variety
of goods on offer. You can shop for designer goods in the Malls, or browse for
handicrafts and knick-knacks in the many markets. There is something for
everyone, no matter how deep or shallow your pocket may be.
Department stores open around 10:00 am and do not close until 9:00 pm. Markets
vary in their timing with produce markets opening before dawn, more general
markets open during daylight hours, but in many areas there are Night Markets
where you can sit in the open and eat before browsing the stalls.
In general we have listed the shopping locations along with the other details of
each of the areas, but you can gain direct access by clicking on the headings
below.
Shopping in Bangkok
Shopping is one of Bangkok’s major attractions. Favorite purchases include
Thai silk and cottons, modern and traditional jewellery featuring precious
gemstones, semi-precious gemstones, silverware, nielloware, pewterware,
ceramics, celadon, woodcarvings, paintings, and clothing. Bangkok is one of the
most competitively priced cities in Asia. Friendly bargaining in most stores and
markets ensure favourable prices and service.
Expertise Company Limited
216 Soi Suan Kased , Bangna Trad km.29, Bangbor, Samutprakarn, 10560
Tel 01 840 3203, Fax 02 708 7526
Email yourtuktuk@yahoo.com
Tuk Tuk Manufacturer
The following areas are the major shopping areas:
Suriwong/Silom Area
Numerous shops, and department stores sell jewellery, gemstones, antiques,
ceramics, leather goods, men’s and women’s clothing, handicrafts, Thai silk and
cottons, electrical and photographic goods. The area comprises Bangkok’s major
commercial and nightlife centre.
Mahesak/Silom/New Road Area
The area is a major gemstone dealing and jewellery manufacturing area.
Boutiques, art galleries, department stores and shopping arcades, including the
River City Complex, sell a wide range of items, with particular emphasis on
antiques, tailored clothing, and contemporary Thai and Asian paintings.
Phloenchit/Pathumwan Area
The area encompasses several department stores and shopping centers, such as the
World Trade Center, Siam Square, Siam Center and Mahboonkrong. Almost everything
the shopper needs may be found within this area. Thailand’s principal duty-free
shopping outlet is located on the 7th floor of the World Trade Center.
Sukhumvit Road Area
Concentrated largely between Soi Nana (Soi 3) and Soi Asoke (Soi 21), several
shops, shopping centers and department stores offer a broad range of Thai and
imported items. The luxurious Emporium Shopping Center is located between
Sukhumvit Soi 24 and the Benjasiri park.
Pratunam/Phetchaburi Road Area
The area is best known for its inexpensive readymade clothing, which is sold
partly in a street market, where determined bargaining is required for best
prices.
Banglamphu
The riverine section of Bangkok is favoured by back-packers for its budget
accommodation. The area offers inexpensive items, especially readymade clothing,
leather foods, footwear, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended.
Bangkok's Principal Markets
Chatuchak Weekend Market
A large open public ground on Phahonyothin Road, is where people buy and
sell a thousand loval products including food, clothing, household products,
handicrafts, pets, and pot plants. This market is a paradise for browsers and
bargain- hunters alike. It operates during the day time on Saturdays and
Sundays.
Bangrak Market
Located on New Road, between Silom and Sathon roads, this market offers a
particularly large selection of cut blooms and orchids. Lovely garlands made
principally of jasmine are a specialty.
Thewet Market
Lining the bank of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem off Samsen Road, this market
is best known for potted plants.
Lang Krasuang Market
Facing Klong Lot, on Atsadang Road, between the Royal Hotel and Ministry of
Interior, a row of shop houses sell moderately priced second-hand goods,
including antique cameras and typewriters, musical instruments, radios and all
manner of electrical goods. Bargaining is essential. Woeng Na
Woeng Nakhon Kasem
Better known as Thieves Market, located between Yaowarat Road and New Road,
near Phahurat, this area sells antiques, including Thai and Chinese objects
d’art, porcelain, brassware, copperware and furniture inlaid with
mother-of-pearl. Bargaining is essential.
China Town
Bangkok’s China Town is an old business centre covering a large area around
Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road. There are many small streets and alleys
full of shops selling all types of goods.
The area is always lively and market
stalls abound. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese since they
were moved from their old site some 200 years ago. Nearby is Phahurat Market,
one of the city’s renowned cloth centres. |
