Bangkok has developed into the most popular shopping destinations in South East Asia. The obvious reasons are there is a wide variety to choose from, goods are extremely reasonable and the quality is decent enough for the price. Tailor made clothes, gems, silks and handicrafts are the main shopper’s delights in Bangkok. Most shops are open till 10 PM but the night markets carry on till later. Fakes of branded products can be bought at a fraction of the cost. Most people in Bangkok speak English, and you have to remember to bargain. Never pay what they quote. Street stalls will have lower prices than the shopping centres and malls. Though sometimes cheap prices may reflect in the quality. If you have never been here before, you'll want to know about where to shop.
You want to visit the amazing department stores and shopping malls such as Siam Paragon and Central World Plaza, these are a must. For branded products and quality shopping. Duty Free shopping can be done at the Thailand Duty Free Shops Company branch in the World Trade Center on Ratchadamri road. Goods can even be pre-ordered here and then picked up at the airport - you have to show your passport and airline ticket in order to make a purchase. Do this only if you are particularly short of time at the airport.
Chatuchak market is one of the largest markets in the world. The famous weekend market is a MUST when in Bangkok. The market is only open at the weekends, Saturday and Sunday from 7am until late. One alternative to Chatuchak is the new Suan Lum Night Bazaar which is open daily. Getting to Chatuchak has become a lot easier since the Skytrain system opened and now you can simply take the Skytrain to the end terminal called Morchit which is exactly where the market is located. The market opens at 7am , but we recommend you get there by 9am. If you get too late, you will get a very busy market. Do note that during the hotter months of April and May the market can be unbearably hot, so getting there early is even more important.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar is an absolute must and a viable, even preferred, alternative to visiting the Patpong Night Market and even Chatuchak as it is not as cramped, has good quality entertainment and food stalls, and sells almost everything you could want from your trip to Thailand. The Night Bazaar is a quick taxi ride away from Silom road, next to Lumpini park (underground station Lumpini). The Bazaar opens around 6 and closes around midnight, it normally has live entertainment such as a live band and a wide variety of food stalls so you can enjoy an evening of fun and shopping at the same time. A definite must for anyone with a shopping list. Patpong Night Market offers a wide range of fake goods such as watches, clothes, bags etc. Located in the heart of Patpong (skytrain station Saladaeng), with Bangkok's famous bars on either side this night market offers many distractions, and perhaps an excuse for many to visit this famous night spot.
MBK is 6 floors of little shops that sell assorted goods. Everything can be bought here at very good prices. It is hectic and busy especially at the weekend, but if you are looking for a bargain then this is a great, if not a tiring place to start. They have two shops that are strongly recommended. The first is on the sixth floor and is called Seven Sis, here you can have words printed on to pretty much anything, hats, t-shirts, shirts, you name it. The beauty is that not only is it great value, but it is also stitched and not screen, this means that your t-shirt or whatever will not fade out in the wash or even start peeling. You can either buy the t-shirt there, or take your own. The other shop too mention will do any form of printing for you, is called Number One DESIGN, and is on the third floor. MBK basically has everything you could ever need, from unique items to Mobile Telephones (be sure to ask whether the phone is 'second hand' or not) to excellent fake Louis Vuitton bags, to originally made local shoes and such. MBK is a shopping must on any visit to Bangkok.
Shopping in Bangkok is totally unique. There is quite simply nowhere else on the planet that offers the same experience. The city is huge and offers every type of shopping experience regardless of your budget. There are literally dozens of modern, air conditioned shopping malls, offering everything imaginable. If you are traveling (and shopping) on a tight budget, then do not despair. There are still plenty of bargains for you to snap up. There are literally hundreds of street markets in Thailand, and Bangkok has some of the largest. And as to be expected, here is where you need to bring your finest bargaining skills. Street vendors and market stall holders are experts at haggling, and negotiating the best price. Remember, you are far more likely to bag a bargain if you remain calm, polite and smile, than if you are surly, snappy and disgruntled. So, go ahead and have a blast in Shopaholics Paradise.
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