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Shopping
in Bangkok Thailand
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.
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.
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 Khlong 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 Nakhon Kasem
Better known as Thives 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.
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