Shopping in Bangkok

MBK, Chatuchark, Patong, Suan Lum night market, Kaosan road.    For vehicle hire........

From sophisticated plazas and chic emporia to hustling bazaars and street stalls, Thailand is a shopper's paradise. With a huge choice of not only what to buy but also where to buy, bargain hunting is more an engrossing experience than just the simple purchase of souvenirs, handicrafts or luxury items. Classic buys such as exquisite Thai silk, gems and jewellery, and precious antiques are rightly at the top of most shopping lists, as are leading international brand-name products. But there is also much that is new, and Thailand today pulses with artistic innovation. Inspired by traditional crafts, talented Thai designers are finding imaginative new applications of ancient forms and styles, transforming fabrics, gemstones, precious metals, wood, ceramics and synthetic materials into international-quality contemporary clothing, accessories, jewellery, home-furnishings and decor items.

Paralleling creative development has been the physical growth of Bangkok, where travellers will now find a dazzling array of modern air-conditioned shopping plazas and malls housing glittering department stores as well as select independent boutiques. These complement rather than replace the many old-style markets and street stalls, the biggest of which is the famed Chatuchak Weekend Market, a veritable Aladdin's cave for dedicated shopper and browser alike. As a final note on shopping, bear in mind that while fixed prices are the norm in department stores and some of Bangkok's larger shops, bargaining is not only acceptable but also expected at most other places. There are no hard-and-fast rules for bargaining, but patience and a broad smile will serve you well in enjoying shopping as an art.

Shopping is a great attraction

for visitors to Thailand. Nowhere else in Asia offers such a diversity of products, representing such amazing value. Matching this variety of goods is the dazzling choice of places in which to shop. These range from open-air markets and street stalls to specialist shops, department stores and sophisticated shopping malls.   The visitor can browse in air-conditioned comfort, or explore exotic markets village to bargain for original souvenirs.

• Where to shop

Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok, is the most important gateway to the Kingdom. The city also offers the greatest variety of shopping opportunities. In Bangkok there areliterally dozens of modern air-conditioned department stores and shopping complexes. These include such chain stores as Central, Robinson, Sogo and Isetan. Among the best upmarket malls are the World Trade Centre (which also houses Thailand's largest duty-free store), Emporium, Graysorn Plaza, Siam Centre and Mah Boon Khrong, Peninsula and Oriental plazas. River City complex is considered among the best centres for antiques.  Other major market and shopping areas in Bangkok include Pratunam, Chinatown's Yaowarat, and Siam Square. Popular, too, are Bangkok's open-air markets, such as the Weekend Market at Chatuchak Park, which features a breathtaking selection of goods, from food and clothing to antiques and household decorative items, handicrafts and flowers. The evening markets of Patpong, Silom and Sukhumvit roads are thronged with visitors attracted by their diversity of souvenirs, clothing, videos, watches and so much more.

Leading beach resorts, such as Pattaya and Phuket, are also ideal for shopping, as a contrast to relaxation,golf or watersports. The streets of Pattaya village, Phuket town and Patong Beach are lined with jewellery,

• Local Products

Among the best known of these are lustrous Thai silk and handwoven cottons, available as fabric, or made up into every type of clothing and household furnishing. As well as plain colours and patterns, the tie-dye variety of mudmee silk isexceptional.Tailoring in Thailand is good, and rapid, Gems and jewellery are also top of the priority list with visitors. Settings, in gold or silver, are excellent for design and quality, whether in traditional or modern style. Sapphires rubies, zircons, topaz and garnet are among the best buys, as are locally produced cultured pearls. Gold and silver chains and bracelets are also excellent value. Thai silverware has been famous for centuries, with cutlery, tableware, bowls, boxes and jewellery being among the most popular items. Nielloware, silver or gold overlaid with a special enamel, is also typical. Among other metal crafts are sculpted, forged or cast items in bronze,brass, pewter and iron. Several of the myriad forms of Thai ceramics are unique to the Kingdom. Among the most important of these are celadon; blue and white porcelain; terracotta and the brilliantly enamelled bencharong ware.

• Handicrafts

Throughout history, the skilled crafts-people of Thailand have produced practical and decorative items in many local materials. These include bamboo, cane, teakwood and rattan, to create everything from containers to furniture. Fans, paper umbrellas, baskets and hats make ideal, inexpensive souvenirs.  Woodcarvers and carpenters are skilled in household items such as furniture, lamps, bowls and trays and their imaginations have soared to create decorative items, from sculptures to brightly coloured toys. Traditionally, leather was used to make shadow puppets and bags, but old skills and modern designs are now employed for fine shoes, luggage, belts and fashion accessories.  Among other domestic products are all forms of ceramics and traditional lacquerware, which is often inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Seashells are carved into jewellery and household items.

• Baiyoke Plaza and Pratunam Market

This is an ideal place for great bargains when it comes to clothes. Probably the cheapest in Bangkok. Many swear by the bargains. Near Indra Regant Hotel, Pratunam area.

• Chatuchak Weekend Market

The most well-known weekend market and a big tourist attraction. Everything from crockery to an­tiques at bargain prices. Check for quality and do make an effort to bargain. Open only on Sat. and Sun. from early morning till dark. Opposite the Northern Bus Terminal.

• Gaysorn Plaza

One of the best shopping addresses in town, Gaysom has a collection of international brand names. Conveniently lo­cated in the heart of the business district, the plaza also boasts a number of good restaurants. Ploenchit Road.

• MBK Centre

A favourite with the Thais, prices are reasonable. Mah Boon Krong Center (MBK) is full of all sorts of shops, but heavy on clothes and accessories. Tokyo Department Store, 2 cinemas and a number of fast food joints are located within this plaza. Situated on the corner of intersection of Phayathai Road and Rama I Road.

• Oriental Place

Its European Renaissance architecture and elegant interior decor makes for luxurious shopping. Hidden behind theOriental Hotel this shopping plaza is worth a trip for its arts and antiques shops. Chitralada one of the best Thai Handicraft outlets is located here. Soi Charoen Krung 38, 266-0186-95

• SEAcon Square

Supposed to be the largest shopping plaza in Asia, Seacon Square is a whole day effort. It also houses Zen, Robinson and Lotus (which is one of the cheapest depart­ment stores). Other attraction here are YoYo Land, an indoor amusement park and a skating rink. The Seacon entertainment Village boast of 14 theatres - all showing the latest releases. Srinakarin Road.

• Central World Plaza

the World Trade is more like an expedition. Eight floors of shops and two department stores: Zen and Isetan. Make a trip there if only for the Thailand Duty Free Shop. Tower Records, the best place to shop for music has a huge outlet here.