Where to shop
Bangkok is the main hub of shopping in Thailand.
Outside Bangkok, the main city for shopping is Chiang Mai, the unquestioned center of traditional Thai handicrafts ranging from local products such as cotton, lacquerware, silver, hilltribe clothing, Burmese tapestries, painted umbrellas, and woodcarvings. Also, at Chiang Mai, go to some of the factories and look at the demonstrations of how these goods, particularly lacquer, silk, silver and paper umbrellas are actually made.
Pattaya also has many shops selling Thai goods and wide selections of precious stones since the popular resort lies near Chanthaburi, where numerous gems are located.
There are a few specific shopping areas that we list down, though it is not limited there as many areas throughout the city offer ample choice and easy access.
Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong
Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza are the malls and department stores are the shopping haven giving you a plethora of choices. For the official handicraft selling center Central World Plaza and Narayana Phand Pavillion are the places.
Among other things, Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas like - Ploenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mah Boon Krong, Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.
Silom-Surawong-Patpong
Located across each other at convenient distances, these areas house all the major brands available worldwide. An array of specialist shops and boutiques alongside famous night market street stalls make this place the main artery of commercial trade.
Silom-Mahesak-New road
If gems and jewellery is on your shopping list, just head to New Road parallel to Chao Phraya River. Mahesak Road is essentially a gem trading center lined by Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complexes.
Sukhumvit
Soi is street in Bangkok. Shops, boutiques and shopping plazas are found starting from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke).
Chinatown
Right in the middle of the Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok's Chinatown offers abundant gold shops. Â Nearby are two traditional shopping places, Ban Mo Jewellery Street and Phahurat ClothMarket.
Bang Lamphu
Situated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
Pratunam-Phetchaburi
Fashion outfits are a highlight at Pratunam market, one of Bangkok's biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.
Bo-Be Market
Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the city's renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants to items of furniture and home décor and everything in between—a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.
Baiyoke Tower
Located next to Bangkok's tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city's renowned garment centres.
Nailert Market
Situated close to Pratunum Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.
Bangkok International Airport
Showcasing Thailand's specialities, discover an extensive range of shops just as you land in The Amazing Kingdom.
What to shop
In the wake of unprecedented economic growth and commodities as well as markets becoming more sophisticated, shoppers are sure to find Thailand's well-known host of unique handicrafts as also a superb choice of luxury buys. All items are distinguished by fine Thai workmanship, the result of both time-honored crafts and of modern technological skills.
Here are a few of the items that you should not miss out on buying when in Thailand:
Antiques
Antique in Thailand refers to goods designed in an old or traditional style and they require special permission to be taken out of the country.
Note:
- Ignore the purported age of an item when negotiating the price.
- Ask to see the export permit for the item from the Department of Fine Arts if the seller insists on an unreasonably high price.
- If the shop-keeper says they will provide a letter saying the piece is a reproduction, then just leave the shop right away.
- Offer half or even a third of the initial asking price and walk away if the merchant isn't coming down. It possibly will change the sellers' mind.
Bags and Luggage
Handbags, backpacks, wallets, purses, briefcases and suitcases in just about every size and style are available for a small fraction of the price you might pay elsewhere. Leather items are found in abundance in tourist areas. Prices are competitive and quality is usually quite good.
Clothing
Thailand is a major clothing manufacturer and exporter. Locally made goods will usually be much cheaper than imported brand items, although not as cheap as the many no-name products available.
Note:
- You will probably have to purchase ‘M' (Medium) if you usually wear 'S' (Small) size. As, in Thailand, sizes run a size smaller than the US system.
- Men with a waist bigger than 34 will have to find specialty stores to find casual clothing to fit.
- Keep an eye out for ‘Export Shops' or ‘XL for Men'. Old Navy, Eddie Baur and Izod brnads are available in small outlet shops.
Fabrics
Thai silk is world famous for its vibrant colors and patterns, not to mention its price. You can purchase silk in the north and northeast where it's made or in Bangkok. A visit to one of the factories just outside of Chiang Mai is a must, although these are generally showcases for tourists and not real factories.
If you want to buy fabric and get shirts, suits, dresses or just about anything custom made, then tailor shops abound in every tourist area. The outfits are ready within 24 hours.
Cotton has increased greatly in popularity recently. There are traditional patterns of woven colored thread as well as many variations on the popular "raw" weaves that are useful for jackets and upholstery.
Note
- Avoid shops touted by taxi drivers, etc, as they are almost never very good.
- Avoid places offering deals too good to be true, such as a suit for $25. The work is often slipshod.
Gold
Gold sold in gold shops, found in almost every city of Thailand, is pure 24 karat solid gold which is quite yellow compared to the 18 karat gold.
The inherent softness, the colour, high maintenance and low accountancy during resale are some of the factors that you need to consider while buying the pure gold. The price of an item is based solely on its weight.
Note
- Attempts to sell plated items as solid gold are not unknown, so it's wise to be on your guard.
- The unit of measurement for the sale of gold is the Baht - the same as the currency.
- One Baht weight of gold is 15 grams, a tiny bit less than half an ounce.
- Most gold shops will have their buying and selling rates posted outside the shop.
Jewelry
Thailand is a major exporter of gems and gemstones. In recent years, it has developed the industry of cutting, finishing and setting stones as well. While prices are very competitive, common sense is highly advised.
Note
- A deal that sounds too good to be true is probably best avoided.
- The resale value of a stone may be exaggerated.
- Determine an item's value to you and don't pay more than that.
- Don't consider an item's purported resale value, age or other factors.
Lacquerware
This traditional craft has evolved with the times, although old style goods are still widely available. Some of the nicest Thai items are those with mother of pearl inlaid in the black lacquer. You'll find this technique used in temple doors as well as bowls, boxes and other items for daily use. The modern variations include bright metallic finishes that can make a simple piece the focal point of a room.
Silver and Bronze
Silver shops abound throughout the Kingdom and in several factories outside of Chiang Mai you'll find just about anything in silver. Jewellery, place settings, frames, trays, etc. are sterling silver.
Note:
- Often labeled as ‘925' mean that they are made of 92.5% pure silver.
- Some jewelry items as well as buttons on traditional style costumes are made with old silver made by yielding a lower silver content.
- The lack the luster of sterling, sometimes coming close to pewter in color and finish enable you to identify the difference.
Wood Carving
Traditional Thai houses are made of wood, so the Thais have developed wood carving to a high art. You'll find a large number of shops in the north selling furniture as well as decorative items, all hand carved. You needn't worry about getting large items home, as most shops in major tourist centers have facilities to ship items for you.