Bangkok shopping

Thailand has become one of the best shopping mecas of Asia, Bangkok wins hands down in this category. No matter where you travel in Bangkok you can be sure you will never be far from the shopping frenzy this amazing city has to offer.

Many items can be purchased inexpensively in Thailand, as long as you know where to look. Reasonable copies of Billabong shorts, Nike trainers and hundreds of other products can be bought for surprisingly low prices. However, quality varies widely, so have a close look before you buy.

Thailand operates under a bartering system, which means that goods sold by street vendors in markets or in some shops are flexibly priced and you can get a very good deal if you know how to haggle powerfully and politely. Like many aspects of Thai culture, bartering is an intricate system that is easy to underestimate. The trick is to let the vendor make the first offer then ask 'Can you make a discount?' A good benchmark is to offer half the quoted price. Be firm, but make sure that you smile and possibly make a joke - if you are seen as too pushy or aggressive you will not be taken seriously and many traders will refuse to deal with you. Remember not to start to bargain unless you're serious about buying. Also remember that a difference of a few baht may not really make much difference to you, but it may be a big deal to the vendor.

Thailand's Floating Markets are much photographed and provide an interesting appeal for tourists. The most visited floating market is Damnoen Saduak, which is also the largest. However, these days the market is very crowded and sells mainly souvenirs and other tourist items. For a more authentic experience, head to the Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market, which is open daily from 04:00 and 07:00, or the Taling Chan Floating Market, which is open on weekends until around 2 pm. Please contact us if you need further help.

See below for shopping links

Ma Boon Krong Shopping Center (MBK)

Emporium Bangkok

Bangkok markets

Chatuchak weekend markets:

Be amazed at the sheer size of this market, approxamately 35 acres in size and claims to be the worlds largest. If you can not find what you are searching for here, then it probably does not exist. Everything from clothing, footwear, antiques, electrical, dvds, pets, handicrafts, collectors items and almost everything you can imagine. If bargain hunting is your passion, then this is a must try experience not to be missed. Much can be said for the variety of food available here, deep fried delicacies, scorpions, grubs and of course the favourite western food, along with a selection of drinks and beers readily available. Always remember plenty of fluid intake to avoid dehydration and wear light clothing. Some 200,000 shoppers each day pass through these markets, as with any large market watch for out pickpockets and keep your personal belongings safe. The markets can be reached easily by taxi, tuk tuk or bus services, but for convience and shorter travel times we suggest arriving by the skytrain at Mo Chit station, this will cost between 20 baht to 40 baht and the train is fully airconditioned.  open  weekends  from  08:00 - 18:00  and fridays for wholesale.

Patpong night markets:

This famous district is probably best known for its nightlife and many go-go bars. Your bargaining skills will be well tested here, as foreign tourists converge on this area every night. Vendors will inflate their prices as much as 200% here, due to the large crowds of foreign tourists that frequent the area. This is not to say avoid this area, but take advantage of this situation to improve your bargaining skills. As always stay calm and never raise your voice. The range of items here is moderate compared to the chatuchak markets, consisting of clothing, fake rolex watches, pewter, thai silk items, perfumes and bracelets. Arrival is either by taxi or tuk-tuk. If arriving by the skytrain depart at Sala Daeng station. open everyday 18:00 - 01:00   

Pratunam markets:

A market that trades mainly in clothes, Pratunam is the largest clothing market in entire Thailand. Located in the heart of Bangkok, at the intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetburi roads, in the district of Ratchathew, it is the best place to shop for clothing, fabrics, and textiles, at unbelievingly rock bottom rates. You can easily reach the market if you walk along Ratchaprarop Road. An indicator points towards the Pratunam Market that spreads over the entire area around and behind Amari Watergate and Indra Regent Hotels.

As you dive onto one of the many lanes, you will reach the main market area, with colorful mazes interesting each other at random. Hit any of these lanes, as they look almost the same. You will find clothes in all shapes and shades, ranging from traditional outfits, funky dresses to formals attires, dangling from the inviting shops here. Small shops and stalls are squeezed in both sides of the area and exhibit a spectacle, in the form of casual wear, beachwear, children's wear and eveningwear.

Want to look out of the ordinary? No worries! You will find a huge range of outlandish outfits at Pratunam that will lend that perfect Bohemian touch to your wardrobe. From colorful wigs to flamboyant dresses, you can pick some of the best atypical outfits from here. Additionally, people who are into designer wear will drool over the huge array of designer fakes in the shops. They do not compromise on the quality and couture, but are incredulously cheaper than the real ones that line exclusive boutiques.

Do not shy away from bargaining, as haggling over the price is a common practice here. In fact, you can pick more than 2-3 items to get wholesale benefits on clothes. Once done with piling bagfuls, keep walking and you are out of the market area. The best choice for all clothing, ranging from t-shirts, jackets, beachwear and tailor made suits, evening wear and childrens clothing and countless shoe stores. Here there is a vast range of roadside stalls and multi level department stores.

Beneath the apartment buildings are what seem endless arcades of clothing shops, the Pratunam district is home to Bangkoks tallest building, the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, 88 levels of 4 star accomodation.    Also available is an array of jewellery, childrens toys and fake billabong / roxy wallets and handbags, bargains galore to be found, most are of good quality , but choose carefully as the quality varies. open everyday 09:00 - 18:00 although some markets situated nearest the Baiyoke Sky Hotel are open up to 22:00

Ratchada-Lad Phrao junction night market:

Fast becoming a favourite among people who have a penchant for used items, Ratchada-Lad Phrao junction night market is where to find ridiculously-priced trainers, leather bags, shoes, jeans, books, CDs, antiques, furniture, home decorative items, and an assortment of knick-knacks. Although most of the goods are pre-owned, new stuff is also available.

Browsing inside the market, you can't miss a long stretch of cute vintage motorbikes and scooters waiting to be taken home. Feeling peckish? No worries, there are many food stalls dotted around the venue. A friendly atmosphere and laid-back crowd make this market an interesting alternative to the city's ubiquitous shopping malls.

Open: Every Saturday from early evening to around 23:30
Where: On the corner of Ratchada-Lad Phrao junction
How to get there: Take the MRT to either Lad Phrao station or Ratchadapisek station
Shopping tip: Due to the lack of proper lighting, make sure you look carefully for flaws or damage. And remember to bargain hard!

Klong Thom Markets:

Best known for secondhand goods and assorted knick-knacks, Klong Thom Market sees action every Saturday from 17:00 onwards, and continues going until Sunday's early evening. Formerly known as 'Flashlight Market' due to the fact that buyers will need a flashlight to see the goods, this market is especially crowded on late Saturday night.

Covering areas of Luang, Worachak and Charoenkrung, Suar Pa Roads, Klong Thom has everything from car spare parts, DVDs and CDs, electronic devices to clothing items and toys. Besides the roadside stalls, there's also a three-storey Klong Thom Centre (close to Worachak Road) where car accessories and toys are on sale. If you want to avoid the crowd, best time to go is Sunday morning from 8:00 until 11.00.

Khao San Road:

Khao San Road is literally bursting with things for you to spend your precious baht on. Its abundance of travel shops can supply you with all your logistical requirements - flight, train and bus tickets to your next destination - while the area's tailors will give you some much needed sartorial elegance, cutting you a sharp suit ready for when you arrive back from island jumping.

Essentials aren't neglected either, with chemists, convenience stores and monetary exchanges dotted around. A big must in Thailand is a compelling read or two for the beach, and there are several of the city's best second hand-book shops scattered around where you can trade in your old books or buy a new one.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar:

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is perhaps one of the best ways to experience the animated nightlife of Bangkok. Situated in Pathum Wan district, at the intersection of Rama IV and Sathorn Roads, it shines as one of the most hip outdoor markets of Thailand. Not only is the place one of the best places to make good deals on clothes and accessories, but also provides ample other recreational facilities as well. In fact, owing to its fascinations, the bazaar remains packed with tourists as well as local crowds of Bangkok year-through.

Open everyday, from 6 pm until midnight, the market surges with activities through and through. Aside from attracting tourists in large numbers, it also remains a favorite nocturnal getaway of local Thais and expatriates. Many people love strolling around the shops, scanning trendy outfits and funky accessories. There are many clothing and jewelry shops by local designers that are thronged by fashionable Thai girls and discerning tourists. Besides, the market is equally popular for home décor items, CD's, VCD's and other curios and trinkets.

Nevertheless, the popularity of Suan Lum not only rests upon its shopping splendors, but also extends to other features. Dining in the Suan Lum Bazaar has its own charm and offers a perfect night out in the city. There is a string of snack bars catering to different palates and a beer garden, packed with food and live entertainment. There is also a row of restaurants with both indoor and outdoor sitting facilities. These food joints, complemented by bars, remain the favorite joint of many tourists. More often than not, you will also find many locals enjoying their after-office drinks at these places.

Apart from shopping and dining, another conspicuous highlight of Suan Lum is the Bangkok Hall, located within its premises. It is a large hall, with a seating capacity of about 6,000 people. Another major draw is the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, a traditional Thai puppet troupe that presents performances based on the Ramakien - the national epic of Thailand. Thus, whether you want to spend a languorous evening, with friends sipping foamy beers, enjoy international cuisine, or simply shop your heart out, Suan Lum Night Bazaar no doubt acts as the perfect venue for enjoying a perfect evening in Bangkok.

Chiang Mai markets:

The Chiang Mai night markets first appeared many centuries ago as a meeting place for traders when the Lanna kingdoms capital was a major stop on the caravan route between southern China and burmese seaport. Chiang Mai is arguably Thailands handcraft capital. In the late afternoon the vendors commence preparing their stalls and markets for the night bazzar. Craftsmen display their works for the passing tourists, many handmade items are only found here, and totaly unique to Chiang Mai. One of the most exquisite works of art are the wood carvings, whether it be a peice of furniture, ornament or religious icon, the skills these craftsmen possess is truely astonishing. Other items of interest include, silverware, colourful umbrellas made from bamboo and sa paper with intricate designs, and make the perfect souvenir or gift. Thai silks are created into a wide range of goods including, scarves, sarongs, table cloths, cushion covers, these are extremly popular with tourists and locals alike. open everynight 17:00 - 10:00

Phuket markets and beach front shops:

The perfect setting for any holiday, great weather, beautiful beaches, picture perfect. Phuket has it all, the shopping here is amazing, Patong beach is the main tourist destination. Thaeewong rd Patong, is the front beach rd, has an unbelievable amount of beach facing shops. Here you can stroll along the beachfront, have a relaxing drink at any one of the many bars with ocean views, and look for that bargain at the same time. Be wary here, as Phuket is a major tourist destination and prices are over inflated, so your bartering skills will need to be good. Still there are many bargains to be found here, especially away from the tourist areas. Open everyday   09:00 - 23:00 

Tailor made Suits:

One of the best bargains in Thailand is a suit tailor made to your requirements. Carefully select a buisness of good standing, we know this can be difficult to find in Thailand as there are hundreds of tailors. We have included here a link for a trustworthy tailor in Thailand for your consideration. We provide this link to you to help you avoid the frustration in making a selection, we are in no way connected with or recieve any payment from ( http://www.narry.com/english/index.php ) The aim of our company is to provide all our customers with helpfull,trustworthy advise. You are advised to purchase while on holidays in Thailand rather than book online, as you can be fitted by quailified tailors.

Department Stores in Bangkok

1.  Gaysorn: International standard shopping centre featuring famous Thai and international brands and fine restaurants. This is a must destination for those who like designer brands.

2.  MBK Centre: Located on Phayathai Road of Pathum Wan District, MBK Center is a staggering marble shopping mall of Bangkok. Also known as Mah Boon Krong or Mabunkrong in Thai, it was opened in 1985 and is considered as one of the biggest malls in Asia today. It was the brainchild of Chokchai Bulakul, who later sold it to the Dusit Thani Group - a hotel and resort company based in Bangkok. With more than 2,000 stores and services, over 150 eateries and a large cinema city, MBK Mall today remains one of the most up-to-the-minute shopping malls in Thailand and tops the outing charts of many tourists visiting Bangkok.

Besides, its enormous architecture and ultra-modern outlook makes it a landmark monument of the city. Strategically positioned in the heart of Bangkok, it serves as the threshold for exploring other shopping centers laid along the Sukhumvit Road, which is the city's prime shopping street. Owing to its advantageous location and host of attractions, MBK Center daily sees footfalls of approximately 105,000 customers daily, including 30,000 tourists from across the world. With its towering eight floors, the mall stretches to a length of 330 m, and stands on a selling area that measure to an overwhelming 89,000 sq m.

3.  Central World : Bangkok's largest downtown mall is a labyrinth of shops, restaurants and entertainment, including cinemas, an ice-skating rink and the Thai Duty Free Shop.

4.  Central Department Stores: Central Department Store Chain is the largest retailer in Thailand with department stores, specialty stores, specialty stores, supermarkets, mini-marts and hypermarkets.

5.  Emporium: Offers many well-known brands at excellent prices. This is a very trendy and more expensive shopping mall that has a number of specialty stores so you can get all your shopping done at once. It includes a number of stylish boutiques, the Coffee Shop, a supermarket, bookstores and a number of good restaurants.

6.  Siam Paragon: The first mega shopping complex in Thailand, offering a magnificent and elegant shopping experience as it houses various world-class international brands and flagship stores of the most prestigious hi-end brands.

7. Seacon Square: Whether you like to try your hands at bowling, gobble good food, watch a Hollywood flick or doll yourself with some trendy outfits, just hit Seacon Square, on Srinakarin Road, in the south of Bangkok. Located near the IT mall called 'Seri Centre', Seacon Square is one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes of Thailand as well as the whole world. Covering an overall area of 34 acres, this lofty five-storey edifice is more than 500 meters long and also features two huge basements.

The building not only has a magnificent façade, but equally striking interiors, with three unique decoration styles. The city zone exhibits vibrancy associated with shopping through its animated colors. The Main Atrium decks with greenery, fountains and statues. On the other hand, the decoration of the nature's zone typifies natural beauty and splendor. Excluding its beauty, the host of recreational facilities also magnifies the popularity of the place. Especially, the 18-hole-mini golf course and bowling alley is much popular among the young crowds.

There are over 400 specialty shops in the building, which make shopping in Seacon Square an unending affair. You can pick a variety of items, ranging from chic clothes and leather items to designer shoes, souvenirs, toys and foods. For gizmo freaks, two levels of the floor house the Seacon IT market that offers an amazing range of electronic items. The huge cinema complex, with 14 theatres, and the large indoor and amusement park of the mall are two other eye-catching features. On top of that, the mall also features a large food court, with about 30 food shops that cull some of the best delicacies from the Orient.

Markets in Bangkok

1.  SILOM-SURAWONG-PATPONG
Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok’s commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong Road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong’s famous night market.

2.  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.

3.  PRATUNAM-PHETCHABURI
A highlight in the district is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok’s biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.

4.  BAIYOKE TOWER
Located next to Bangkok’s tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city’s renowned garment centres.

5.  CHINATOWN
Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok’s Chinatown offers a profusion of gold shops as well as two nearby traditional shopping places, Ban Mo Jewellery Street and Phahurat Cloth Market.

6.  NAI LERT MARKET
Situated close to Pratunam Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.