Thailand Shopping
Night Bazaar

Thailand Shopping
I have created a Thailand Shopping Guide to help assist you in finding some of the most pleasurable and irresistible locations whilst on vacation here. Whether you want to purchase fine Thai silks, high fashion or handicrafts, Thailand has it all and so much more. It's seemingly endless. You can choose from a vast variety of high quality luxury goods to many delightful bottom end bargains. From north to south, from east to west you will be both captivated and fascinated.
Thailand is well known as one of the best shopping regions in south east Asia and the huge range of products on sale coupled with excellent prices make it a formidable attraction. Not only do tourists flock here to spend time in a warm environment while visiting tropical island and site-seeing stunning ancient cities, but it is also a great opportunity to stock up on some amazing buys. Some of the most tempting purchases take the form of souvenirs, electronic goods, handicrafts, artworks, books, designer clothing, ceramics, silverware and lacquer-ware, antiques and artifacts, silk fabrics, tailored suits and shirts, gems and jewellery, and so much more. With so many huge luxurious shopping malls and department stores straddling side by side vibrant and chaotic markets and street stalls, shopping certainly becomes an intriguing mixture of traditional and contemporary extravagance.
Thailand Shopping Market

Thailand Shopping
Shopping Malls and Department Stores
From the glitzy
shopping malls and department stores of Bangkok
to the bustling markets and street stalls of Chiang Mai, there is a mixture to appease everyone.Ma Boon Krong Shopping Complex also known as the MBK Center is a huge marble shopping mall situated in Bangkok's downtown Pathum Wan district and adjacent to the Chulalongkorn University. It was originally one of the biggest malls in Asia when it was first founded in 1985. It measures 330 metres long with 2,500 shops using an area of 89,000 square metres on a total of eight stories. Central World formally the World Trade Center is the second largest shopping complex in south-east Asia situated in one of Bangkok's busiest shopping precinct at the Ratchaprasong intersection in the Pathum Wan district. It measures a total of 1,024,000 square metres with the actual shopping section measuring some 550,000 square metres. The world's biggest complex is in the Philippines. Pantip Plaza is an five story IT shopping mall situated on New Phetchaburi Road in Bangkok's Ratchathewi district. There are hundreds of small shops specializing in computer hardware, software and assorted accessories including photographic equipment and mobile phones and of all descriptions.
Silk Cushions
Thailand Shopping
Bangkok Markets
Markets are an absolute indispensable part of life in Thailand and provide a vital function in promoting a safe and enjoyable environment in which you can spend many a leisurely hour in constant bewilderment. Try focus on one area at a time.There are many markets throughout Thailand but the largest market of it's kind in the world is the Chatuchak Weekend Market north of Bangkok. As the name suggests, it is open only on Saturdays and Sundays officially from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm although some close much later or only when the sun sets. It's vast expanse covers an area of over 35 acres with tens of thousands of stalls. Vendors who speak very little any English or none at all ply their wares in a wave of chaos and unrelenting heat. There is no air-conditioning so it's best to go as early as possible. Many thousands of locals and tourist alike flock there to take advantage of the wide variety of products including everything and anything from household items, clothing, baskets, masks, arts and crafts, antiques and artifacts as well as some live animals. It is a most challenging and rewarding experience.
Chatuchak Weekend Market

Thailand Shopping
Bangkok Markets
Bangrack Market is a small thriving local bazaar located between the Shangri-La and Oriental hotels in Bangkok. The market essentially sells flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as meat and sea foods although there are numerous other items such as clothing, fabrics and household goods on sale. Khao San Road Market is essentially a backpacker and peddler party paradise as just about anything imaginable can be found here from cheap accommodation to dingy massage parlours, clubs and pubs. It is a good place to purchase second hand books, hiking gear et cetera while exchanging travel tales. It takes up one small street about three blocks in length and located in the Banglamphu district north-west of downtown Bangkok. An infectious and lively atmosphere prevails.
Soap Carvings
Thailand Shopping
Bangkok Night Markets
Patpong Night Market is a bustling and popular shopping area also well known for it's adult entertainment. Just ask any taxi driver. Fake brand names lie along side cheap souvenirs like watches, clothing and other assorted junk. Prices are often more than double than anywhere else in the city. Not the best place to shop and as for the touts who constantly bother you, well that's another story. Go-Go bars are a dime a dozen lining the streets between Silom and Surawong roads. You haven't been to Bangkok if you hadn't at least tried this place once.Suan Lum Night Bazaar situated just east of Lumphini Park in Bangkok is open nightly from around 5:00 pm until midnight. It is a fabulous alternative to spend quality time away from the heat of the day. There are many small shops selling a variety of gifts, clothing, jewellery, silks, lots of hand made products including tapestries, paintings and sculptures. In front of the market there is a wonderful semi enclosed beer garden and food stalls where live bands perform most nights.
Gateway to Suan Lum Night Bazaar

Thailand Shopping
Chiang Mai Night Markets
Chiang Mai Night Market is a lively shopping space situated in heart of the city that stretches along a section of Chang Klan Road that is within easy walking distance from many hotels. It has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere and a pleasant vibe. It is also one of the nicest places to enjoy an evening meal while watching traditional Thai dancing performances. Outside the market there are many street stalls squeezed onto the pavement where you can pick out many a bargain.Another charming night market situated at the bottom end of Chang Klan Road is the Anusarn Night Bazaar where you can have a meal, a cold drink and a foot massage while watching cultural performances and all the comings and goings.
Hand Painted Hats
Thailand Shopping
Things to Buy
Thai Fabrics with the emphasis on
Thai silk
are with out a doubt some of the best known buys in Thailand. There is an enormous range of styles and designs to choose from extending from the ancient to the modern. Cotton products are also an excellent choice with goods such as cushions, batiks and clothing being widely available. Tailor shops found in both cities and resorts are famous for their craft offering a wide range of suits, shirts and dresses all made to order. Arts and Crafts covers a huge range of products with most of the best buys coming from the north of the country. Hill tribe artifacts sold in all the small town and villages include items such as brightly coloured blankets, patchwork bags and delicate silver jewellery. Beautiful traditional masks and puppets can be bought at many of the open markets. Intricate
Thai carvings
in bronze, wood, and stone can be acquired in all the craft markets. Wickerwork in all guises from simple rice steamers, trays and boxes and durable Rattan furniture are all attractive buys.
Woven Rattan Balls and Wickerwork

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