What to Buy
A wealth of shopping opportunities awaits the visitor, and bargains
abound throughout our country in traditional handicrafts, textiles,
gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as more contemporary items.
Gems
: Bangkok is the coloured gemstone capital of the world. Rubies and
sapphires are indigenous stones, but virtually all coloured gems, as
well as diamonds, are available. Shoppers should exercise caution
and buy from reputable dealers only.
Clothing : We're one of the world's leading manufacturers
of ready - to - wear clothing. Fashion boutiques are found in every
shopping mall, while cheaper clothing such as T-shirts and jeans are
available at bargain prices from street vendors. Custom tailoring is
also very affordable and tailors can produce or copy most styles in
just a few days.
Cotton & Batik : Our Thai cottons have become increasingly
popular and are a good deal. Particularly notable are the hilltribe
cottons woven by the tribal people of the North, typically
displaying bold designs and often lavish embroidery. Equally
distinctive are original batiks crafted at several studios in
Bangkok.
Hilltribe Crafts : The tribal groups who live in the hills
of the north make a variety of beautifully embroidered textiles and
silver jewellery. Chiang Mai is the centre for such goods.
Where to shop
In
Bangkok : Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major
streets, and there are many areas throughout the city affording
ample choice and easy access. Here's just a selection of some of the
places to go shopping!
Chatuchak Park Weekend Market : A famous Bangkok landmark where
you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants - a
paradise for browsers and bargain - hunters alike.
Silom - Mahesak - New Road :
Many gems and jewellery stores are found here, also the River City
Shopping Complex, known for its quality antique stores and regular
auctions.
Silom - Surawong - Patpong :
The commercial heart of Bangkok. houses dozens of specialist shops,
boutiques and shopping plaza representing all the major buys. Street
stalls also abound, most notably Patpong's famous night market.
Bang Lamphu :
Close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang
Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
Beyond Bangkok :
The main city for shopping outside the capital is Chiang Mai, which
ranks as one of the world's largest centres for handicrafts and
cottage industries. The extensive range of local products includes
cotton and silk, hilltribe clothing, Burmese tapestries, hand -
painted umbrellas and lacquerware, and many such items can be found
at its fascinating Night Bazaar. Pattaya also offers plentiful
shopping for Thai goods while virtually all other cities and resorts
provide ample opportunity for buying gifts and souvenirs, as well as
local specialties.
