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Shopping is one
of Bangkok’s major attractions. Favorite purchases
include Thai silk and cottons, modern and traditional
jewellery featuring precious gemstones, semi-precious
gemstones, silverware, nielloware, pewterware, ceramics,
celadon, woodcarvings, paintings, and clothing. Bangkok
is one of the most competitively priced cities in
Asia. Friendly bargaining in most stores and markets
ensure favourable prices and service.
The following areas are the major shopping areas:
Suriwong/Silom Area
Numerous shops, and department stores sell jewellery,
gemstones, antiques, ceramics, leather goods, men’s
and women’s clothing, handicrafts, Thai silk and cottons,
electrical and photographic goods. The area comprises
Bangkok’s major commercial and nightlife centre.
Mahesak/Silom/New Road Area
The area is a major gemstone dealing and jewellery
manufacturing area. Boutiques, art galleries, department
stores and shopping arcades, including the River City
Complex, sell a wide range of items, with particular
emphasis on antiques, tailored clothing, and contemporary
Thai and Asian paintings.
Phloenchit/Pathumwan Area
The area encompasses several department stores and
shopping centers, such as the World Trade Center,
Siam Square, Siam Center and Mahboonkrong. Almost
everything the shopper needs may be found within this
area. Thailand’s principal duty-free shopping outlet
is located on the 7th floor of the World Trade Center.
Sukhumvit Road Area
Concentrated largely between Soi Nana (Soi 3) and
Soi Asoke (Soi 21), several shops, shopping centers
and department stores offer a broad range of Thai
and imported items. The luxurious Emporium Shopping
Center is located between Sukhumvit Soi 24 and the
Benjasiri park.
Pratunam/Phetchaburi Road
Area
The area is best known for its inexpensive readymade
clothing, which is sold partly in a street market,
where determined bargaining is required for best prices.
Banglamphu
The riverine section of Bangkok is favoured by back-packers
for its budget accommodation. The area offers inexpensive
items, especially readymade clothing, leather foods,
footwear, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended.
Principal Markets
Chatuchak Weekend Market
A large open public ground on Phahonyothin Road, is
where people buy and sell a thousand loval products
including food, clothing, household products, handicrafts,
pets, and pot plants. This market is a paradise for
browsers and bargain-hunters alike. It operates during
the day time on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bangrak Market
Located on New Road, between Silom and Sathon roads,
this market offers a particularly large selection
of cut blooms and orchids. Lovely garlands made principally
of jasmine are a specialty.
Thewet Market
Lining the bank of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem off
Samsen Road, this market is best known for potted
plants.
Lang Krasuang Market
Facing Khlong Lot, on Atsadang Road, between the Royal
Hotel and Ministry of Interior, a row of shop houses
sell moderately priced second-hand goods, including
antique cameras and typewriters, musical instruments,
radios and all manner of electrical goods. Bargaining
is essential.
Woeng Nakhon Kasem
Better known as Thives Market, located between Yaowarat
Road and New Road, near Phahurat, this area sells
antiques, including Thai and Chinese objects d’art,
porcelain, brassware, copperware and furniture inlaid
with mother-of-pearl. Bargaining is essential.
China Town
Bangkok’s China Town is an old business centre covering
a large area around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung
Road. There are many small streets and alleys full
of shops selling all types of goods. The area is always
lively and market stalls abound. It has been the main
centre for trading by the Chinese since they were
moved from their old site some 200 years ago. Nearby
is Phahurat Market, one of the city’s renowned cloth
centres.
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