Are you one of those certified shop-a-holic who are need to visit almost every day malls, boutiques and market stands? Or perhaps you consider yourself a bargain-hunter who enjoys seeking out dirt cheap items? If so, Bangkok is unquestionably a destination you don't want to miss.
Thailand's capital has developed continuously into a world-class metropolis for all types of shoppers. It has everything to satisfy the wishes of various consumers, no matter it is a glistening mall packed with designer labels, or a busy market filled with gorgeous handmade jewelries, colorful fabrics, or any exotic goods, name it and they will provide it to you.
There are almost are almost everywhere numerous of shopping malls in the city. One of those is the Siam Square, located on the BTS Skytrain Central Station. Across the Siam Square is the grandiose Siam Paragon, that features over 40 local and international fashion labels, watch brands and jewelers you are able to choose from. It contains 6 floors, with each floor providing different products. Just alongside the Siam Paragon is the neighboring Siam Center, comprising of a number of local fashion houses and trendy boutiques. Just across the street you will find Siam Square, where you can discover masses of shirts, jeans, leather goods and handbags in almost any color or shape you can imagine.
Only in a walking distance of just about two in direction National Stadium you will find MBK center, a huge mall specializes in mobile phones and other electronic goods. A few blocks from Siam Square, in the middle of Ratchaprasong Intersection, you'll find the Central World Plaza which is also a really popular oasis for high-end consumers. There are also two large department stores, Isetan and Zen, that specialize in Japanese goods. They also domiciliate numerous international fashion brands, furniture and Thai crafts and arts. On the opposite site of Central World Plaza at Ratchadamri Road you will find Narai Phand, a popular place to purchase affordable Thai silver jewelry and other Thai handicrafts.
Then it is a good idea to visit Pratunam, Bangkok's garment district. It is only a few blocks away from Central World Plaza with various street stalls and malls where you can get great deals on shoes and all kind of clothes. Platinum Mall in Pratunam and Bayoke offers goods that can be bought in bulk for great discount.
From Pratunam you should take a taxi to go to Bobae Market, another popular place to shop for garments. First you can visit the market with a lot of street stalls offering all kinds of typical Thai garment. Opposite the old market you'll find Bobae Tower, where you can find great bargains.
Well, Bangkok also has its own Chinatown which is only a five minute taxi ride away from Bobae Market. It is recommended to explore Chinatown on foot. It is along Yaowarat and Charoen Krung Road up to the Odeon Circle. Since 1792 this area has been an important trade center for the Chinese and has continuously been drawing shoppers and visitors from all around the globe.
Unquestionable the Chatuchak Weekend Market located at Phahonyothin Road housing over 15 thousand stands is the highlight of Bangkok's markets. Here you will find anything from live chicken and rabbits to pot plants all sorts of hill tribe handicrafts like jewelry, clothes, bamboo mats, lamps and more. This is easily the best place to buy local handicrafts at a very reasonable price. The market also features air-conditioned sections where you can take a break from the distressful heat of the sun. So if you are planning to visit Chatuchak, don't forget to bring a bottle of water and all of the time carry with you a folding fan.
If you find Chatuchak Market to hectic then you should try Suan Lum Night Bazaar Bazaar, located near Lumpini Park, a short walk from Lumpini station, opened from 5pm to midnight. It is a huge new government market with nearly four thousand stands offering handicrafts, pricey modern Thai souvenirs and some antiques. In the center of the market you'll find a nice section of bars and cafes to relax and sipping a cocktail or beer in enjoyable surroundings.
Only a few blocks away you can explore the streets around Silom Road. This area is considered to be Thailand's counterpart of New York's Wall Street, because on daytime it is crowded with plenty of office workers out to get a quick snack at one of the many restaurants and street food stalls offering delicious Thai food. During the nighttime street stalls are scattered all over that place selling all kinds of jewelries, wooden candle holders, clothes with brand names and more.
So what more can you ask for? Go now and shop till you drop only here in Bangkok.