Bangkok Shopping
Bangkok shopping has everything and lots of bargains can
be found. As a major producer of clothing fashion boutiques
are everywhere along with bargains. Custom tailoring is
also possible. Thai silks are famous along Thai cotton
and batik. Bangkok is a good place to buy coloured gems
such as sapphires and rubies but only buy from authorised
shops. Antiques, ceramics, pewter ware can all be found.
Furniture, orchids and just about everything else can be
found somewhere in Bangkok.
Click below to view the main shopping malls and plazas.
Shops extend all over Bangkok but important areas are
Silom Road, Sukhumvit Road and Rama 1 Roads. The markets
are great fun. Fixed prices are displayed in all the main
shops and bargaining is a must in the markets. The Central
and Robinson’s Department stores are spread around
the city.
Do not use any touts or let anyone offer to help you shop.
There are many scams in operation and commission is paid
to touts.
What to buy
Antiques
Many shops sell antiques and many
are fake. Buddha images cannot be exported. Antiques may
require permission from the Department of Fine Arts (02 221
7811).
Crafts
Thailand is a major manufacturer of all
sorts of drafts and endless shops display an enormous range
of craft items made for a full range of materials.
Fashion
Fashion shops are all over the city.
In the plazas they are genuine and in the markets they
are often fake copies. Small tailors will make up a suit
or other fashion items in as little as 24 hours.
Jewellery
Thailand mines sapphires, rubies,
garnets, zircons and turquoise and imports all their other
gemstones seen in shops. Make sure you are not conned into
buying fake gemstones and if you have suspicions that you
might have been cheated contact the Tourist Police. Be
very careful when buying jewellery and remember there are
no official jewellery shops in Bangkok. The best jewellery
shops should provide a full refund with 90 days if you
are not happy with your purchase.
Silk
Thai silk is found in numerous shops. If
not sure whether it is silk take a thread and ask for it
to be burnt and the smell will be similar to singed hair.
Fake goods
Fake goods are found all over the
city and in all the markets. Many of a very high quality
and large numbers are sold.
Bangkok Markets
There are many Bangkok markets to explore.
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