Those who go on holiday to Thailand arrive in the Eastern metropolis Bangkok. Krung Thep as the Thai affectionately call the capital of Thailand, is a true shopping paradise what is too short for your eyes and ears.
Be sure to check out the many decadent shopping malls such as Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery and Central World Plaza where Ferraris and Lamborghinis are simply displayed in the shop window. Nice to see but less interesting if you want to score a bargain. For that you go to the market or shopping malls that Bangkok is littered with. If you want to buy cheap, you have to go to Pratunam Wholesale Market, Bobae Market, Platinum Fashion Mall and the Chatuchak weekend market.
On your shopping list you should definitely include clothes, mugs, shoes, ceramics, decoration and Thai silk. Dirt cheap and good quality.
Clothing
If you can't find it in Bangkok, it doesn't exist. Tailored suits, shirts, trousers and all for prices that will make you smile. Take an extra large suitcase with you when you go to Thailand, you will need it. Our tip: Visit the Platinum shopping centre. You will find real Thai prices (and even cheaper). The mall is air-conditioned. Platinum has more than 2.000 shops with clothing, but also shoes, bags, jewelry, watches, perfume and much more. The Platinum mall is just around the corner from Pratunam market. So you can visit both on the same day.
Bags and shoes
Your new jacket, shirt and trousers are of course not complete without a pair of nice shoes and a nice bag. Bangkok is, of course, famous (or infamous) for imitation designer brands. Prada, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Michael Kors and many more brands for next to nothing. It is possible in bustling Bangkok. Street markets, the Chatuchak Weekend Market and the MBK mall are great places to shop and score cheap fashionable bags and shoes.
Ceramics / Tableware
Thailand is known for the beautiful ceramics that are made there, mostly handicrafts. You can get excellent results for a beautiful bowl or service. Beautiful designs with plenty of color and motifs. A jewel for your kitchen or living room. For ceramics, earthenware and porcelain it is best to go to the SME shopping center or the Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can also find it in the department stores in Bangkok.
Decoration
Besides ceramics, Bangkok has much more to offer. Visit a night market and you will be amazed by the many different decorative accessories that are dirt cheap. Here you buy something special that will enhance your interior. Also take a look at the beautiful colorful tapestries! It is best to go to the Chatuchak Market. Don't forget to visit the second-top floor of the SME shopping center as well. Here you will find some of the most beautiful Thai handmade items. Remember, you can negotiate the price almost everywhere!
Thai silk
Thailand is especially famous for its silk. You can buy Thai silk in many colors and varied patterns. Traditional Thai silk is hand-woven and cannot be imitated. Are you looking for beautiful handmade silk scarves, ties, skirts, dresses and more? Then visit the Chatuchak Market Weekend Market. You can also visit the many stalls that are set up every night on Sukhumvit Road.
Pratunam is sometimes nice (especially for women) to walk through, but despite the fact that I still have size M in the Netherlands, the T-shirts I bought there in size XXX-L are still too small.
This market is for Thai sizes. Where I always find something nice and also for good prices, is in the MBK. (With the Skytrain to National Stadium and then walk back a bit). There they also have clothes that you can buy as a foreigner. The quality is also good. Lots of cotton stuff and for reasonable prices…