Bangkok's Markets - Bargain City
Nowhere Comes as Close to Bangkok for Markets & Shopping Bargains
Bangkok's markets make this a bargain city. They are better than shopping malls, offering an awesome diversity of products from fake furs to fashion items and furniture.
Unlike many other cities, Bangkok does not have a special shopping district. There are shopping malls dotted all over the city, tiny lanes housing boutique designer outlets, and side streets, even remote alleys, with a complete range of ready to wear, reuseables and disposables. The sheer size of Bangkok can be quite unnerving, and if you are having problems with finding the right sweater for Auntie Mary, or the right trainers for nephew Joe, then the following markets will help you source them.
Chatuchak Market
The world's biggest flea market and one of the most exciting in which to spend a day. Bargains galore here, so much that tourists need to be careful not to overspend on delightful trinkets like hand-made jewellry, cotton bags, signature pens, ceramics, jeans, DVDs, antique replicas, exotic plants and tee shirts. Locals can buy pets ranging from puppies to baby bears (although the latter are illegal, some are still for sale in the market). Take the skytrain to Monchit Terminal and it's a block away from there.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Not so crowded as Patpong Night Market (off Silom), and offering a wider selection of items. The covered market sells the usual designer rip-offs plus some local offerings. Bartering here seems to give better results.
There is a food court for the hungry, catering to the budget conscious and regular restaurants for those who prefer a quieter dinner.
MBK Indoor Shopping Market
Many people prefer this to Chatachuk as it is more managable. It's got seven floors of closely packed shops, cubicles and niches, packed with jewellery, clothes, shoes, foods, handbags and antiques. It is a popular shopping place for students as it is near the university, but tourists are also finding their way there. Take the BTS to National Stadium and just cross the road.
Pratunum
Once catering to wholesalers only, Pratunum is the garment hub of the city for bulk buyers. Trendy clothes and modern attire – at a bargain price. And you don't need to be a wholesaler.
Counterfeiting is not tolerated by the Thai government but you can still find, at unbelievably low prices, international fashion brands here, and ,it must be admitted, plenty of fakes.
Yaowarat
Bangkok's Chinatown, Yaowarat is the city's gold jewellry centre. The main road is lined with gold shops where you can buy ready made or have a special piece designed. All gold is offered at the day's gold rate plus something for make-up and value added. The gold can be 23 or 24 carat so if it's value you are after,then this is the place to come.
Between Yaowarat and Charoen Krung roads is the Thieves' Market where traditional Chinese paintings. porcelains and ceramics are on sale. Sampeng in the heart of Chinatown deals with clothes and fabrics plus household items and bric-a-brac. See article on Chinatown's Night Market
Many people's personal favourite because of the atmosphere. Located on Silom Road and the red-light district of Bangkok, Patpong may offend some who object to the lurid sex clubs that blatantly advertise heir wares all along the road. If you think this would upset you, then don't go to Patpong.
Amid the dazzling noise of loud, thumping music and the enterprising buzz of nightclubs, local entrepreneurs man stalls selling anything and everything from silk and batik, to designer handbags and sunglasses. If it's atmosphere you want, then this is the place to find it.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
