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Bangkok Shopping Centres |
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Overview
To paraphrase one guidebook - whatever your shopping budget is,
double it. Bangkok truly is a shopper's paradise, attracting people
from throughout the region for the variety, quality and price. If
you can't find what you're looking for in Bangkok, chances are it
can't be found.
Upscale malls and boutique shops cater to an infinite variety of
lifestyles, tastes and budgets while main thoroughfares such as
Sukhumvit and Silom Road are crowded with street vendors offering
clothing, gadgets, decorative items, electronics, sunglasses (be
advised however that many of these street vendors are deaf and use
large electronic calculators to open the bargaining. You then get
to enter the amount you are willing to pay (usually ½ the
asking price for starters), and then let the game begin!).
"Caveat Emptor" is the rule of thumb but excellent value
can be found from the vendors - especially for souvenir type items.
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Department Stores
Most shopping centres are open daily 10:00am until 9.00pm |
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Peninsula
Plaza
Features imported brand names as well as top local fashion designers
and gourmet shops.
Address: On Ratchadamri Road
World Trade Centre
This is 'Mega Mall' has it all. With Zen and Isetan Department stores,
restaurants, movie theaters, Duty Free Shop and even an ice skating
rink!
Address: at the Ratchaprasong
intersection
Narayana Phand
This is a government supervised handicraft centre. You are free
to inspect selections from all parts of Thailand including the famous
Thai silk, ceramics, lacquer ware, bronze objects, Khon masks, wood
carvings etc.
Address: Opposite the World Trade
Center
Emporium
This is the ultimate western style complex in Bangkok. Imported
goods, multiplex theaters, restaurants, food court and wholesale
supermarket.
Address: Sukhumvit Road between
Sukhumvit 24 and Benchasiri Park (BTS Skytrain, exit at Phrom Phong)
Suan Chatuchak Weekend Market
Open Saturday & Sunday only. Time permitting this is a MUST
for any visitor to Bangkok. A glorious all purpose market with a
truly staggering array of items displayed in stalls in large covered
buildings. At last count there were some 15,000 stalls in an area
of about 1.2 hectares (4 acres) with well over a quarter of million
visitors each weekend. If it's for sale anywhere in Bangkok, it
can be found here. (Tips: 1. Go early in the day to avoid the heat
and throngs of shoppers; 2. If you find something you like BUY IT
then and there because its easy to get lost and you may not find
the stall again; 3. Watch your purse, pickpockets are known to work
the area).
Address: Chatuchak Park (BTS Skytrain
exit at Mo Chit - last stop)
Pak Klong Talad
This is the name for five adjacent markets, which merge
into the biggest, most important wholesale market for flowers, vegetables
and fruits. The explosion of color is worth the trip!
Address: Located on the edge of
Chinatown on Maha Rat Road near the Memorial Bridge
Specialty Shops
Bangkok's streets are lined with tailors, jewelry stores and souvenir
shops. Those listed here have been recommended by friends and have
met the test of time for quality goods customer service and fair
pricing.
Rasi Sayam Fine Thai Crafts
An outstanding collection of handicrafts.
Address: 32 Sukhumvit Soi 33
Raja's Fashion Tailor
Men's and Ladies tailor with an out standing reputation for quality
work done quickly. A large selection of fabrics and styles made
to order.
Address: Soi Nana 4 Sukhumvit
Ravi Mona's Fashion Tailor
An impressive collection of textiles and high quality workmanship.
Address: 170 Sukhumvit, Soi 8
Venus Jewelry
Shop where US President's and expat's buy gold jewelry & gems.
Blue sapphires are a Thai specialty.
Address: 167/1-2 Wireless Road
Uthai's Gems
An outstanding selection of gems and jewelry. Custom made jewelry
service available.
Address: Soi Ruam Rudee
Maison d'Arts
Wide assortment of cutlery (most of the flatware you see at Bangkok's
better hotels can be purchased here) at 10-20% less than department
store prices. Discounts for cash and volume purchases.
Address: 1334 Charoen Krung Road
Celadon House Stoneware
Features stonework, pottery, decorative items and Thailand's famous
celadon ceramic items.
Address: 8/3-5 Ratchadapisek
Asia Books
The best shop for books, magazines, newspapers and all of your reading
requirements.
Address: (several locations) Sukhumvit
Soi 13; Peninsula Plaza; Emporium; World Trade Centre.
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Being at the cross roads
of Asia with a long and varied history of different cultures coming
to settle in Thailand, there is beautiful and unique assortment
of products on offer - truly something for everyone and shopping
for that perfect souvenir is definitely enjoyable.
Note: Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most
other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain
a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking
price. Much depends on your skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But
remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With
patience and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price,
you will also enjoy shopping as an art.
Exporting
Buddha Images or Antiquities:
Buddha images, Bodhisattva images or related fragments a part of
ancient Monuments and Prehistoric objects are forbidden to be taken
out of the Kingdom.
Newly cast complete Buddha images can be exported for worship, cultural
exchange or educational purposes with licenses issued by the Fine
Arts Department. Limit five pieces per person.
As well for those looking for 'real' antiques be aware that most
'antiques' are beautiful reproductions. If the antique is 'really
real' you will not be allowed to ship it out of the country unless
you obtain an export license.
For more information to obtain an export license for either images
of Buddha or antiques contact the Fine Arts Department at 02 628
5032. |
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