Bangkok Shopping

Bangkok Shopping information

Malls and Department Stores

Bangkok's shopping centre Central World Plaza (Ratchadamri Rd) is one of the city's largest and most popular shopping malls. With hundreds of retailers packed behind its modern façade, if you want to buy anything at all in the city, you should be able to find it here, whether it's designer goods or off the peg fashions. The Japanese-owned Isetan department store is regarded as one of the best places in the city to shop, with great prices for good quality merchandise. You might also like to check out the Gaysorn Mall across the road - this is the current hot place for the fashion conscious in the city, with Prada and Gucci just two of the big names to set up shop here. Great for window shopping, but if buying make sure that the plastic in your wallet is heat resistant - there are no cheap fakes to be had here. The Siam Square Area is one of Bangkok's most popular shopping districts. The area is dominated by several large malls aimed at up-market locals and affluent foreign visitors. An exception is MBK (Mahboonkrong), a massive sprawling mall over seven storeys with a complete mixture of goods, ranging from domestic kitchen items to leather coats. Prices are very reasonable. The neighbouring malls (the Siam Discovery Centre and the Siam Centre) are slightly more Westernised and consequently often less interesting - unless you're after some expensive consumer goods. Several department stores can be accessed directly from their corresponding skytrain station: Central Chidlom (Chidlom station); Central Silom (Sala Daeng station) and The Emporium (Phrom Phong station). Siam Square itself can be accessed via Central station, the point where the two existing lines meet. Smaller department stores are scattered throughout the city: Central (on Silom and Ploenchit roads) has the best combination of price and range, and Robinson's (on Sukhumvit Soi 19, Rajdamri Road and the Silom/Rama IV junction) is also highly rated.

Tailors

Inexpensive tailored clothing, made to order within a few days, is a Bangkok speciality. The best selection of tailors is along Sukhumvit and Khao San Roads. Try New International Boutique House (1/4-5 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 11. Tel: +66 (0)2-253-4363) and avail yourself of its 40 years of award-winning tailoring; another good bet is Narry's (155/22 Sukhumvit Road Soi 11/1. Tel: +66 (0)2-254-9184) self-styled "International Tailor of the Decade" which can apparently boast "2,000,000 satisfied customers." Best of the lot though is the Siam Emporium (207 Siam Center, Rama I Rd. Tel: +66 (0)2-251-9617) a collective of tailors who have developed quite a reputation for the quality and range of their work - albeit at slightly higher costs than elsewhere. They generate original designs but are better known for their exact copies of contemporary designer wear.

Markets

Bangkok has some excellent markets, offering produce and merchandise from all over the country at prices that are often cheaper than their provincial competitors. The colourful Nancy Chandler map is a vital purchase as it clearly details the city's markets and transport routes (available in most newsagents, supermarkets and bookstores). The Lumpini Night Bazaar (also known as Suan Lum) is heralded as the largest market in downtown Bangkok. Open each and every evening until late, this vibrant shopping environment sells an eclectic range of items, and not being specifically aimed at the tourist market you'll find it isn't just the usual collection of rather sad and unimaginative souvenir items. Good quality woodwork and art pieces vie for space on stalls with rather more mundane items. The Bazaar also boasts a rather splendid beer garden open when weather allows. With a variety of beers for sale from the hostesses and food stalls surrounding the central table area you might be forgiven for forgetting to do any shopping here. During rainy season if the beer garden closes there are several indoor restaurants that prove just as enticing. Pak Khlong Talat flower market just west of Memorial Bridge, is a frenetic floral fantasy that really kicks off around midnight to avoid the heat. It offers great photo opportunities even if there isn't a great deal that you'd want to buy. Chatuchak market, held each weekend, spreads itself over four acres and sells absolutely anything from ceramics and kitchenware, to army/navy surplus, to live grubs and dyed chickens. It's like window shopping without the glass. Lots of good food, and perfect for souvenirs, beads and trinkets it has been a favourite for tourists seeking a taste of "real" Bangkok for years. Khlong Toei Market is Bangkok's largest market, and runs from dawn to nightfall. It specialises in local produce and perishables. The meat section may well turn you into a vegetarian. Rama IV Road. Damnoen Saduak is an authentic and fascinating floating market that demands an early start (07h00 at the latest) to get the most out of it. The market is 100km (60miles) away from Bangkok, leading many people to take an overnight excursion to the nearby town of Nakhon Pathon before visiting the market.

What to Buy

Bangkok has a reputation for being a cheap and interesting shopping destination, and although nowadays you're as likely to be browsing through the racks at Christian Dior as you are shuffling through craft items on. Local bargains include gemstones, silk, clothing, antiques and handicrafts. Another local speciality is counterfeit brand items such as Rolex watches, Levi's jeans, CK perfume and a large variety of music and videocassettes. Quality is surprisingly good for the low prices. Electrical goods, and PC hardware and peripherals are moderately cheaper than Europe or American prices, although lack of after sales service and little or no guarantee mean the purchase is seldom worth it. Pirated software is big business in Thailand, and it is incredibly cheap. Panthip Plaza on Petchburi Road is full of vendors hawking the latest PC packages and software. Note: Much of this software is illegal in Western countries and you are advised against bringing it home with you.

Shopping tips

Bartering is a way of life in Bangkok and some simple rules apply: Don't barter on goods marked with a price. When bartering don't raise your voice and never lose your temper. Never pay more than half the amount of the opening bid. And remember that bartering, at least for tourists, should be fun and is not to be taken too seriously.

Opening Hours

Shops are generally open 12 hours a day, from 10h00-22h00 Mon-Sun.

Tax Refund

When leaving Thailand, all non-Thai visitors who have been in the country for less than 180 days and who depart by air from one of the international airports can apply for a tax refund on goods bought. Most countries offering a tax refund specify a minimum amount that must be spent in a particular shop to claim a refund. In Thailand, refunds are only given on amounts totalling over THB5000 purchased in the last 60 days. Only receipted purchases in excess of THB2000 (from one store in one day) can contribute towards this total. To reclaim tax you need to show the sales assistant your passport and ask them to fill out a VAT refund form (PP10) and attach an invoice showing the amount of tax. You will also need to state the method of refund as cash, banker's draft or credit card. Please note that a cash refund (in Thai Baht) is only available for refunds of up to THB10000. On departure from Thailand customs officers must inspect the purchases before you check in. They will also need to see form PP10 with the tax invoice. Please note that purchases must be made from stores displaying a "VAT Refund For Tourists" sign, as not all stores participate in the scheme. There is no refund on gemstones and a charge is payable depending on how you choose to receive your refund. Contact the VAT refund office at Bangkok International Airport for further information.