Getaway Shopping in Bangkok

A few places for great deals:

1. Pratunam - Baiyoke 2

There are a few shopping centres in the area. Baiyoke 2 is known for its fashionable clothes on Levels 4 and B1. Great clothes for guys and gals. Wholesale prices for 3 pieces or more. Also the place to go for cheap towels, sheets etc.




2. Platinum Mall

The airconditioned version of the weekend market. Lots of stall owners from the weekend market have small stalls here. 5 floors of leisurely shopping in comfort. Many of the stalls have wholesale prices, so do ask. Cafes at the basement.




3. Chatuchak Weekend Market

Find everything you want at the best prices in Bangkok. Huge but all shops have a lane number. Clothes and accessories, souvenirs, tableware, handicraft, life animals, plants, art just to name some. There are a few small restaurants and bars between the shops, plus banks for currency exchange in the middle.



4. Suan Lum Night Bazaar

This market is opens every evening. Things are pricier then the weekend market, but less crowded and definitely cleaner. There are food stalls in the middle, with a nightly show consisting of song and dance for free. A good place to sit down after shopping. *Scheduled to close somewhere in 2007, so check before you go.

5. Mah Boon Krong (MBK)

Reasonably cheap (but fashionable) and medium expensive clothes, shoes, watches, mobile phones and accessories, DVD's, VCD's and sunglasses in huge quantities. BOOTS here as well, so top up your toiletries supplies.



6. Siam Square

Opposite MBK. Lots of trendy clothing stalls, shoes and accessories (sunglasses, watches) for reasonable prices. Local upcoming designers keep shop here. Remember to stop by Centre Point, where Thai teenagers parade the latest fashions. Dunkin'Donuts here!




7. Khao San

This is the backpackers "paradise". Cheap Tees, trousers, souvenirs, tapes, CDs and second-hand books and travel guides. Also a sellers market (camping gear, watches, camera's) for travellers desperate for money. Very happening during Songkran (Water Festival). Remember to bring your super soakers.







8. Chinatown (Sampeng market)

Chinese foods, fabric, tools, household wares, artificial flowers, all lined up on both sides of this narrow lane. Lots of people, pushcarts everywhere, very hectic but good shopping. Chinatown is also famous for birds nest and sharksfin.








9. Panthip Plaza

For electronic goods like computers, hardware and software, legal and illegal, music CDs, digital cameras. 7% VAT refund possible. Remember to ask them to fill up the yellow VAT refund form once you buy beyond 2000 baht. At the airport, refund only if total more than 5000 baht. Verify forms before check-in, then cash refund near boarding gates at both ends.


10. Pinky Tailors

Behind Mahatun Building at Phloenchit BTS. Good worksmanship on tailored clothes. They can deliver to your hotel.