Exchange Policy Guarantees Shipping Smart Tips
What to Buy
First time visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer variety and beauty of products produced in Thailand and available in Bangkok. That said, here are some ideas to get you started. Thai silk is without doubt the most famous of Thailand's handicrafts and available in many forms. Dresses and household furnishing are particularly beautiful - check out the Jim Thompson stores for ideas. Woven cotton, embroidery and batik are attractive and popular handicrafts, easy to pack making them nice souvenirs and home decor gifts. Need a new suit for dress? There's nothing like a custom tailored suit or dress. Tailors in Bangkok are affordable, fast and will keep your measurements on file so you can order again from home. Bangkok is the hub of coloured gemstone trade in Asia. Rubies and sapphires are indigenous to Thailand but all gems precious, semiprecious and other coloured stones can be found. But beware and buy from those retailers with the Jewel Fest Club logo clearly displayed on the shop window (see sidebar). Asian ceramics are famous the world over for their unique beauty and ceramics from all around Asia can easily be found in Bangkok. Of special interest is Thailand's indigenous five colour Benjarong porcelain. Reproduction antiques and furniture. You'll be spoiled for choice with the different Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer style furniture that makes making a decision difficult - all are beautiful. As well, modern furniture designs from bamboo and rattan are also worth a look. Nielloware, unique to Thailand, is the art of etching gold and silver objects trays, jewelry boxes, drink coasters and the like with delicate designs and filling the etching with another base metal. Very attractive. Lacquerware is similar to Nielloware except the medium is usually bamboo. The bamboo is fashioned into whatever product, coated with hi gloss lacquer and then hand painted with intricate Thai designs. Last but not least orchids. No trip to Thailand seems complete without buying a few Thai orchids at the airport for your friends back home.
Opening Hours
Most Bangkok shopping centres and the shops in them are open daily from 10.00am to 9.00pm with a few shops staying open until 10.00 pm on weekends. Some smaller independent shops close at 8.00 pm. For a list of Bangkok's major shopping centres and best areas to shop - click here.
Tax Free Shopping
Thailand has a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7% of the value of the merchandise (or service) purchased. If you are thinking about buying a camera, reasonably expensive watch or whatever you should take time to learn about the VAT refund procedure. Detailed information is can be had by contacting the VAT Refunds for Tourists Office, tel: 0 2272 9388 or the VAT Refund Office at Bangkok International (Don Muang) Airport, tel : 02535 6577.
In general visitors entering Thailand on a tourist visa are entitled to a be refunded the 7% VAT paid on goods purchased at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying a 'VAT Refund for Tourists' sign. After you have made your purchase just ask for a VAT refund application forms. Some shops will advise you as part of closing the sale. Once at the airport and prior to your departure from the Thailand you present the completed VAT refund form and hand it to a customs officer together with your passport information and sales receipt(s). Be advised that certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official so don't pack such items in your checked luggage (if in doubt, ask the store clerk if what items need to be shown to customs). Refunds are given the forma of a bank draft form or credited to your credit card.
Prices and Bargaining
Bargaining in the markets and sidewalk stalls is 'de rigueur' and considered a part of the Bangkok experience. Quite a few stores selling electronic goods will allow you to haggle a little. However in the name brand boutiques and department stores throughout Bangkok prices are clearly marked and fixed but no matter retail competition very stiff so prices, although higher than in the markets, are still reasonable and there are benefits to shopping in department stores). Credit cards are widely accepted at department stores and larger shops in Bangkok. Cards that are accepted by merchants are usually posted on the front door. Be alert should a shop insist on adding a surcharge (to cover the bank transaction fee). You will not get anywhere arguing with the store's staff. If the store insists on charging you a surcharge to use your credit card, make sure that the charge is separate and clearly marked as a surcharge for using the card and dispute the charge with your card issuer later. If you need to contact the local office of the card company (click here). Another option is to go to an ATM and withdraw cash to make the purchase.
Exchange Policy
Many (not all) reputable shops and department stores in Bangkok will exchange or even refund goods that are returned quickly and undamaged as long as you have the receipt or cash slip. Smaller shops will generally refuse to give exchanges or refunds. Always check the store's exchange and refund policies BEFORE you buy. Items on sale are generally not exchangeable and cash sales are usually final.
Guarantees
Visitors making a sizable purchase should insist on a sales receipt (same goes for any purchase of electronic goods and jewelry) and always get the original warranty card. As well, the manufacturer's international guarantee card should be available with all brand name items. Always check to make sure that the serial number on the product matches the serial number listed on the warranty card.
Shipping
If your purchase is too bulky to carry or you are not going home directly, you may want to ship your purchases. Many shops are experienced in such matters however there are many reliable freight forwarders in Bangkok. As a reminder, always get a written confirmation of your shipping details (i.e. merchandise and the delivery details, tracking number and so on). If you don't use a credit card that includes purchase insurance to pay for the shipping it may be a good idea buy all-risk insurance. Before shipping your goods, always check on the latest customs regulations of your country. For small packages visit the Central Post Office; they can help you wrap and post your souvenirs.
Additional Smart Shopping Tips
Have a good idea of what you want to buy and the manufacturer's recommended retail price (check the internet) before you set out.
Check on the voltage and cycle of all electronic and electrical products - this is especially true if you will be using the product in America.
Check prices at several stores before buying. DO NOT be in a hurry or feel pressured by the sales clerk - especially for jewelry purchases. Test the good(s) before purchasing - make sure it works as advertised.
Make sure what you buy is what's in the box before leaving the store.
Keep your sales receipt in case you need to return the merchandise.
Make sure that what you buy is allowed to be imported into your home country.
Be advised that Buddha images, Bodhisattva images or related fragments a part of ancient Monuments and Prehistoric objects are forbidden to be taken out of the Kingdom Bangkok Areas
Sukhumvit Area
So named for Sukhumvit Rd. that runs diagonally through its centre, Sukhumvit Rd. is one of the longest roads in Thailand and if you were to follow it, it would take you all the way up to the Cambodian border. For our purposes we define Sukhumvit as the area from the railroad/expressway on the west, along New Phetburi Rd. on the Road to Ekkamai Rd. (Sukhumvit 63) on the east and Rama IV Rd. on the south making it the largest area in Bangkok. Being as large as it is there is a larger selection and greater variety of hotels, restaurants, shops and nightclubs - truly an area with something for everyone. Hotels in this area are primarily 3-5 star properties. And with the BTS skytrain running along Sukhumvit Rd. most hotels are within a short walk to a BTS station making it an ideal location from which to explore most of Bangkok making a good choice for first time visitors. In addition to wide selection of hotels, the Sukhumvit area now has quite a few serviced apartments that may be be suited for long staying guests on business, leisure and/or medical visits.
Siam Square Area
So named for the Siam BTS Skytrain station which is the main interchange station for all trains as well as the Siam Square roads 1-6 that run off the main Rama 1 Rd. For our purposes the Siam Square area also includes the areas around Chit Lom and Phloen Chit BTS stations. Smack in the heart of Bangkok and well served by the BTS skytrain, this is Bangkok's shopping paradise. In addition to most of the large, modern and major upscale shopping centres; MBK (Maboonkrong), WTC (Central World Plaza) Siam Square and Central Department Store all served by the BTS skytrain makes shopping easy & comfortable. And when you tire of shopping there are any number of local restaurants, fine dining, food courts in the shopping centres or along the street. The fashionable Lang Suan Road has a number of chic, upscale eateries or check out the local scene at the food stalls around Victory Monument quick snack or cool drink for next to nothing. That said there is a wide range of hotels in this area - everything from deluxe 5 star international properties along Wireless Road to good 3 and 4 star properties that are locally owned and managed as well as deluxe serviced apartments along Lang Suan Road.
Silom / Sathon Area
A triangle formed with Chao Praya River & Charoen Krung Rd, Sathorn Rd. (North and South) and on the south that converges with Rama IV Road on the north at Lumphini Park, the area is so named for Silom Rd. running through its centre. With Surawong Rd. (north) and Sathorn Rd. (south) running parallel to Silom Rd. this is Bangkok's business district where most banks, insurance companies, airline offices and international firms have their headquarters. As well for our purposes we include the area along Sathon Road (north and south). That said, Silom has a nice neighbourhood feel to it with lots of small restaurants and pubs. Hotels in the Silom area are generally smaller one off boutique style prosperities that are locally owned and managed. Although perhaps not having all the facilities of an international brand name property, these hotels offer guestrooms and services that are comparable to a 3-4 star hotel. That said, along South Sathon Road are some of Bangkok's most exclusive hotels (Sukothai, Metropolitan and Evergreen Laurel). Arguably a bit less hectic than most other areas (however this is where the infamous Patpong Rd. can be found) Silom is well suited for the business traveler as well as leisure visitors to tour and explore Bangkok. The BTS skytrain serves the area but taxis will be needed to access hotels along Surawong Rd. Silom will appeal to those looking for good value for money in a more relaxed environment
Pratunam Area
For our purposes, Pratunam is defined as the area north of Phetchaburi Road along Ratachaprarop Rd. to Victory Monument. Unfortunately the main area of Pratunam is not served by the BTS skytrain but access to and from is easy by taxi and it is possible to walk to Central World Plaza or Chit Lom BTS station. With its wholesale markets and retail kiosks/stalls lining the streets, Pratunam is one of the busiest, most popular areas in Bangkok with regional businessmen, local traders and bargain hunting tourists for clothes, handicrafts and the like. As well there's Pantip Plaza, Bangkok's premier shopping centre for computers & periphals with competitive prices and a comprehensive selection conviently located on Phetchaburi Road.
Riverfront Area
Covering the areas along the Chao Phraya River and including the area around the Grand Palace, this area stretches across several neighbourhoods with the only commonality being that the hotels are close to, and in some cases directly fronting onto the river. An important transportation link, taking a ferry say to the Grand Palace or Wat Phra, is a and convenient way to mix and mingle with the local Thais and an interesting way to see, explore & experience Bangkok. Whilst some of Bangkok's most luxurious and exclusive international 5 star hotels are situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, there are also many excellent locally owned managed 4 and 5 star luxury properties with all the bells and whistles of their larger counterparts to pamper visitors - but at a fraction of the price.
Rattanakosin Island
Surrounded by the Chao Praya River, and two klongs (canals) Klong Ong Ang and Klong Bang Lamphu, Ko Rattanakosin (ko means island) is the area where Bangkok's most famous temples (Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace; Wat Phra Chetuphon, Reclining Buddha; Wat Sutat, Giant Swing and so on) and popular tourist attractions as well as the National Museum and National Gallery are located. Also located on Rattanakosin Island is the famous Khao San Rd. Becoming a popular tourist attraction in its own right, Khao San Road is known primarily for its budget accommodation, inexpensive restaurants, bars, souvenir and t-shirt shops and stalls that cater to students and travelers on a tight budget who want to explore Bangkok's religious and cultural history. Whilst most lodging in the area is comprised of hostels and simple rooms there are a few hotels that, albeit are a bit more expensive, offer excellent value for money while offering a more secure and quiet environment.
Airport Area
Most visitors arriving to Bangkok, will enter Thailand via Bangkok International Airport commonly referred to as Don Muang Airport located 22 km north of the city. Built in the 1920's Don Muang is one of Asia's oldest airports and whilst is quite functional and efficient (handling some 25 million passengers per year). Don Muang is showing its age and is scheduled to be replaced by Suvarnabhumi Airport to the east of Bangkok in the 2nd quarter of 2006 - however this date has been pushed back several times over the years and may be delayed yet again. There are two international and domestic arrival terminals Passengers can walk between int'l terminals 1 and 2, while a covered, elevated walkway connects int'l terminal 2 with the domestic terminal. As well there is a free shuttle bus that runs between terminals every 15 minutes. For those transiting for the night or have a meeting in a nearby hotel there is a left luggage facility between int'l terminals 1 and 2. Whilst safe, it is your responsibility to lock your bags and it doesn't make sense to store anything you'd feel bad about if it were lost or stolen. Lastly, if you need any travel assistance, there is a Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) kiosk in the Arrival Hall at the airport in both int'l terminals 1 and 2; open daily 8.00 am until midnight.
Din Daeng Area
For our purposes we have defined Din Daeng as that area to north of Din Daeng Road & Rama IX Road. With the Bangkok MRT cutting through the area along Ratchadaphisek Rd., the area is now starting to open up to commercial development and is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing areas in the city. That said, the hotels in the area are spread out and located either along Rama IX Rd. near RCA (Royal City Avenue) which gives quick and access by car/taxi around Bangkok or near the Haui Khwang MRT (subway) stop. Hotels here are for the most part 3 and 4 star properties with a mix of locally managed and international chains that offer good accommodation at reasonable rates.
Chinatown Area
Chinatown, one of the most colourful, noisy and liveliest districts in Bangkok and known for its closeness to Bangkok's most famous temples and tourist attractions also offers great shopping and an exotic variety of the finest Chinese cuisine. Running along Yaowarat Road is Bangkok's Chinatown area. The Chinese first settled in the area where the Grand Palace is now situated long before Bangkok became the capital of Thailand however when King Rama I decided to establish Bangkok in its present day location he moved the Chinese to the far side of the small Klong (canal) Ong Ang where Chinatown is to this day. It is easy to imagine that at one time this was a major area perhaps a small city unto itself; however now it is just one of many small neighbourhoods in greater Bangkok. That said Chinatown is quite small making it quite easy to explore on foot. Unfortunately most hotels in the area don't reach out to foreign tourists, prefering it seems to cater to traders and visitors who have business in the vicinity. As such most tourists that come to the area, visit Wat Trimit and leave unaware of the history or uniqueness of the area. Nearly 15% of the buildings in the area have been designated as historical sites not to mention any number of small temples, shrines and landmarks that dot the neighbourhood - so anyone with a keen eye and a camera will certainly have interesting & unique memories of Bangkok. Unfortunately there is no BTS skytrain station in Chinatown so best to take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station and catch a river taxi. Alight at the Ratchawong Pier and just walk along Ratchawong Rd. to Sampaeng Lane or Yaowarat Road and wander around. Yaowarat Road itself is known for the many gold shops and is the place to shop for gold and gold jewlery. At the end of Yaowarat Road is Wat Trimit, home to the world's largest gold statue of Buddha that weighs in at an impressive 5 tons of solid gold. Also make sure to check out Sampaeng Lane. Once the area's main throughfare this small alley is where locals buy household wares. However just wandering about is quite a bit of fun and visitors are sure find just about everything imaginable on offer. As mentioned earlier, the hotels in the area cater primarily to local businessmen and traders but with its proxmimity to the Grand Palace and other major tourist attractions, intrepid travelers who have tired of the Khao San Road experience and want to explore Bangkok away from the more 'touristy' areas may find Chinatown an interesting change of pace and the hotels are a step up from hostel accommodation on Khao San Road but still quite affordable.
December Festivals
River Kwai Bridge Week
Dates : 24 Nov. - 07 Dec. 2005
Place : Kanchanaburi Province
Description: Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge's World War II legacy.
Silk and Phuk Seow Festival
Dates : 29 Nov. - 10 Dec. 2005
Place : Khon Kaen Province
Description: Internationally, Thailand has always been famous for its lustrous silk. One of the major centres of silk production, Khon Kaen is the venue of a fair to promote silk weaving and sericulture. This event is held in conjunction with the Phuk Siao friendship ritual of the northeast. Colourful street processions and typical Isan cultural shows as well as exhibits on the silk industry add to the fun of the fair.
Birthday of His Majesty the King
Dates : 05 Dec. 2005
Place : Nationwide
Description: Flags, lights and portraits of His Majesty the King adorn the streets and building of every town and village on the 5th and the occasion is marked by a huge and spectacular fireworks display near the Grand Palace.
Bangkok Jazz Festival 2005
Dates : 16 - 18 Dec. 2005
Place : Bangkok
Description: The Bangkok Jazz Festival 2005 will be held from 8pm to midnight from December 16 to 18 at Sanam Suapa. Are you ready let your body in tune with the beautiful Jazz music? Bangkok Jazz Festival 2005 being organised by Heineken and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to be held from December 16 to 18 is the best choice for Jazz fans and music lovers!
The three-day-show will feature 13 internationally renowned jazz artists such as Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, Fourplay, Harvey Mason, Bob James, Veronica Mortensen, Neils HP, Man Sri from Thailand, Masato Honda from Japan and the Asian Energy Project.`
NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN "Bangkok Countdown 2006"
Dates : 31 Dec. 2005 - 01 Jan. 2006
Place : At Countdown 2006 @ Ratchaprasong, The National Stadium, Sanam Luang, Rama VIII Bridge, Bangkok
Description: Let's countdown to the new year in the city of Angels, cerebrate this moment in the unique style for the night time, begin a new day with the auspicious moment in the city that the temple is located. Welcome you first day in the New Year in the land of smile, let the smile be with you through the year
January Festivals
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Dates : 29 Jan. 2006
Place : Bangkok
Description: Usually sometime between mid-January and late February, Chinese New Year is celebrated for three days with house cleaning and other festivities.
This year, the new lunar year - The Year of the Dog - is welcomed on January 29 with exuberant parades of dragons and lion dancers, Chinese opera performances and fireworks. If you're in Bangkok make sure you drop by in Chinatown to experience the colourful and vibrant celebration.
Yaowarat Road is closed off to traffic so people can enjoy the New Year festivities, plenty of Chinese food and general mayhem. Be prepared for crowds, deafening fireworks, booming drums and clanging cymbals!
Bangkok International Film Festival
Dates : Jan. 2006
Place : Bangkok
Description: Named familiar and similar to the Bangkok Film Festival, yet this Bangkok International Film Festival also muses and fascinate travelers and film lovers in Bangkok. Bangkok International Film Festival was first organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 1998, and becomes the annual festive event not to miss to join.
The Grand Palace is a "must see" and the perfect introduction to the importance of tradition, Buddhism and the Monarchy in Thai culture. The compound includes the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, a Royal chapel, the Collection of Royal Weapons and a small museum containing artifacts from the Grand Palace. Nowadays the Grand Palace is used by the King for ceremonial functions only such as celebrating Coronation Day. The earliest buildings on the compound date from 1782. The combination of Royal, Buddhist and traditional Thai architecture and symbolism combine for a unique experience.
Opening hours: 08:30 - 11:30 and 13:00 - 15:30
Admission: 125 baht
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Description: The oldest Wat (temple) in Bangkok, Wat Pho is the largest and most stunning / monastery complex in the city. It is located to the right of the entrance to the compound. Wat Pho contains a remarkable collection of structures and objects. It was built in the 16th century by Rama I, during the Ayutthaya period. The Reclining Buddha is 45 meters long and 15 meters high! The soles of the feet are inlaid with the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha.
Open: 08:30 - 17:00
Admission: 10 baht
Wat Arun
Description: The Temple of Dawn is located across the river from Wat Pho, on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is named after the Indian God of dawn "Aruna". It appears in all the tourist brochures. The intricacy of the ceramic inlay is, in a word, stunning. The notorious Emerald Buddha was originally housed here after being recaptured from Laos. The easiest way to get to to Wat Arun is by way of long tail boat or river taxi.
Open: 08:30 - 17:30
Admission: 10 baht
National Museum
Description: The National Museum is made up of a number of buildings which house antiquities, art and ethnology exhibits that span the history of the Thailand. The oldest building of the museum was actually built as the palace for the second king in 1782. Tours are available in English, German & French and take about two hours.
Open: Open daily except Monday & Friday 9:00-12:00 & 13:00-14:00
Admission is free on Saturday & Sunday.
Buddhaisawan Chapel
Description: Located on the grounds of the National Museum Buddhaisawan Chapel was built as a private wat for the second king (deputy ruler until 1870). As such it contains some of Thailand's' best preserved and stunning murals. Most murals depict some aspect of the life of Buddha. The bronze Phra Buddha Sihing is housed here. It is the second most important image of its kind in the kingdom.
Food
Bangkok restaurants offer an almost unlimited opportunity (and way too many to even begin listing here) to please your palate. The variety of options, atmospheres, menus and atmospheres is as delectable as it is daunting. And it's not only Thai cuisine that's out of this world, there are as many different cuisines as there are nations. Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Italian are all well represented.
Silom Village
A collection of Thai Restaurants and shops designed with the tourist in mind. Traditional Thai dances are performed nightly.
Address: on Silom Road
Baan Khanita
Voted Best Thai Restaurant for the past several years running means the food is absolutely first class but it's the service that makes it memorable.
Address: 36/1 Soi 23 Sukhumvit Road. Bangkok Telp. 258 4181
Guisto's
Beautiful, chic contemporary setting with a menu to match.
Address: Soi 23, Telp. 258 4321
Cabbages and Condoms
Features excellent Thai food and a portion of the profits go toward birth control and AIDS awareness programs.
Address: Sukhumvit, Soi 12, Telp. 229 4611
Lemon Grass
Good Thai cuisine at reasonable prices
Address: 5/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Telp. 258 8637
Seafood Market
Choose your seafood dinner fresh from the tank and have it cooked as you like it.
Address: 89 Soi Sukhumvit 24 (Kasem), Klongtoey, Telp. 661 1252
Haus Munchen
The name says it all. German cuisine, sausages, pork, sauerkraut and all the accroutements on offer.
Address: 4 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Telp. 258 5647
Singha Bier House
Singha means beer (Singha is Thailand's favourite brew). Bier means beer. What more can one say?
Address: Sukhumvit Soi 21, Asoke, Telp. 258 3951
Whole Earth
Featuring vegetarian cuisine
Address: 93/3 Soi Lang Suan Phloenchit Road, Telp. 252 25574
Neils Tavern Steak and Seafood
Best steak in Bangkok, period
Address: Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit Road, Telp. 250 0711
Dubliner Irish Pub
Pub grub and great beer.
Address: 440 Sukhumvit (at Washington Square), Telp. 204 1841-2
Bourbon Street
Tex-Mex and BBQ Ribs.
Address: 29/4-6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Washington Square, Telp. 259 0328
La Gritta
Another sharp Italian bistro. Good value for money.
Address: Soi 19 Sukhumvit Road, Telp. 255 7350
Bukhara's Indian Restaurant
Decent North Indian fare. Go with the set menus for the best value.
Address: Soi 7, Sukhumvit Road, Telp 253 6265
Eat Me
In spite of its name, a delightful bistro atop a small art gallery.
Address: 1/6 Soi Phiphat 2 (off Convent Rd), Silom, Telp. 238 0931
Le Dalat - Vietnamese
Quaint country home setting with some of the best Vietnamese cusines in Bangkok.
Address: 14 Sukhumvit 23 Prasarnmitr Telp. 661 7967
Harmonique
Expat hangout with good Thai food that's a must do for visitors staying around the Charoenkrung Road area.
Address: 22 Charoenkrung, Telp. 630 6270
Food Loft
A selection of international cuisines in what is one of the most attractive food courts we've ever come across. Three star food at two star prices in a five star atmosphere.
Address: Central Department Store (Chit Lom BTS Station)
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.
Department Stores
Most shopping centres are open daily 10:00am until 9.00pm
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.
Last minute hotels from Rates to Go / Ratestogo