Besides the Chatuchak weekend market(been there a few times but won't be in BKK over a weekend this time). I would love some ideas on what shopping areas to visit. Is there still a night market in Bangkok? A bit about myself: I love design and fashion. I love searching for SE Asian handicrafts, art, jewellery & curios...but also modern pieces... clothing, handbags etc. I am also hoping to purchase a limited amount of wholesale silver (chains, beads, fastners etc.) for a small but growing hobby business I run @ home.

We will also be in Kuala Lumpur for 2 days. Any advice on markets there?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

The entire area around Pratunam is pretty much "market" shopping. Some of it is outside on the street and some of it is in air conditioned mall-type settings. I always shop here for purses and scarves.

Pratunam is located just beyond the Central World Plaza shopping mall. You have to walk over the canal (going away from Sukhumvit) and you'll see it at the next intersection. It's an adventure!! The smaller aisles (in the "belly" of the market area) can get crowded. It's nice to step in AirCon every now and then.

Carol

Hi there! thanks for the quick reply! I actually tried to go to Pratunam last visit but the taxi driver got us lost and ended up dropping us off @ Hualampong station and still expected to get paid after he turned off his meter half way. We did pay him but only a bit more from when he turned off the meter. What a goose chase that was! Seeing as it is an (easy?) walk from central world maybe I'll give it a try again! Thanks!

The Central Market in KL is the place for handicrafts. They have a couple of places with wonderful textiles.

In Bangkok, there are a number of silver wholesalers on the street behind the Oriental.

Central Market is good for KL but as I remember when I was there they would not bargain!

Ok great ideas that I will be sure to check out. A couple more questions:

Is the night market closed in Bangkok?


Is the Chinatown area worth a look or is it just a food market? I Haven't been to the chinatown in BKK yet... outdoor food markets (in the heat) are not my thing...bad experiences from travel in China.

The Suan Lum night market is in process of shutting down. Was only about half open the last time I was there in April.

The Silom night market is still going strong.

Bangkok's Chinatown is always worth a visit, but more for the sights than the shopping (or eating for that matter). A walk down Sampaeng Lane can be very interesting, but choose a cool day, since it can get quite hot in the narrow, crowded alley.

we really like the platinum fashion mall which is near to pratunam, just up the street from pantip

Platinum Fashion Mall!! I just googled it and it Looks great and indoors too which I assume means glorious air-con.

MichaelBKK when you say Silom market, do you mean the patpong stalls & the stalls set up along the length of Silom road, or something entirely different?

In KL, the Petaling St market (in Chinatown) are popular and do bargain. It starts in the late afternoon till late, daily I think. Then in the neighbourhoods they have the night markets or pasar malam as they call it and this is where the locals frequent. It's a specific night (on a weekly basis) for each neighbourhood. This I think would be very interesting as they also have food stalls.

Just be mindful of your handbag when you're in Petaling St. It is a crowded area and although I don't think there are many crims hanging about, it's wise to be careful