Shopping in Bangkok
Jul 14th, 2009, 07:55 PM
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I love the shopping but not everything is cheap. In my experience, most branded electronic goods and designer label clothes are on par with and in some cases more expensive than in Australia. The exceptions are the branded product that is made in Thailand, for instance, my wife purchased several pairs of Converse canvas shoes for herself and the kids (not for me as apparently I look un-cool in them) at a third of the price that we could get them for at discount shops locally. The same applied to Adidas sports clothing. It is imperative to have an idea of what you want and a reasonable grasp of your local pricing.
I have found prescription glasses to be incredibly cheap in Thailand and we always get some made when we go there. Some of the local brand clothing is also very cheap. The real bargains are the non-genuine products but of course the quality can vary greatly. I have however purchased many polo tops and deisel jeans that I have worn for many years, you can get a reasonable feel for the quality of the garment if you try it on.
I have had a few suits made over the years, some good, some bad, but most of my tailored pants and shirts have seen years of wear. I try to avoid it these days as trying to select a tailor that I feel is trustworthy can be tiresome.
The key to bargain hunting in the shopping centres is the same to at home, look for the genuine sales. Whilst we were there in June, it seemed that most of the major stores were in "sale mode". For bargains at the market, the JJ weekend market is undoubtedly the best place to shop. The stalls at other tourist and entertainment hotspots can be a trap for new players.
I have found prescription glasses to be incredibly cheap in Thailand and we always get some made when we go there. Some of the local brand clothing is also very cheap. The real bargains are the non-genuine products but of course the quality can vary greatly. I have however purchased many polo tops and deisel jeans that I have worn for many years, you can get a reasonable feel for the quality of the garment if you try it on.
I have had a few suits made over the years, some good, some bad, but most of my tailored pants and shirts have seen years of wear. I try to avoid it these days as trying to select a tailor that I feel is trustworthy can be tiresome.
The key to bargain hunting in the shopping centres is the same to at home, look for the genuine sales. Whilst we were there in June, it seemed that most of the major stores were in "sale mode". For bargains at the market, the JJ weekend market is undoubtedly the best place to shop. The stalls at other tourist and entertainment hotspots can be a trap for new players.
Jul 14th, 2009, 08:22 PM
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what shane has said are all good suggestions... our buys run like this:
custom made and already made gold jewelry with stone, especially sapphires.....approx savings 60%
tailored clothing for men and women...silk, cotton, linen, wool---- 60-80% savings over US prices..
household decorations in silk and other fabrics....domestic items like place mats, table cloths, pounded stainless steel items, including utensils....
elephant decorations
wood items from small spoons to huge furniture
knock offs of all kinds: purses, watches, designer t-shirts, polo shirts
jim thompson items, mostly silk clothing, accessories, table fashions, pillows, fantastic t shirts, ties, etc...
all kinds of little things for gifts
beware....locally made readi-to-wear items are usually very small....an XL in thailand is like a M in the USA... you must try everything on....cheap things are cheap things the world around so beware....
name brand things cost more often than at home....many that are cheap are of course fakes....there is no copy law in thailand....
we always fill at least one extra suitcase after a trip....they too are cheap in thailand starting about $5 US...
ask us about specific items and we can head you to some of the best buys in town...
custom made and already made gold jewelry with stone, especially sapphires.....approx savings 60%
tailored clothing for men and women...silk, cotton, linen, wool---- 60-80% savings over US prices..
household decorations in silk and other fabrics....domestic items like place mats, table cloths, pounded stainless steel items, including utensils....
elephant decorations
wood items from small spoons to huge furniture
knock offs of all kinds: purses, watches, designer t-shirts, polo shirts
jim thompson items, mostly silk clothing, accessories, table fashions, pillows, fantastic t shirts, ties, etc...
all kinds of little things for gifts
beware....locally made readi-to-wear items are usually very small....an XL in thailand is like a M in the USA... you must try everything on....cheap things are cheap things the world around so beware....
name brand things cost more often than at home....many that are cheap are of course fakes....there is no copy law in thailand....
we always fill at least one extra suitcase after a trip....they too are cheap in thailand starting about $5 US...
ask us about specific items and we can head you to some of the best buys in town...
Jul 14th, 2009, 08:40 PM
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Bob is correct about the domestic items. I dont think that we have a cushion cover, table cloth, place mat, lamp shade or bedspread at home that didn't come from Thailand.
If you are looking for jewelry, try and get a specific recommendation from one of the members here of where to buy it from and never buy anything on the street that is being touted as the genuine article. On the other hand, there is heaps of great looking costume jewelry at bargain prices on every street corner. We have stayed away from gold and gems as we can't tell real from fake but there would be countless reputable dealers and if you know your stuff the bargains will be plentiful.
If you are looking for jewelry, try and get a specific recommendation from one of the members here of where to buy it from and never buy anything on the street that is being touted as the genuine article. On the other hand, there is heaps of great looking costume jewelry at bargain prices on every street corner. We have stayed away from gold and gems as we can't tell real from fake but there would be countless reputable dealers and if you know your stuff the bargains will be plentiful.
Jul 14th, 2009, 10:03 PM
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I love Chatuchuk (JJ) and could spend the whole day there.
The smells,sights,sounds and flavours are an all-out assault on your senses, more of a carnival than just a market. The map would be helpful if you are after something specific but I found wandering around aimlessly, not knowing what was around each corner, worked fine for me.
Go early and stay late!
The smells,sights,sounds and flavours are an all-out assault on your senses, more of a carnival than just a market. The map would be helpful if you are after something specific but I found wandering around aimlessly, not knowing what was around each corner, worked fine for me.
Go early and stay late!
Jul 15th, 2009, 04:21 AM
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Hasn't Carol responded to this post yet? If not, you haven't heard from the "shopping source" so to speak yet.
Shopping in BKK is great. The silk shawls etc. are very impressive, well made and presented and very hard to find the equivalent elsewhere. For a one stop spot to find much well made Thai items try the 4th floor of Paragon Mall. A bit more expensive than some other spots but good stuff, all in one place. Great food options downstairs at Paragon for a quick lunch too. Have fun.
Shopping in BKK is great. The silk shawls etc. are very impressive, well made and presented and very hard to find the equivalent elsewhere. For a one stop spot to find much well made Thai items try the 4th floor of Paragon Mall. A bit more expensive than some other spots but good stuff, all in one place. Great food options downstairs at Paragon for a quick lunch too. Have fun.
Jul 15th, 2009, 05:19 AM
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Also if you like beauty products etc Harnn & Tharn products are fantastic. BEAUTIFUL handcreams, bath products, candles etc with smells that remind me of Thailand (i have friends who get them for me - thanks Bob when they go to Thailand) WELL worth checking out. www.harnn.com
They are on the 4th floor (i think) of Siam Paragon and other places.
Also on Chatuchak get a copy of the Luxe guides as their section on CC market is VERY VERY good. One of my favourite shopping experiences in Thailand (i normally hate markets)
They are on the 4th floor (i think) of Siam Paragon and other places.
Also on Chatuchak get a copy of the Luxe guides as their section on CC market is VERY VERY good. One of my favourite shopping experiences in Thailand (i normally hate markets)
Jul 15th, 2009, 05:23 AM
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The "least hot" months in Bangkok are Nov, Dec, Jan. The end of Dec-beginning of Jan (Xmas-NY holidays) is the most expensive time to visit, so avoid those weeks.
If you are interested in fine jewelry, I have a jeweler in Bangkok I've been using for two decades. Others on this board have used her as well, and all have been happy. Let me know if you need the contact info (they will come to your hotel and pick you up and return you for free - no obligation).
There are beautiful Thai handicrafts everywhere, and they are perhaps the best bargain of all.
If you are interested in fine jewelry, I have a jeweler in Bangkok I've been using for two decades. Others on this board have used her as well, and all have been happy. Let me know if you need the contact info (they will come to your hotel and pick you up and return you for free - no obligation).
There are beautiful Thai handicrafts everywhere, and they are perhaps the best bargain of all.
Jul 15th, 2009, 05:41 AM
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Shopping in Bangkok is one of my favorite subjects!! (thanks tengo for the compliment)
I'm a market shopper. I love Chatuchak (JJ) and some of the smaller (and more intense) markets where the folks who sell their wares on the street go to buy them (very cheap).
I am not looking for anything in particular. It's one of those things where "you know it when you see it" and have to have it. It could be something kitchy, it could be something unique, it could be a new problem solver... you just never know. But in most cases, it's something hand made.
If you like mall shopping, Bangkok is fantastic! Just on one street alone, there are about 8 shopping malls! And you reach nearly all of them with one l-o-n-g walk (or hop on and off the skytrain).
Depending on what your interests might be, we can help lead you in the right direction.
I'm heading back to BKK for shopping in about 3 weeks. Can't wait!
Carol
I'm a market shopper. I love Chatuchak (JJ) and some of the smaller (and more intense) markets where the folks who sell their wares on the street go to buy them (very cheap).
I am not looking for anything in particular. It's one of those things where "you know it when you see it" and have to have it. It could be something kitchy, it could be something unique, it could be a new problem solver... you just never know. But in most cases, it's something hand made.
If you like mall shopping, Bangkok is fantastic! Just on one street alone, there are about 8 shopping malls! And you reach nearly all of them with one l-o-n-g walk (or hop on and off the skytrain).
Depending on what your interests might be, we can help lead you in the right direction.
I'm heading back to BKK for shopping in about 3 weeks. Can't wait!
Carol
Jul 15th, 2009, 07:01 AM
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hey guys, is Chatuchak market open any day aside from Saturday? i.e. Friday or Sunday? (yes, I know its a weekend market!) - also, what time do they close up on Sat. evening?
leaving to Thailand in 10 days... so excited!
leaving to Thailand in 10 days... so excited!
Jul 15th, 2009, 07:39 AM
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i think a few of the stalls are open on fridays also....and now there is an indoor a/c shopping center at the weekend market too...
i prefer nov-jan to visit thailand, but also i have come to like may and june too
i prefer nov-jan to visit thailand, but also i have come to like may and june too
Jul 15th, 2009, 04:08 PM
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The main market for the shopping as you know it is only open on Saturday and Sunday. The other days of the week the market will be open for other things like selling all type of plants on Wednesday or Thursday etc.
Here's a good web site for the market: http://www.jatujakguide.com/home/index.php
Here's a good web site for the market: http://www.jatujakguide.com/home/index.php
Jul 15th, 2009, 05:48 PM
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Smeagol's reference to Harnn products is spot on. They have great soaps and lotions, etc. Great smells. Very wide selection. We brought back a bunch of stuff and for as long as it lasted we had a bit of Thailand around. If they ever open a store stateside I will be the first one there.
And, of couse, Jim Thompson. . . . .
And, of couse, Jim Thompson. . . . .
Jul 15th, 2009, 09:58 PM
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Bob, dob't worry your not the only one (Muffin was MORTIFIED i asked you). My friend in Singapore has taklen to sending me Hand cream parcels back when other friends come back from visiting there. I am also super pleased as by best friend moves to HK in 3 weeks (where there are SEVERAL Harrn stores) so i will of course be expecting regular supplies. With you and Andy going in November looks like i'm all set till next year (lol)
Jul 15th, 2009, 11:56 PM
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Thanks for the guide Hanuman! I've been to chatuchak twice and really just wander around without knowing where I am!!
its no doubt the best market!
p.s. mid-week, we also liked Lumpini Market - nice things - household, crafts ,clothing etc. and not a seedy place!
- Last year we went with my (then 11 yr old) to Patpong Market (mostly knock-offs, clothing, bags etc) - BIG MISTAKE - he spent the time drooling and waving at all the women ;-)
its no doubt the best market!
p.s. mid-week, we also liked Lumpini Market - nice things - household, crafts ,clothing etc. and not a seedy place!
- Last year we went with my (then 11 yr old) to Patpong Market (mostly knock-offs, clothing, bags etc) - BIG MISTAKE - he spent the time drooling and waving at all the women ;-)
Jul 16th, 2009, 01:04 AM
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I agree that jewelry can be a good bargain in Thailand, but do some comparison shopping at home so you have an idea of quality and price. I also agree that Thai silk is a very good thing to buy, you will see so much it will probably overwhelm you. You can either purchase fabric by the yard which you can have made into clothing or household items, or purchase pre-made items like table linens and bedding, clothing, etc which make wonderful gifts for others and well as souvenirs for yourself. If jewlerey is not in your budget, for sure some Thai silk items can certainly fit into any budget. Jim Thompson is of course extremely well-known and has many outlets, including in hotels. I also like Almeta for high-quality fabric by the yard. They have some ready-made items, and they will make to order as well. See http://www.jimthompson.com/
and http://www.almeta.com/
Other than those two items, I would suggest that you concentrate on handicrafts of Thailand and items which are representative to the unique culture of Thailand, such as wooden sprit houses, celadon pottery, brassware cutlery or other tableware (but boy does this tarnish!), the lovely painted umbrellas of Chiang Mai, or perhaps one of the ubiquitous “antique” or reproductions of the Buddha, bodhisattvas and monks which you will see for sale everywhere. My view is that I can get a polo shirt at home (or better yet on line) and time on holiday is short, so I would rather focus on what is unique to the country than what is like everywhere else. I collect antique maps and other ephemra, and there are several good places for this, esp Old Maps and Prints in River City Shopping Mall, see http://www.classicmaps.com/. These make excellent souvenirs of trips. (This mall has many good antique shops, but watch items that need to be shipped, as the cost of shipping can quickly outstrip the cost of an item, not to mention duty you may have to pay on it when it arrives in the US or wherever you live. Thre are many small items in shops here however, which you could bring back with you in checked or hand luggage.)
Dried spices and Thai cookbooks are also a good thing to buy and bring back as souvenirs and gifts. CDs of Thai classical dance music make a good memory to have as well (and for dinner parties where you serve Thai food).
The Weekend Market is really interesting. (I am not a major shopper and live in Hong Kong anyway where shopping is the national pastime, but the Weekend Market really is something to behold; my feeling is that if you can't find it there it basically is not made.) But IMO it kind of helps to have a goal when shopping there, otherwise you may just wander around aimlessly and waste time. Pick an item or a category and try to see stalls carrying that item.
If you are really serious about shopping, then I would recommend you buy a map called "Nancy Chandler's Guide to Bangkok" . This is a very colourful and useful map of the city and an info guide on shopping for just about every item you can imagine, as well as a guide to specific streets and areas of Bangkok. There is also a special section on the Weekend Market. You can it buy it on the web from her website, virtually all hotels, bookshops and the airport bookshop also sell it. However, if you have time, I would order a copy before you leave so you have time to review it, it’s quite extensive. Order it from her, she will mail it to you, see http://www.nancychandler.net/; you need the latest edition IMO to make sure you have all the updates, for US$9 or so including postage it's worth it. You can then read it on the plane and plot out your assault strategy and get the lay of the land. (Her map comes with a little booklet chock full of other very interesting info on Bangkok and her website is quite interesting too.)
You might also consider getting the <i>Luxe Guide</i> for Bangkok. Like Nancy Chandler, this is not a guide book in the traditional sense, as there is no history or information on specific tourist spots, but it is quite good for eating and shopping. Because it is so short (about 4 pages), they can update it 4 times a year so it is very current. It only costs like US$8. (Go to http://www.luxecityguides.com/) It is tiny and can fold into your pocket. They print them for many other cities in Asia (and now Europe and the US) as well.
and http://www.almeta.com/
Other than those two items, I would suggest that you concentrate on handicrafts of Thailand and items which are representative to the unique culture of Thailand, such as wooden sprit houses, celadon pottery, brassware cutlery or other tableware (but boy does this tarnish!), the lovely painted umbrellas of Chiang Mai, or perhaps one of the ubiquitous “antique” or reproductions of the Buddha, bodhisattvas and monks which you will see for sale everywhere. My view is that I can get a polo shirt at home (or better yet on line) and time on holiday is short, so I would rather focus on what is unique to the country than what is like everywhere else. I collect antique maps and other ephemra, and there are several good places for this, esp Old Maps and Prints in River City Shopping Mall, see http://www.classicmaps.com/. These make excellent souvenirs of trips. (This mall has many good antique shops, but watch items that need to be shipped, as the cost of shipping can quickly outstrip the cost of an item, not to mention duty you may have to pay on it when it arrives in the US or wherever you live. Thre are many small items in shops here however, which you could bring back with you in checked or hand luggage.)
Dried spices and Thai cookbooks are also a good thing to buy and bring back as souvenirs and gifts. CDs of Thai classical dance music make a good memory to have as well (and for dinner parties where you serve Thai food).
The Weekend Market is really interesting. (I am not a major shopper and live in Hong Kong anyway where shopping is the national pastime, but the Weekend Market really is something to behold; my feeling is that if you can't find it there it basically is not made.) But IMO it kind of helps to have a goal when shopping there, otherwise you may just wander around aimlessly and waste time. Pick an item or a category and try to see stalls carrying that item.
If you are really serious about shopping, then I would recommend you buy a map called "Nancy Chandler's Guide to Bangkok" . This is a very colourful and useful map of the city and an info guide on shopping for just about every item you can imagine, as well as a guide to specific streets and areas of Bangkok. There is also a special section on the Weekend Market. You can it buy it on the web from her website, virtually all hotels, bookshops and the airport bookshop also sell it. However, if you have time, I would order a copy before you leave so you have time to review it, it’s quite extensive. Order it from her, she will mail it to you, see http://www.nancychandler.net/; you need the latest edition IMO to make sure you have all the updates, for US$9 or so including postage it's worth it. You can then read it on the plane and plot out your assault strategy and get the lay of the land. (Her map comes with a little booklet chock full of other very interesting info on Bangkok and her website is quite interesting too.)
You might also consider getting the <i>Luxe Guide</i> for Bangkok. Like Nancy Chandler, this is not a guide book in the traditional sense, as there is no history or information on specific tourist spots, but it is quite good for eating and shopping. Because it is so short (about 4 pages), they can update it 4 times a year so it is very current. It only costs like US$8. (Go to http://www.luxecityguides.com/) It is tiny and can fold into your pocket. They print them for many other cities in Asia (and now Europe and the US) as well.
