Bangkok-shopper’s paradise

Bangkok is popularly known as shopper’s paradise. While visiting Thailand it is wise to keep two to three days just to hop at the various shopping malls of Bangkok. The wide range is really impressive and you can be astonished after seeing the prices. The souvenirs can be really asset for your friends and loved ones. So don’t forget to take some of them while in the city. Thai people love shopping and you can always get this feel when you visit any shopping mall there. The malls are really colorful where you can get everything of your choice. Bangkok is the place where fashion can be seen everywhere. The girls know what fashion is and they are passionate about it in true sense.

In Bangkok’s the cityscape is really urbanized where you can see lots of departmental stores and shopping malls scattered here and there. Some of the shopping malls are very trendy and elegantly stylish e.g. Central Chitlom and Emporium. Some mega malls are there such as Seacon Square or MBK where a wide range of products are available. While shopping for the whole day you can also enjoy your favorite film in multiplex cinema hall. Thai massage can be enjoyed also ten pin bowling attract you in the mall. Excellent dinner at any one of the many on-site restaurants will definitely take your heart away. The ambiance will be even more memorable if you are with your loved ones.

Bangkok’s IT malls are apt place for technology junkies. Example can be given as Pantip Plaza on Petchaburi Road. Fortune Town on Rachadapisek or Rachada Road is another example which is more modern.

Chatuchak weekend market is very famous in Bangkok and don’t miss to visit this at least once. Holiday souvenirs at knock down prices are available here. Bangkok is the ideal place where you can bargain for your favorite product.

Buying Gems and Royal Crafts in Thailand

Gems are widely available in Thailand but not all the gems. Mainly rubies and sapphires are abundantly present. Thailand is also a major center for cutting and setting of all kinds of precious stones. Recently with the growing jewelry making industry, the city of Thailand has become world’s second biggest jewelry exporter. The buyers generally opt for finished jewelry, individual gems and also some custom made items. In Thailand, you will get good craftsmanship which is not that expensive. This quality when added with standard gold prices makes Thai jewelry a value buys to the buyers. There are various gold shops in Bangkok where you will get bracelets, pendants, hand crafted chains, and some other good designs. These are also available in different jewelry shops in Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

In Bangkok, polished gems are available for purchasing. Rubies and sapphires are known as indigenous stones. But mainly all colored stone and also diamonds are widely available. Bargaining is not allowed in jewelry business. You cannot expect an original stone at cheap rate. So, it is always better if you have any known jewelry shop or at least one friend who knows about the quality of the stones. In today’s world jewelry making facility has widely extended. Jewelry designs, setting and cutting skills of the craftsmen have improved a lot. For shoppers a large variety of jewelry items are available in varying price ranges. In some famous jewelry shops you will also get gemstones’ pictures and decorative items in addition to jewelry.

The royal crafts making in Thailand is really good. SUPPORT (Foundation of the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques) was established in the year of 1976 by the effort of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Now a day craftsman working under the roof of SUPPORT produce come rich collection of traditional Thai crafts. These wonderful handicrafts are available for the buyers at Foundation’s chain of exclusive outlets namely Chitrlada Shops

Shopping Antiques in Thailand

Thailand is famous for antiques. Most of the visitors like to take a souvenir back when they come to the city. In Bangkok, you can buy an antique where ‘Caveat Emptor’ is the normal scenario. Bangkok is known as the hub for South East Asian arts where you will get some original pieces. There are some stolen pieces which are in market but the government is very strict about this thing. Replicas of some famous pieces are always available in the market. So, when you are planning to buy a showpiece for your home, be careful. You can buy some excellent souvenirs from Thailand which would be loved by your friends and family.

Asian Galleries is an established antiques company in Thailand. This has been located within the River City Shopping Complex for more than fifteen years. Two Asian Galleries shops are there that are run by the brothers Chongthanavanit. On the fourth floor of the building you can get some exquisite original antiques and on the third floor company’s own manufactured products are available for the customers. Those who want to renovate their houses can come here and buy some excellent pieces that can change the look of your house.

Cherie Aung-Khin is an antiques expert living in Thailand. She was born to Myanmar and came to Bangkok almost twenty years back. She worked in an antique shop as assistant for a long time. Then she made her own establishment in a four-storey Elephant House. Presently this is one of the best antique shops in Thailand. Cherie was Vice President of the Antique Association in Bangkok once upon a time. She has enormous knowledge about South East Asian art. She has her own factory in Myanmar where she manufactures some stylish lacquer and rattan furniture and then has them shipped all over the world. But in recent days the antique market has seen some decline. This happened because more and more people are buying cheaper pirated products now a day. But we can just hope that antiques of Thailand will always rock the world.

Buying original antiques in Thailand

Thailand is the place for antiques and people of different corners of the world are aware of the fact. Buying antiques in Bangkok is not that easy as you should have proper license to take any antique piece out of the city. Moreover you should beware of the false products. So having proper knowledge about antiques is very important so that no one can make a fool of you. Sometimes untrained persons can also recognize and can point out the best work among some other shoddy pieces. An original work always looks alive and charming. The limbs of such statues will always be straight and symmetrical. The expression will be intensifying.

There is another way where you can check the piece’s credibility. You can see the wood is sealed or seasoned. There will be traces of some moisture if the wood is new. The new wood can crack if transferred to a new weather. People often take the antiques to different countries and so this can create a major problem about the quality of the product.

When you are buying an antique product, there are some shopkeepers who provide you with all the authenticated products. But the papers are only needed if the products are false. The Government Fine Arts department usually grants permission to take the product out of the country. In many cases you can bargain for the product but for that you should know the real price. Many people are there who buy an antique as an investment. It is always better to have a local friend who can help you in many aspects. Always maintain a smile in your face while doing the bargaining. Thai people are very polite and never loose temper in public places. So, even if you are finding the product fake never shout and just avoid the shop. This will help save your energy as well as time.

Department Stores in Thailand

In Thailand there are exciting shopping malls, departmental stores and street shops. People from different parts of the globe come to take this unique experience of shopping in Thailand. Different places are famous for different products. Recently departmental stores have become very happening in Thailand. Various departmental stores are locally developed chains and some of them have foreign sounding names. Once upon a time Japanese retailers used to dominate the market but now almost no one of them are present. The Central departmental store occupies the higher end of the market. The Chidlom branch on Ploenchit Road has access from the Chidlom Skytrain station.

In Thailand, the Mall is a shopping center that mainly operates its own department stores. Within large shopping malls you can find some small companies which the malls own and also operate. The Mall’s malls are scattered in the suburbs of the city named Bangkok. These shops mainly cater to the customers of lower middle class. Isetan is the last among the Japanese retailers. This is located at one end of the World Trade Center. Robinson shops are located in the suburban areas.

Big C is another chain of shops. This is mainly a discount chain which was originated by France’s Casino stores. Carrefour is known as the big French hypermarket that competes with Tesco and Big C. The competition mainly depends on the discount offered by both the shopping chains. Lotus Tesco is another ‘superstore’ and this is owned by the UK supermarket chain.

All these and many more have made Thailand up-to-date in fashion. You will always get the ‘IN’ things in Bangkok and Pattaya. The girls look so glamorous that anyone can be attracted towards them. The skin and hair quality of Thais are very good and that’s because of their food habit. In Thailand you will always get fresh vegetables and fruits in different departmental stores. So, while in Thailand don’t forget to visit all the departmental stores and shopping malls.

Thailand – Shoppers stop here…

There are several popular shopping spots at Thailand; and Bangkok being the national capital of the kingdom offers plenty of options to the tourists coming from different parts of the world. If you are shopping in Bangkok you can visit specialized markets for specific products. Be it garments, or handicrafts or local products you will get specialized markets for your shopping.

Chinatown is one of the major markets located in the center of Sampheng Lane and Yaowarat Road. Chinatown is one of the most famous markets in Bangkok and the market is very popular among the international tourists coming to Thailand. The market has some prestigious gold shops. Some other shopping places are also near to Chinatown, among them the traditional Phahurat Cloth Market and "Thieves Market" is known to travelers.

The Weekend Market of Chatuchak is located near Vibhavadirangsit Highway, the highway you will get on your way to the airport. The market is open on weekends, that is Saturdays and Sundays. You can buy anything and everything in this market. The market is filled up with garment shops, jewelry shops, potted plants shops and lots more. You can also bargain for your products here.

Baiyoke Tower is one of the renowned markets for garment shoppers. The market is located just next to the tallest building of Bangkok. Apart from this the Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Road is famous for its variety and is adjacent to the southern bus terminal. Ratchadaphisek Road is famous for departmental stores, offices and Export Promotion councils. Even Bangkok’s International Airport is also a place for the shoppers to buy anything they wish.

If you are looking beyond Bangkok, you can really try out Chiang Mai, the place which is known for cottage industries and local handicrafts items. The local handicrafts such as cotton and silk, tribal clothings, Burmese tapestries are available here.

Thailand - Shop till you drop

In Bangkok one can have plenty of options to shop from. The options are not limited to shopping malls or major streets. You can spot your shop almost every part of the country. If you know the right place to shop in Thailand and the right price to quote for your choices then you can have a profitable shopping experience. Thailand is a place where you can get plenty of options to buy either branded products or local products. Here are some of the major shopping destinations.

Surawong Phatpong: Silom is the main market in Bangkok and this is the commercial heart of the city. The market is parallel to Surawong and Phatpong crosses these two roads. The market is occupied by boutiques and specialist shops. Even you can see some departmental stores as well in the market. Shopping Plaza’s are another option for shopping here. You can also try out at Phatpong’s night market and street stalls.

Mahesak: Near Chao Phraya river also you can enjoy shopping opportunities. Gems and jewellery stores are popular out here. The River City Shopping Complex and Oriental Plaza is two major shopping destinations here.

Phloen Chit: Some of the important shopping points out here are Sogo, Isata, Zen, Gaysorn Amarin and other luxury shops. World Trade Center is also located in this area.

Sukhumvit: Similar to Silom, Sukhumvit is Bangkok’s one of the major shopping point. You can see many shops in sideways of the long road. Modern shopping complexes and boutiques are also available in this market area.

Pratunam: Pratunam market is one of the biggest traditional points for readymade clothing. You can get men’s collection, collection for woman and special collections for kids as well.

Banglamphu: Banglamphu market is located near Buddha temple. Banglamphu is a market with full of life. If you are looking to buy clothing, then you can visit Banglamphu market once.

Shopping advices for Thailand

Thailand is known as heaven for the shopaholics. People come to visit the place where in most of the cases the prime interest remains shopping. Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, all of these are landmark places when shopping is concerned in Thailand. But while shopping in Thailand you should know all the tricks that are very common in the city. You will see that in many of the shopping complexes ‘fixed rate’ is written somewhere. But you need to know the art of bargaining which is accepted everywhere in Thailand. Generally you can ask to give the product in 40% less than the actual amount what the vendor asked. No rule is there for bargaining. In most of the cases everything depends upon shopkeeper’s mood and also your (I mean to say) shopper’s ability.

Thai people always appreciate good humour and good mannerism. They don’t like loosing temper while in public. You should also keep this in mind while roaming in public places in Thailand. So while shopping just try to maintain some patience and a broad smile. You will definitely get a better price for your selected product.

Shopping is an art and you will get this vibe while in Thailand. Shopping in Thailand is really a fun where you can enjoy lot of things at the same time. But when you are going to buy some jewelry you have to keep some points in mind. Do not believe any person coming your way. If someone is telling you to go to a specific shop, try to avoid that as usually these persons take commission from these shops and this commission is reflected in your paid price. If you are planning to buy some gems go to branded shops. Be careful that this is not just a souvenir shop.

Shops in hotels are generally high prices that the street shops. But if you little time to shop you can check out hotel shops. You can see two three shops and then compare the price. Please do this in case you are buying jewelry. Never allow anyone to pressurize you to buy anything you don’t like. Always ask for the receipt of your shopping. These are some of the guidelines for your convenience while shopping jewelry in Thailand.

Some attractive shopping malls in Thailand

There are many tourists who visit Thailand just to shop at the city. Thailand is really famous for its handicraft items, statues, Buddha images, souvenirs, watches, DVD’s, and many more. The variety is huge. You can get anything under a single roof. The shopping malls in Thailand are so colorful that you are bound to get lost in them. In one of the earlier posts I have written about some of the shopping malls in Thailand. Here you will get more information about some other shopping malls that are very famous in the city.

Tesco Lotus: This shopping market is located on Rama IV Road. This is very close to Sukhumvit 26. This awesome supermarket also has other shops adjoining. While in Bangkok don’t forget to visit this place. You will have an array of food stalls where delicious Thai dishes will be served. There are many joyrides for children such as roller coaster rides, miniature cars, children’s theatre with song and dance, etc. This is a fantastic place for children.

Siam Paragon: Siam Paragon is the shopping emporium in Thailand which is regarded as one of the leading Shopping Mall in Bangkok as well as in Thailand. Siam Paragon is closely connected to Central Chidlom i.e. a Central Department Stores. In Siam Paragon and Central Chidlom you will get everything. The Siam Paragon was opened in December, 2005. This is a large shopping complex full of quality products. The tourists often visit the place in search of high quality goods. If you are carrying your passport you can enjoy 5 % discount in any shop including VAT. The complex contains many leading designer shops like Gucci, LV, Zegna, etc. but for that you have to visit much earlier. Though Siam Paragon is opened till 10.30 at night, these designer shops close much earlier. Blue elephant on fourth floor is a restaurant where you can enjoy some delicious Italian, Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, French and Thai food.

Gaysorn Plaza: Gaysorn Plaza reopened after a long close. The renovation was done and in July 2002 it opened for its customers. It is a fashionable shopping centre with many of the world’s top designer’s shops. It is located just opposite to the World Trade Centre and the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Varieties of shops are present at this complex.

Royal Crafts, Nielloware and Rattan Work in Thailand

In Thailand some good craftsmanship can be seen under Royal patronage. In the year 1976, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit thought to do something for the welfare of the rural craftsmen. So she gave the assignment of making some crafts for Thai kingdom to the rural Thais. Thus the formation of Foundation for Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques, popularly known as SUPPORT become possible. The assignment o making crafts for Royal kingdom flourished and presently the craftsmen who work under SUPPORT guidance manufacture amazing collection of traditional handicrafts. Some of them are so beautifully done that the maker can easily exhibit the product to any Royal exhibition.

The exquisite hand-woven silks, stylish and graceful yan liphao woven handbags, famous tie and dyed mat mee silks of the Northeast, Thai cottons, etc. are readily available. Various souvenirs can be taken at reasonable rate. The Chitrlada shops are famous as Support handicrafts are available at these shops. These shops are Foundation’s chain of selected outlets. Rattan and wicker furniture are the actual products for which Thailand has earned lot of fame now a days. Both the furniture is really durable and very fashionable. These are available in an array of styles and designs. Outstanding standard of craftsmanship can be seen in attractive objects in rattan and wicker furniture. They can bring the tropical touch to any kind of interior decoration.
Nielloware which is a common name and also practiced in southern Thailand for many years is actually a craft of ornamenting silver and gold objects. The objects are usually of delicate designs that are filled with metal alloy. Presently stunning Nielloware boxes, toys, vases and other decorative items are extensively present in the markets of Bangkok and in South Thailand. The fine quality craftsmanship can be seen in the work of Nielloware. Nakhon Si Thammarat is another place where you can find Nielloware toys and other different items.

Antiques, painting and art in Thailand

Fine arts have a traditional aspect in the city of Thailand. The kingdom always has given rise to creative artwork. Now a day modern art has also taken a vital part. The shopaholics take this as a good bargain if they are shopping something artistically rich. Thai, Burmese, Chinese, and Khmer antiques are really worth to keep at home. You will find many items at shops which are of museum quality. Export ban is there on different items for which you will be required an export license. If you want to buy anything from a reputed shop you need to collect necessary documents.

Various antique shops are present there in Bangkok. At River City shopping complex on New Road you will find a place where antique auction is being arranged on first Saturday of every month. Thai artist have some work which are really splendid. There are various shops where you will get original piece of art done by local artists. This vibrant side of Thailand is really worth praising. Subject matters of the paintings start from mural and landscape to manuscript paintings. Classical temple murals are also included. Aesthetic values of these arts are appreciated from different parts of the world. The local framing is inexpensive and the quality is also good. So the tourists are requested to have a look on the local products. I am sure the art lovers will get the actual feel after seeing the products.

Regular art exhibitions are held at different art galleries and also famous hotels in Bangkok. Well mentioned venues are also the places where you can enjoy the gathering of some real art lovers. To get the information about all these you can check local papers and also concerned websites. As a whole it can be said that Thailand is a vivacious city where the visitors get every chance to make their visit memorable.

Bronze and Ceramics do wonder in Thailand

Thailand is famous in the manufacturing of brass and bronze ware. The tourists who are great shoppers usually know this fact and act accordingly. Traditional method of preparing the items is combined with the new techniques and gives a unique modified result. The silicon coatings are used to prevent it from tarnishing. Some cutlery sets, table ware, bowls, etc. are very famous while brass sculptures of animals are available in fashionable style. Some of the lacquer ware tray, boxes attracts a lot of tourists for its uniqueness. The crafts those are native to the North Thailand and Chiang Mai can be described as coating of split bamboo with lacquer. The processes can also be done with wood. Hand painted designs can be added later on. These objects are typically colored as golden and black lacquer and also yellow and green in the background of red and brown.

Chiang Mai is famous for another local craft named silver beating. This is a traditional craft. The boxes and bowls are very skillfully made and these are very popular among the tourists. Vases, ornaments in traditional and modern designs both are widely available. Chiang Mai, Nakhon Phanom, Bangkok, etc. all are the places where you can find all these beautiful crafts. Pottery has also taken an important place in traditional Thai culture. Both the indigenous and Chinese styles pottery is having a rich history and legacy. You should have some prior knowledge about the things to pick up the right thing. Distinctive sea-green celadon, Chinese blue-and-white and the colorful Bencharong wares, etc. are very unique to Thailand.

Interesting designs and collection of contemporary styles in ceramics are also very ‘IN’ in Thailand. Thai ceramics are available in both old and new styles. The variety includes vases, dinner sets, lamp shades, water jars and many more. Tourists also take these items as souvenirs of the city. Thailand is a place where you can take anything according to your relative’s and family member’s choice.

Shopping Malls in Thailand

Thailand is a famous tourist destination where shopping takes an important part. There are various shopping malls where you will get anything you want to buy. You can take some wonderful souvenirs back your home. Your friends will love the gifts as in every shopping mall there are huge collection of gifts and souvenirs. Several shopping malls and marketing plaza that can attract you are mentioned below:

In Patpong Night Market you can get all fake goods such as clothes, bags, watches and many more. This night market is located in the main point of Patpong where you will get Bangkok’s famous bars on both the sides. You are indulged to visit the famous night spot. There are other night spots where you can enjoy more in Thailand.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is the famous weekend market in Bangkok. You should have a look into it while in Thailand.

Emporium Sukhumvit Soi 26 is the best shopping complex in Bangkok. You will get elegant designer wear here. Cinema halls, food court, are the other features. You will get some excellent food in cheap rate here at this food court. Various shops often organize some sales where you can do some good deal.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is another interesting place. This can be an alternative for Patpong Night Market and Chatuchak Weekend Market as this night bazaar offers you very good food stalls and also quality entertainment segment. The place is also easily accessible. You can take a taxi from Silom Road. This will help you to reach the market soon. The working hour of the bazaar is morning 6 to midnight. You can taste excellent Thai food while shopping in the same complex. So, it is advisable not to miss this night bazaar while visiting the place.

Central Bagna is the place for real shopaholics. You will get everything under the sun here. Total cleanliness is the key word of this shopping area.

Bobae is a wholesale market where you will get a huge collection of textiles and clothes. If you are buying in a lot, you will get it in unbelievable cheap rate.

Robinsons Sukhumvit is another place where you can enjoy shopping in Thailand.

Great shopping in Thailand

Thailand means a lot to the tourists. It means culture, shopping, food, sports, and many more. Out of all these shopping takes a bigger part as you sometimes need to take souvenirs for the relatives and friends. The dress of Thailand is very colorful and you may feel good to feel up your wardrobe with some of them. While shopping you should keep some of the important things in your mind. As for example you should not forget to bargain while in Thailand. But this is applicable in most of the retail outlets and department stores as almost all of them have fixed price. But in small stalls, street vendors and shops bargaining is mandatory. The task depends on the customers bargaining skill and vendor’s mentality. In some cases you can expect to pay 10-40% less than the vendor’s price.

You need keep a constant smiling face. Thais always appreciate good humor. So while in Thailand try to practice these two and you will be in advantageous position. There are some tout taxi drivers who take commission from some of the shops. So if you hiring any one of them you can have some worst shopping experience. Beware of them and take the help of The Tourism Authority of Thailand. In Thailand you are not allowed to take any Buddha images or any other antique artifacts. You should take the permission of Fine Arts Department in Bangkok first if you are in mood to take any.

In Thailand, buying jewellery is not safe. There are some jewelers who persuaded the visitors to buy fake jewellery. In Bangkok and Phuket most of the shops are like this. To eradicate all these problems a “Jewel Fest Club” has been formed by the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This club offers original products in reasonable rates and also money back guarantee to the visitors if they are not satisfied with the deal. So, if you are visiting any jewel shop in Bangkok or in Phuket, search the jewel fest emblem and just go for it.

Shopping street in Bangkok, Thailand

 
Siam square to Chidlom is the prominent shopping area in Bangkok, Thailand. The place is very popular among the tourists as well as the Thais. Thai girls who are young and conscious in style love this place.

In sixties rather in late sixties the shopping area started developing around Siam square. The place has progressed a lot and the process is still continuing. The shopping place started from Pathumwan junction and it stretches towards Wireless Road. The Siam square is a happening place for university and college students. People who have recently started any new venture also like the place. People often use this place for meeting. Opposite to Siam square there is Siam Centre. This was the first air-conditioned shopping complex in western style. In present days there are many more shopping complexes that are doing good business. Around the Ratchaprasong and Ratchadamri area there are many five star hotels and also some major shopping complexes. These attract a lot of shopaholics every year. World’s best designers have their boutiques in this street. You will feel overwhelmed if you are a fashionable person.

The largest complex in the Siam area is the Central World Plaza. This is Bangkok’s celebration area. When the season is cool i.e. during the months of November to January, some of the important breweries set up the beer garden in front of the Central World Plaza. In this fashion city eth last point is centra Childlom. This is a departmental store, this is situated at the intersection of Lang Suan and Childlom. Soi Lang Suan has several condos. Various bars and restaurants attract a lot of wealthy people of the society. The total area looks very bright at night time. While visiting Thailand don’t miss the area. You can also take some souvenirs from your relatives and friends.

 

Marketplaces for local products in Pattaya

 

Pattaya is popular for many reasons and that is why it is regarded as the prime tourist destinations in Thailand. If you are looking for some local products such as basket ware, handicrafts, seafood, etc. you should visit the following marketplaces. These shopping spots are equally famous among the Thai tourists. People from various parts of the world come here and take the pleasure as much as they can.

Nong Mon Market: This market place is located at Bang Saen Beach. This is famous because of Chonburi’s souvenirs and local handicrafts. The place is located near vicinity. The other products which get equal importance in this marketplace are Hormok i.e. spicy and steamed fish cakes, dried seafood, Hoi jor or friend rather deep fried shrimp cake, taro chips, sweetened banana, Kao Lam i.e. rice baked in bamboo and many more. The list is unending. Panatnikom is a district where you can get intricate and also unique weaving proficiencies. Tattan and bamboo basket ware from this place is very famous.

Ang Sila: This is a fishing village situated at the distance of 5 kms from Chonburi province. This is also in the same district as Bang Saen Beach. Once upon a time this was a seaside resort. Its cottage industry is very famous. It produces animal sculptures and stone mortars. Animal sculptures include tigers, elephants and also horses. In Ang Sila village beaches the villagers sell fresh oysters. There are lots of seafood restaurants present in the city. Local handicrafts products are present in abundance for sale.

Basket ware village: This village is located at Tambon Railakthong. There are lots of handicrafts products for which the village is famous. Ladies handbags are made out of bamboo. Baskets and betel nut sets are present in numerous colors and shapes. There are several stalls where you will get these products. The stalls are present behind the Municipal daily market.

Shopping-one of the attractions in Pattaya

The city of Pattaya can boast of number of things. The clean beaches, swimming in transparent blue water, relaxing in beaches in deckchairs, etc. are real attraction for peace loving tourists. Each visitor has own choice and flavor. Some like Jomtien beach where water sports take prominence while some other take interest in go-go bars. Pattaya offers an array of luxury to the world class tourists. Exotic Thai food, clubs, luxurious hotels, bars, colorful dances all are responsible for such a range of visitors as well as repeat visitors in Pattaya. Shopping takes an important time from time immemorial.

Pattaya is the real place for shopaholics. You can visit different shopping malls for different things. If you have a trendy choice you should visit the seaside stalls. There you will get enormous hand bands, stylish caps, t-shirts, etc. For souvenirs and other essentials you can go to the beachfront stalls. South or central Pattaya Road would be best to get all these stuff. These shops are open almost all the time. The things that you can pick include lot of variety such as Buddha statues, stun guns, samurai swords, football shirts, ethnic crafts, porn DVDs, bikinis, swimming costumes, shorts, and many more.

For beer bars, banks, restaurants and other stores you need to go some other area. Here you will only get tattoo parlors, travel shops and lots of tailors. Number of vendors are present to impress you with your native language. You can choose dresses but try it for twice. Sometimes quality matters a lot and good price can be offered to get some real stuff.

Cheapest shopping in Pattaya

You can shop everywhere in Pattaya. It is regarded as a good relaxation after different activities in the place. Thousands of shops in different sizes, departmental stores, street shops, supermarkets, street vendors, shopping malls, etc. are scattered all over the city. Two big interesting shops present in North Pattaya Road. These are UK’s superstores Tesco-Lotus. One is located at the east of Dolphin round and the other on is located on Sukhumvit Road at Moo 12.

Mike shopping mall is situated in between Beach Road and Second Pattaya Road. This is a five floor shopping malls where many shops are present in the ground floor. Small shops are present everywhere in the city and most of them are really clolorful. You can get anything according to your choice. The price range starts between 50 to 500 baht. Shopping in central Pattaya Road is costlier than in Jomtien Beach.

If you want to buy some authentic Thai handicraft don’t waste you time. You can visit Lukdod shop. The address of the shop is 209/10 Moo 6 in North Pattaya Road. You have to walk ten minutes from Pattaya bus station. You can get handbags, jewelleries, baskets, rags, lots of consumer goods and wall hangings out there. The range is huge. You can choose anything for your favorite ones. The things are less costly that you get in Beach Road. You can get the same variety but in lesser price. Thai souvenirs are widely present in the area including skate’s handbag, crocodilian belts, wooden elephants, etc. so if interested in cheap and quality shopping don’t forget to visit Lukdod shop.

Pattaya-ultimate destination for shopping

Pattaya is known as the leading shopping centre with numerous shopping malls, departmental stores, street stalls, food carts, etc. Most of the shopping centres are present on Pattaya second Road, Beach Road and also places between the South and Central Pattaya. You can enjoy a wide range when you visit the malls. The range starts from silks, garments, gemstones, leather ware, souvenirs, handicrafts, etc. Your relatives will be happy after seeing the attractive gifts. The range is affordable and you should not worry for cash as ATM’s are present everywhere in Pattaya. In the centre of the city there are two super malls where you can get instant food to electronic sets like TV an refrigerator.

In South Pattaya Road and Beach Road you can get a variety of clothes, paintings, leather goods, etc. South pattaya is actually famous for films, cassettes, tapes, liquor and pharmaceuticals. Adjacent to many hotels there are shops of gems, handicraft, silk and cotton. Thai silk shops are present in abundance. The shoppers find Pattaya Second Road very interesting. Handicrafts and Thai silk are common in that area. Central pattaya offer some other shopping experience as plenty of departmental stores are present there. In the north of Pattaya city there is a Sunday market at Naklua.

In North Pattaya Road a shopping complex is there where you will get handicraft centre, small bars, seafood restaurants, nightclubs and other attractions. Thai tourists are fond of the local products such as dried seafood, basket ware, handicraft, etc. To get all these stuffs they should visit some specific markets in Pattaya. The thing is that you need to bargain a lot as this is a part of good shopping in Pattaya.

Jewellery and gold shopping in Pattaya

The shopping has a wide variety in Thailand as well as in Pattaya. There is always a mix and match from the East, Asia and West contributing goods, products and also services from different cultures. Thailand is very famous for stones and jewellery while Bangkok is a production centre for all these. In Pattaya you will get gold and jewellery shops almost everywhere. They are present in every shopping malls. Most of the time Thai people convert their cash into a piece of gold jewellery that they can preserve well. The two tourist centres are there, you can have a look on various precious stones and gemstones. You can also know how they are mined and obtained.

The shops impressively display the gemstones to attract the customers. Recently Pattaya can boast of the biggest jewellery shop in the world. Thai craftsman are enough expert in their field making jewellery. They have also expertise in making jewellery using gold, sapphire, diamond, ruby, etc. If you are planning to buy something you will see that the prices are much lower in this area than in the West. The reason behind it is actually the making charge is very low here. To buy a simple chain and ring you can visit any shop but while planning to buy gemstones like sapphire, onyx or ruby don’t believe in any normal shop. Try to visit Tourist Authority of Thailand recommended shop.

This gold jewellery can be said as a famous cottage industry amongst different Thai families. The designs are really beautiful and famous in abroad because of the rate. But quality wise sometimes it is found inferior. In Pattaya gold is measured in baht. One baht weighs 15.16 gms whereas in West gold is measured in ounces and one ounce is equal to 31.104 gms. One of the other reasons of its popularity is standard quality. 23-karat gold is 96.5 per cent but 24-cart is 99.9 per cent pure. Some of the important shops in Pattaya are:

• Arsit gems: Located in Pattaya Beach Road.


• Ben’s Jewellery Inter Gems: Located in Pattaya Beach Road.


• Bussarin Silver: Located in Royal Garden Plaza.


• Bijoux Argent: Located in Royal Garden Plaza.


• Central Gems: Located at Pattaya Beach Road.


• Chitralada: Located in PK Shopping Arcade.


• Gems and Diamonds: Located next to Uomo Tailors Pattaya Beach Road.
  
  

Think shopping think Thai Silk

While visiting Pattaya you should not forget about Thai silk. Thai Silk is very famous and looks very gorgeous. There are different grades such as lightweight, heavyweight and medium weight. The weight of the silk depends upon the number of thread used in it. Generally single thread of silk is used in woven lightweight silks. These lightweight silk is used in making men’s shirts, ladies blouses and also summer clothes. Be careful while buying these clothes as you have to know proper measurement. Generally blouse and shirt combinations use 5.5 yards silk whereas shirt use only 2.5 yards.

Mudmee is a variety of hand woven Thai Silk. This is a special one. The rural women make this with intense finesse. This is an elegant piece of work that receives accolades from across the world. Women from Northeast Thailand have excelled in this work using the traditional method with old looms. Every piece of cloth is a unique creation depicting the stories of the weaver’s own emotion, thoughts and feelings. If you have some extra money to shop don’t forget to pick one.

Different properties of Thai Silk demand to name it as a luxury fiber. The silk has a usual luster. This is as strong as cotton but of course more elastic than linen and cotton. Thai silk absorb up to 1/3 of its weight when soaked in water. But the silk is not al all wet to touch. Some silks are woven along with polyester. A burn test will clear your doubt. After burning if the ash of the silk is powdery and meat smelling, it is pure silk but in case the ash is hard, the presence of polyester is evident.

Thai silks are present in different places in Pattaya. Pure silks are somewhat 300 Baht per yard. Pure silks are also perfect for making pillow covers, napkins, handkerchiefs, etc. if you are buying one maintain it properly. The silk should be washed with light detergent. The cloth should be slightly dried and then ironed. Ironing makes the piece wrinkle free. While in Pattaya go to a bigger silk shop to get numerous variety in design and shades.

Departmental stores in Pattaya

Galore of departmental stores and shopping malls are present in Pattaya. You may get less choice of brands. Almost all the departmental stores have supermarket section. Stores are open till 11 pm at night. Some years back all the major supermarket chains moved to Pattaya. Many of Bangkok’s departmental stores opened branches in Pattaya. The tourists often escape midday sun and roam in a shopping mall. A cool ice crème or a lunch in international food chain can make the afternoon enjoyable. In most of the shopping malls the top floor is for cinema viewing. You can enjoy movies in a cozy corner with your partner. Some of the big stores are:

• Big C and Central Festival Pattaya: Big shopping mall is located on Pattaya 2nd road. The mall is filled with smaller boutiques and shops, on the ground floor there are local restaurants as well as KFC, Mister Donut, etc. a four-screen cinema is situated on the 2nd floor. There is a huge parking area as well.
• Laem Thong I department store: This is placed on Sukhumvit road. Mall boutiques are spread all over the two floors.
• Mike department store: It is located in downtown South Pattaya. It is located at the same distance from Pattaya Beach Road to Pattaya second road. Soft goods are found in this small. Anything connected to home decoration brands, shoes and other things are of reasonable price.
• Mike Shopping centre: Mike shopping centre is situated on Park Beach road. The shops are mostly owned by the centre. There you will get stationary item, computer hardware, beds, soft goods, bedding, electronic equipment, shoes and much more.
• Pacific Park shopping Mall: This is a big shopping mall on Sukhumvit Road. On the top floor few style shops are located.
• Royal Garden plaza: This has many boutique stores, music and video stores, pharmacies, coffee shops, handicraft shops, restaurants, magazine shop, a cinema hall, etc. Underground parking is available to avoid traffic jam.

There is a huge food court present in the third floor. The entertainment section includes two cinemas showing recent pictures. Many food franchises are available and the list includes McDonalds, KFC, Dairy queen, Pizza Hut, Sizzler, etc.

Downtown Shopping

Shopping is a favourite pastime in Thailand. The tourists take great pleasure while roaming in the shopping grounds. Pattaya has many other attractions like water sports, golf, horse riding, etc. and that is why shopping take less prominence here. Though you will not get much variety in Pattaya still shopping malls will help you to get everything under one roof. Shopping in Pattaya is different experience altogether. Large shopping malls, departmental stores, supermarkets, are scattered all over the city. There are some shop houses where shop and home of the owner stands together. Shop is usually on street level and the owner lives at the back of the shop and also above the shop. At the closing they close down the shutter and cover the front part of the shop.

Bargaining is an important thing is Pattaya. If you are shopping on roadside the trick is going to help you a lot. Except the supermarkets the prices are inflated to twice the real price. Hat allows customers enough room for bargaining. It is advisable to start from the half price. Unlike this in all the supermarkets there is fixed price so no question of bargaining arises there. If you have a smiling face you win the half battle. Most of the Thais work for day long so a good smile and humor relieves them and helps in great bargaining.

You should carry enough cash. Credit card can be used but there are limitations in some shops. Don’t allow anyone to take your credit card away from you because credit card fraud is going at a high rate. Some of the stores also charge 3% extra on credit card use.

Do not take help from taxi drivers while shopping. They often take you to the shops from where they get commission. So this way you may not enjoy the shopping end up in wastage of time.
In Thailand it is prohibited to take any Buddha statue, deities and antique artifacts from the country without taking prior permission of Fine Arts Department. Be careful of all these points and just go happy shopping.

Shopping in the city of Pattaya

Shopping is one of the most exciting activities in all the South-East Asian countries. Pattaya is not an exception. There is a wide range of shops and market places studded in the city. The malls and superstores enable you to choose something for your loved ones. South of Central Pattaya Road offers some beach shopping. You can grab some football shirt, bikinis, swim suits, ethnic crafts, Buddha statues, flick-knives, stun guns, and also samurai swords from these shops. The price range starts from very cheap to very expensive. The qualities of the products vary in different shops. The shopaholics will find the place very interesting as there is a huge possibility to bargain.

Please don’t buy any cheapest model as there is no money back guarantee. If you take the goods with you it’s yours. Pattaya gives excellent opportunity for the visitors as there are loads of sea-side shops. Mainly Beach Road and Second Road has many of it. In south and central part of Pattaya you can have a glimpse of handicrafts, carving, ceramics, Buddhist art, and also clothing of different styles. Real antiques are available in Pattaya, but you should really know how to bargain.

Thailand is generally cheap in clothes, household items and electronic goods. Opposite to Soi 3 there is a huge mall named Big C. Multiscreen cinema facility is available in this four storied fully air conditioned building. The stalls are mainly of mobile phones, clothes, handicrafts, cameras, etc. The malls are colourful and very gorgeous that attracts the visitors a lot. Walking Street of Pattaya is very popular for its extensive shopping options.

Style and fashion matter a lot In Pattaya. People like colourful dresses, girls look comfortable in tight clothes. If you enter in the original Thai community, you will feel a difference. Here gold stores get the prominence than gift shops. Watch shops are replaced by skin surgery clinics and KFC with noodle stalls as well. Go-go bars are seen to be replaced by other eateries.

Don’t forget to pick a hand woven silk while visiting Pattaya.