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.