Shopping in Bangkok

Shopping is one of Bangkok’s major attractions. Favourite purchases include Thai silk and cottons, modern and traditional jewellery featuring precious gemstones, semi-precious gemstones, silverware, nielloware, pewter ware, ceramics, celadon, woodcarvings, paintings, and clothing. Bangkok is one of the most competitively priced cities in Asia. Pleasant haggling in most stores and markets ensure favourable prices and service.

Major shopping areas:

Suriwong / Silom Area

Several shops and department stores sell jewellery, gemstones, antiques, ceramics, leather goods, men’s and women’s clothing, handicrafts, Thai silk and cottons, electrical and photographic goods. The area comprises Bangkok’s key commercial and nightlife centre.

Mahesak / Silom/New Road Area

A major gemstone dealing and jewellery manufacturing spot. Boutiques, art galleries, department stores and shopping arcades, including the River City Complex, sell a wide range of items, with specific stress on antiques, tailored clothing, and modern Thai and Asian paintings.

Phloenchit / Pathumwan Area

Almost everything a shopper needs is found within this area. The area covers a number of department stores and shopping centers, such as the World Trade Center, Siam Square, Siam Center and Mahboonkrong. Duty-free shopping store is positioned on the 7th floor of the World Trade Center.

Sukhumvit Road Area

Concerted basically flanked by Soi Nana (Soi 3) and Soi Asoke (Soi 21), numerous shops, shopping centres and department stores offer a wide-range of Thai and imported items. The plush Emporium Shopping Center is located between Sukhumvit Soi 24 and the Benjasiri Park.

Pratunam / Phetchaburi Road Area

Readymade clothing that is easy on the pocket is sold to some extent in a street market, where resolute negotiation is essential for best prices.

Banglamphu

The riverine segment of Bangkok is favoured by hitchhikers for its budget accommodation. The area offers low-priced items, especially readymade clothing, leather foods, footwear, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is suggested.

Bangkok's Principal Markets

Chatuchak Weekend Market a large open public ground on Phahonyothin Road is where people buy and sell a thousand local products including food, clothing, household products, handicrafts, pets, and pot plants. This market is a paradise for browsers and bargain- hunters alike. It operates during the day time on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bangrak Market

Located on New Road, between Silom and Sathon Roads, this market offers a predominantly large medley of cut blooms and orchids. Exquisite garlands made mostly of jasmine are a forte.

Thewet Market

Lining the bank of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem off Samsen Road, this market is best known for potted plants.

Lang Krasuang Market

Facing Klong Lot, on Atsadang Road, between the Royal Hotel and Ministry of Interior, a row of shop houses sell moderately priced second-hand goods, including antique cameras and typewriters, musical instruments, radios and all manner of electrical goods. Bargaining is necessary. Woeng Na.

Woeng Nakhon Kasem

Also known as Thieves Market, flanked by Yaowarat Road and New Road, near Phahurat, sells antiques, including Thai and Chinese objects d’art, porcelain, brassware, copperware and furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Bargaining is essential.

China Town

An old business centre envelops a large area around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road with streets and alleys full of shops selling all kinds of merchandise. The area is always lively and market stalls flourish. In close proximity is Phahurat Market, one of the city’s distinguished cloth centres.