Shopping in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a paradise for those who can’t resist shopping. Shopping centers, for example, can be found in the most diverse parts of the city, with the Siam square area being the most notable for bringing together such establishments. One of them, perhaps the most famous, is the sumptuous Siam Paragon, a very complete temple dedicated to consumption, with shops, a food court and much more.
Markets where it is possible to bargain a lot also exist in droves; Chatuchak – the biggest and best known of them – is a major attraction in the country and cannot be left out of your itinerary. There you will find everything from the most common objects to the most curious, in addition to typical foods, entertainment and an incredible atmosphere! Check abbreviationfinder.org for abbreviations and acronyms related to Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking of bargains, if the intention is to return from the city with a suitcase full of gifts, the tip is the mini markets located on the sidewalks of some of the city’s famous streets and avenues. In places like Khao San Road, Pratuman and Sukhumvit it is possible to buy T-shirts, key chains, articles made with Thai silk, clothes, shoes, among others.
Chinatown (เยาวราช)
The visit to Bangkok is not complete without a walk through Chinatown (Yaowarat Rd), a local avenue whose daytime attractions are shops, many of which are famous for selling gold artifacts. However, it is when the sun goes down that the area draws even more attention, not only because of the large number of luminous signs and the movement, but also because it becomes a true gastronomic center of the city. See countryaah.com for more information about Bangkok, Thailand.
The restaurants / food stalls on this street are extremely simple, with tables and chairs on the sidewalks, but the menu of local delicacies is extensive. Choose one of these places, try one or more delicacies and enjoy the atmosphere of the avenue. Remember that the prices are super!
How to get there: MRT, Hua Lamphong station.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำ ดำเนินสะดวก)
Have you ever imagined being able to shop in a floating market? Close to Bangkok is Damnoen Saduak, the most famous of all, where you can see up close how the unusual system of buying and selling goods works. Always full of tourists, the market in the province of Ratchaburi can be visited on foot, around the edges – with several options of shops and restaurants – or by renting a boat (500 THB per person).
In this market you will find a bit of everything: fruits, typical foods and several options of souvenirs from Thailand. The problem with the location, however, is the prices, which are a little higher than usual; this is probably due to the fact that the market attracts a huge number of tourists.
How to get
Tourism company
Choosing a serious tourism company is the safest and recommended way for those who want to know the floating market Damnoen Saduak. Most of the packages include the customer’s transportation to and from the airport (picking up and dropping off the customer at the hotel’s door), lunch and going to other attractions, such as the River Kwai bridge and the Tigers Temple. The tip is to search for the most quoted on the internet or ask for the indication of your hotel (packages from THB 1,900).
By bus
An option for those who want to save money is to take an air-conditioned bus at the South Terminal in Bangkok (bus 996 or 78). The ticket costs less than THB 100 and the trip to the place takes an average of two hours (there are buses from 6 am to 9 pm). From the terminal you can walk or take a boat to the market.
By taxi
A taxi from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Market should cost around 80 USD; one of the advantages of this means of transport is being able to negotiate the route with the driver (which may include other attractions, for example).
Khao San Road (ถนน ข้าวสาร)
Small hotels and hostels with attractive prices have made this street in the district of Banglamphu famous , the backpackers’ refuge in Bangkok. The place, and the whole surrounding area, has much more to offer, as it is full of super-animated bars – with tables on the sidewalks -, as well as restaurants and massage parlors.
In addition, on the street, which ends up being an excellent option for a night program, the visitor will find several stalls that sell all kinds of trinkets, Thai dishes and snacks, with emphasis on exotic insects, larvae and fried seahorses, who are there more to attract tourist attention than anything else.
An important tip for those who want to try the local delicacies: observe the cleanliness of the place and avoid foods that are more susceptible to contamination, such as raw foods in general, fruits, non-mineral water (bottled), among others.
How to get there: by taxi or boat from the Sathorn pier towards Phra Arthit pier – No. 13 (the street is just a few minutes walk from the pier).
Chatuchak Market (ตลาดนัด จตุจักร)
Welcome to Thailand’s largest open market (and one of the largest in the world), the famous Chatuchak. The place gathers more than 15 thousand stalls that sell everything and where it is possible to bargain a lot: clothes, shoes, accessories, decorative objects, souvenirs, food, among others. Over 200 thousand visitors are received each day, 30% of whom are tourists.
The tip is to arrive early, to be able to walk calmly through the corridors of the place. Those who wish to try the delicacies sold on the market should redouble their attention. First observe the cleaning of the chosen tent carefully and, if you can, avoid foods that are more susceptible to contamination, such as fruits and raw foods in general.
Next to the market is Chatuchak Park. Very green and an atmosphere of tranquility make this an excellent place for a break after visiting the bustling market. The park entrance is next to the stairs that give access to the train station.
Getting there: The market is next to Kamphaengpecth Station (MRT), 5 minutes walk from Mochit Skytrain (BTS) and Suan Chatuchak Station (Chatuchak Park – MRT).
Siam Center (สยามเซ็นเตอร์)
More than 200 stores are gathered in what is yet another excellent shopping center in Bangkok. There the visitor finds a series of world famous brands, such as Nike, Levis, the very Brazilian Havaianas, besides the Thai ones – and super cool ones – Jaspal and Baking Soda.
In addition, the beautiful and modern building, located in one of the busiest areas of the city, offers options for restaurants and cafes, all located on the top floor of the building. The Siam Center is next to the giant shopping mall Siam Paragon.
Siam Paragon (สยาม พารา ก อน)
Those who do not miss shopping can not miss this immense and famous temple of consumption in Bangkok: the Siam Paragon shopping mall. In fact, the beautiful building located in the city center works as an excellent amusement center, because, in addition to a huge amount of stores, the visitor will find an aquarium there – the Siam Ocean World -, interesting for children and adults, in addition to several movie theaters.
The food hall of this busy mall is also very impressive for its size, variety and quality of products sold. Next to the place there is also a huge “food court” full of options of restaurants, cafes and snack bars, whose prices range from cheap to expensive. One of them, for example, is the Vanilla brasserie (click here ).
How to get there: BTS Skytrain – Siam station.