Big malls in bangkok. Shopping in Bangkok
TOURIST ANSWERS:
What to buy in Bangkok?
The Thai capital is not in vain considered one of the world's centers of trade. The number of markets and shopping centers here rolls over. And the product is reasonably priced. The quality, unfortunately, is often lame, but not always and not everywhere. So, what can you buy in Bangkok?
Thai silk and textiles
One of the most magnificent purchases in Bangkok will be Thai silk: a piece of fabric or clothing from it - a dress, suit, tie or scarf. Also, when shopping in Bangkok, it is worth remembering textiles, cotton, wool and cashmere - all this is of excellent quality and at affordable prices.
fashion clothes
The number of fashionable clothes, both original branded and inexpensive fakes of very dubious quality, is overwhelming in Bangkok. They sell it here everywhere: in the markets, in shopping centers and just on the street.
Jewelry
In Bangkok, it is worth buying pearl and silver items with sapphires and amethysts, as well as rubies and diamonds, but you should beware of fakes. In this regard, it is worth buying jewelry only in specialized salons that have a license and certificate from the Jewel Fest Club.
Decor items and furniture
Asian-style designer furniture made from natural materials, as well as interior items, are also worth buying in Bangkok - such an abundance of bamboo, rattan and teak items at affordable prices is hard to find in another Asian city. Many stores cooperate with companies engaged in transportation, so delivering bulky and fragile goods to their homeland is not a problem now.
Photo, video and computer equipment
The widest selection of TVs, computers, cameras, camcorders and much, much more - entire floors are allocated for electronics in shopping centers in Bangkok. You can find both original manufacturers with factories in Thailand and Chinese fakes at very low prices.
Where to shop?
Chatuchak Market
The most popular market in Bangkok, of incredible size, more than 8 thousand tents and shops, where you can find almost everything and at ridiculous prices. Here you can find: clothes and shoes, ceramics, folk art, leather goods, household items, bijouterie and jewelry, and much more. Here you can and should bargain. Also on the territory of the market there are many stalls with food, very cheap and very tasty. The market is open only on weekends, from 9 am to 6 pm, it is better to come here early so as not to suffocate from stuffiness, smells and pressure. You should hide money and remember about thieves - there are a lot of them here. You can get to the market through the branches of the ground (Mo Chit station) or underground metro (Kamphaeng Phet or Chatuchang Park stations).
Market Bo Bae
The largest wholesale market in the Thai capital, here you can find everything the same as in other popular markets of the city or street ruins, but at lower prices. Part of the trade in the market is carried out in the open air, part - under the roof of the BoBae Tower building. Here you can find women's, men's and children's clothing, textiles, home accessories. When buying in bulk - significant discounts. The market is open every day, located between Thanon Damrong Rak and Krung Kasem Road. The most convenient way to get here is by taxi - water or regular, land.
Shopping in Pratunam
The Pratunam area is traditionally considered the territory of cheap shopping. One of the main places is Pratunam, a huge indoor market with clothes, including home clothes, underwear, textiles, as well as shoes and watches at very low prices. As elsewhere in the markets, here you have to bargain.
In the same area there is the Grand Diamond Plaza shopping center, where you can buy clothes, shoes, jewelry and cosmetics, the Platinum Fashion Mall Bangkok, located in two buildings, where you can again find clothes, shoes, as well as leather goods and souvenirs. . There are many catering points here: a cafe with local cuisine and McDonald's with Baskin Robins. Also in the Pratunam quarter are Indra Square, Krung Thong Plaza and City Complex shopping centers with standard Thai goods.
Night Market Suan Lum Night Bazaar
An ideal place to buy Thai souvenirs is the Suan Lum night market. Eyes run up from the abundance of all kinds of magnets, cups, plates, watches, T-shirts with inscriptions, Thai silk products and much, much more. In addition, the market has a large number of shops and cafes with food, as well as live music.
Central World
The ultra-modern and largest shopping and entertainment center in all of Southeast Asia. Under one roof, there are more than 500 shops, 50 restaurants, cinemas, a bowling alley, a children's play area and a huge supermarket. This complex is a shopper's paradise with streets full of boutiques with fashion brands, jewellery, fabrics, furniture and antiques.
Siam Paragon
The best shopping and entertainment complex in Bangkok. Fashion brands, expensive jewelry boutiques, high prices, an aquarium under the Siam Ocean World building - this is all Siam Paragon. Products here are of high quality and original ideas. Real shopping in the Thai capital begins here on five floors and five hundred thousand square meters with 250 luxury boutiques. There is a shopping center near the Siam metro station.
Tax refund
With a one-time purchase of 2000 baht, it is possible to return VAT - about 7 percent of the amount. To do this, you need to make a purchase in a store with a special white and blue logo indicating the possibility of Tax-Free, provide the seller with a passport and fill out a yellow form called the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form.
To get a VAT refund, you must leave the country through one of the international airports no later than 60 days after the purchase. At the border, you must present a passport, a form with the original and checks in the amount of at least 5,000 baht and purchased unopened goods. The money is returned immediately at the airport, at the counters with the inscription VAT Refund, provided that the amount does not exceed 30 thousand baht. If the amount is higher, the money is transferred to the card indicated in the application. A fee of 100 Thai baht is charged for paperwork and Tax-free returns.
Helpful answer?
Bangkok is made for shopping. Any tourist who comes to rest in Bangkok or neighboring resorts cannot but be tempted by the opportunity to walk through the local shopping centers and huge markets. At the same time, you can go shopping in Bangkok both on your own and by buying a shopping tour at any tour agency. Shopping in Bangkok is customized for any financial opportunity, so even with a modest budget, you can indulge yourself with good purchases here. And you can really find and buy everything here: from souvenirs and clothes to electronics and jewelry.
In Bangkok, even if you did not set out to purchase things, jewelry, souvenirs, you will somehow acquire something, even if you did not need it. Trade is everywhere here: on the streets, in markets, in popular tourist places, in shopping centers.
The latter are open to you, for example, if you prefer quality, branded items. Most of them are located in the Pratunam and Siam regions. For example, the Siam Paragon luxury level shopping center, located in the very center of the city, among skyscrapers, offers items from world famous brands - Calvin Klein, Nina Ricci, Chanel, Prada, etc.
Also in the city center is one of the most popular shopping malls among tourists - Central World. This is a giant center where you can buy things from popular brands - Guess, ZARA, Esprit, Benetton, Sultanna Frantsuzova, etc.
MBK (Mahbunkrgong) is a shopaholic's paradise. It is also a very popular shopping complex aimed primarily at tourists. On the eight floors of the complex, goods are sold at very affordable prices, but here you need to be prepared for the fact that the thing will not be original.
There are a lot of shopping complexes in Bangkok - The Emporium, Amarin Plaza (luxury level centers), Siam Center Bangkok (youth-oriented center), Platinum Fashion Mall (a popular center next to the market of the same name), Pantip Plaza (IT center, for lovers electronics) and many others - and it is impossible to get around them all even in a few days.
In addition, Bangkok malls often have seasonal sales where you can buy quality goods at bargain prices.
And Bangkok's street markets are a great alternative for those on a tight budget. They sell everything you can imagine: clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, suitcases, interior items, furniture, souvenirs, flowers, antiques, animals and everything else you can think of. The most popular markets in Bangkok are Chatuchak night market and Pratunam market. They are really huge, so much so that it is not surprising to get lost on them.
At the weekend market - Chatuchak Market - at the entrance you can buy a map of the market with a description of the shopping areas. The market occupies a gigantic area where you can walk all day and not go around everything. It is better to buy the goods you like here immediately, as there is a high probability that you will not be able to find this place again. The market is fully open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but on other days many merchants open their outlets.
Pratunam Market is also very popular among tourists and a very huge market in Bangkok, where you can buy clothes of all brands, though not original and not very high quality. But at prices several times lower. In addition to clothing, as in any market, of course, the assortment includes souvenirs, belts, bags, suitcases, jewelry - and much more. The market is located next to the popular tourist spot - the Baiyoke Sky Tower - and close to many hotels, so many sellers overcharge, so feel free to bargain.
Helpful answer?
Bangkok is popular among tourists not only for its sights and entertainment. This city is also a major world shopping center; you will hardly be able to leave the capital of Thailand without shopping. The advantages of this city in terms of trade are the low cost of goods and the high level of their quality, as well as the ability to bargain for the price. Basically, visitors are attracted to Bangkok by traditional silk and cotton products, as well as jewelry, the choice of which is huge here, and a variety of fabrics. The range of prices is very large, the quality of goods also varies accordingly, so some tourists buy diamonds, emeralds and sapphires here, while others buy more affordable semi-precious topazes, opals and nephrites. Shoppers in Bangkok will always find where to quench their thirst for shopping - in street stalls with cheap (but not very high-quality) goods that you can bargain for, in many boutiques with shining windows, or in huge shopping malls where they not only -something they will get, but in general they will have a good time.
A large number of trading establishments are scattered around the city, they can be found in any of the districts, however, most of, of course, is located in places of congestion of tourists. One of these places is the area Silom along with the street of the same name. This shopping center is of great commercial importance to the city. There are a large number of shops and boutiques representing famous brands, fashion houses of world renown, as well as simpler trading establishments. This area is home to Robinson's Shopping Center, Central Department Store, and other similar establishments.
Here, every shopaholic will find a true paradise for himself, Silom offers a wide range of goods, there are many antique shops, jewelry stores, shops where you can buy ceramics, clothes, souvenirs, electronics and much more. The continuation of Silom Street is New Road, home to the City Shopping Complex and Oriental Plaza, where you will find a wide selection of paintings, jewelry and clothes.
Patpong night market
Patpong Road diagonally crosses Surawong Road and Silom Road. In the evening, this place in the capital of Thailand becomes the center of all its trade. At 7:00 pm, the amazing Patpong Night Market opens. Two hours before the opening, a large number of workers assemble retail spaces from metal structures and mount the lighting system. Patpong is open until 02:00, but it's best if you arrive here after 23:00 - at this time, most tourists disperse, and it will be easier for you to bargain to reduce the cost of goods.
Chinatown
This area is probably the most exotic in Bangkok. Those who live here consider themselves Thais for quite a long time, they do not speak Chinese, but their native culture has left an imprint everywhere - in the unique architecture, in many traditional gastronomic establishments.
The main street in this area is Yowarat, which is also its main financial artery. Here you can find more than one hundred and thirty jewelry trading establishments, in which gold is the main commodity. It often happens that Chinatown itself is called the "Golden Road". All shops here are painted red and gold. By the way, most of the stores are members of the Gold Merchants Association, so ninety-nine percent of the gold you find here is real.
Chinatown is home to Talat Khao, Sampeng and Khlong markets. On the first one you can find gastronomic exotics that go to Chinese restaurants, the second is the center for the textile trade in the city, and the third offers a huge assortment household appliances and electronics. In this area, trading establishments and bazaars, as usual, are open on all days of the week and work until late.
Chatuchak Market
This weekend market is one of the largest in the world. It occupies an area of 141,640 square meters, there are more than fifteen thousand different outlets and shops. Every day about two hundred thousand visitors come here, who spend about thirty million baht, that is, more than 700 thousand dollars. The formal opening hours of the Chatuchak market are from 09:00 to 18:00 on Saturday and Sunday, but in fact - from about 10:00 until sunset. On Fridays there is a wholesale trade, but goods are also available at retail.
Phahurat Market Bombay
The location of this market is the area of residence of the Indian national minority in the capital of Thailand. You can buy a wide variety of fabrics, clothes, spices, buttons, etc. in this market, and the prices for products will pleasantly surprise you.
Other markets in Bangkok
Let's highlight several markets and shopping centers in Bangkok. For example, the Pratunam market is one of the largest centers for the manufacture of ready-made clothes in the city. At the Sunam Lun night bazaar, which is open every day from 17:00 to 00:00, there are, in addition to shops and retail shops, a large number of pubs and restaurants, and in addition to all this, the Traditional Thai Puppet Theater. Of interest is also the Bo Be clothing market, located on the Krung Kasem road. Pak Khlong Talad flower market sells carnations, orchids, lilies... The Thieves' Market, located between Charoenkrung and Yaowarat Streets, offers a wide selection of antiques and art pieces.
Shopping center EMPORIUM
In the capital of Thailand, there are not only markets, but also a large number of good shopping centers. On Sukhumvit Street there is a wonderful institution "Emporium", which is one of the best among its kind. This mall houses a large number of branded boutiques such as Christian Dior, Chanel, Versace and many others.
Important shopping centers are located near the Pratunam area - these are Central World Plaza and Gaysorn Plaza and Siam Paragon located next to them, where the famous Oceanarium is located - the second largest in Southeast Asia, after Singapore.
Most of our compatriots go on holiday to Thailand. And if you were in this country and did not visit the capital. The capital of not only Buddhism, but also shopping. On a level with the famous "Emerald Temple of the Buddha" in the world's shopping centers, open weekend markets, and many small souvenir shops and tents rise. After all, when we come to rest, we strive not only to relax, but also to visit interesting famous places, try many new dishes from oriental (Thai, Indian, Chinese) cuisine. Gaining new impressions and even experience. So why not make a memorable shopping experience in this wonderful country. Moreover, if you flew in during the rainy season (from May to October), then you are in the season of discounts up to 70%. And if you ask, who does the shopping in such a season? The answer is simple, the rains start quickly, but also end quickly. At the same time, discounts apply not only to clothes and equipment, but to all possible services (from ending with medical procedures).
The most common shopping areas are Siam and Pratunam. When you get to these streets, it feels like you are drowning in an abundance of various shops and shops. It is also worth visiting the Sukhumvit area, on this street there is one of the famous markets, the “Weekend Market”.
The most famous shopping centers and open markets in Bangkok:
Bangkok's most famous shopping mall is Central World Plaza.. This is probably the biggest one. It takes at least a few days to inspect the entire territory. In itself, the shopping center combines not only shops with clothes and shoes, but many entertainment centers, playgrounds for children, cafes, and much more. Under the very roof there is a huge cinema with 6 halls. Where film screenings are constantly held for both adults and young viewers. The prices in the store are undemocratic. If you decide to purchase goods here, then the quality of the goods is guaranteed, and you will not receive a fake. These stores bring clothes and shoes of world brands, as well as their own production in Thailand. Central World Plaza is located near the BTS Chitlom station. Store opening at 10.00, closing at 22.00. The center is open seven days a week.
For those who love innovative technologies, the path is open to Pantip Plaza. Here you can see the latest world technology, and buy any product you like. Starting with small household appliances and accessories, ending with all possible IT technologies. This is a paradise not only for the male half, but for the weaker sex too. The shopping center is open daily from 10.00 to 21.00.
Siam Paragon is probably the biggest mall in Bangkok. Siam Paragon combines many different products. If you come to buy clothes or shoes, you will find what you need. If you just want to relax, there are cozy cafes and restaurants. This mall has everything from clothing to jewelry ending with cars. This store is suitable not only for purchasing things, but also provides an opportunity to plunge into the world of recreation and entertainment. There are many art galleries and exhibition halls on the territory. Even in Siam Paragon there is the largest oceanarium-aquarium in Southeast Asia. A lot of fish swim in it, starting from sharks, ending with fish that are not even in the ocean. Working hours from 10.00 to 22.00.
Fashion Mall is one of the most democratic shopping centers in Bangkok. If you want to buy a new thing for your wardrobe, come here. The price of any little thing is small, but you will get great pleasure from shopping. The store itself consists of 6 floors. Five of them are filled with things and souvenirs, but on the sixth there are all kinds of eateries and entertainment centers, there are hairdressers and massage parlors. You can get lost in the abundance of shops and shops, in order to avoid such an incident, at the entrance to the Fashion Mall they give out small booklets-cards. There are also a few downsides to this store. The main disadvantage is that not all shops have fitting rooms. Many clothing sizes are not yet available to buyers (only small sizes are on sale). But it's still worth walking through. The choice and abundance of clothing will amaze you, and this is a great opportunity to pick up a few souvenirs to take home.
Bangkok markets
The presence of shopping centers in Bangkok pleases, but do not forget about the souvenir shops and markets of the city. It is worth visiting the markets just to see the real Thai culture and feel its atmosphere.
You need to know the basic rules of the market!
- All the time you need to smile (you will be measured, called, touched, and you smile).
- Thailand is a bargain. All the vendors in the marketplaces are so accustomed to haggling that it has become a culture.
The main thing is that after such shopping you will get the best impressions, you will have a great mood until the end of the whole trip. But there is one drawback that is present in such shopping. This is the lack of fitting rooms in the market. The most the salesperson will do for you is measure your waist (but measure with a smile). There are several such markets at the disposal of tourists. Such as Chatuchak Weekend Market (Weekend Market), Chatuchak Weekend Market (Night Bazaar), Pak Khlong Talad (Flower Bazaar), Phahurat Indian Market, etc.
weekend market
1. Probably the main and most interesting market is the weekend market or Chatuchak. The market is open only weekends Saturday and Sunday. The opening starts at 7.00 am and continues until late in the evening. The market area, almost the largest in Thailand, covers an area of more than 35 acres of land. Market traders provide both tourists and locals with a huge selection of goods. From clothes to household items. Abundant presence of a variety of foods and seasonings. Fiction, antiques. Any little things and toys. This is not the entire list of market products. Here you can find absolutely everything you need.
Tip for tourists: it’s worth coming to the market no later than 9.00 in the morning, because after a while the market will be very hot and crowded.
night market
Chatuchak Weekend Market or night market. Opening at 17.00 to 24.00. There are many restaurants, pubs, cafes on the territory, and there is also an amazing Thai puppet theater. There you can also buy a variety of works of local artisans, fakes of famous companies and brands. A trip to the night market will be memorable.
Pak Khlong Talad
Pak Khlong Talad flower market come from all over Bangkok. Here they sell all kinds of flowers. Local merchants will prepare a bouquet for any occasion. But if you come just to look at the abundance of flowers and the variety of bouquets, you will have the feeling that you have come to the botanical garden.
Phakhurat
Phakhurat is one of the most famous spice markets in Asia. When you pass by the shops of merchants, not only are there, the aroma of all kinds of oriental spices is in the air. And on the market, there are many different fabrics, costumes and a variety of household items.
In Bangkok, you can visit not only architectural monuments, parks, monasteries, temples. You can also get a lot of impressions from visiting shopping centers, markets and souvenir shops. If you don't need it, don't buy! After all, the main thing is to plunge into the atmosphere of fashion and the mood of Asia.
They offer a huge selection of goods at the lowest prices in Thailand. Russians will also be pleasantly surprised by the cost, especially those who live in provincial cities, far from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The shops in Bangkok number in the hundreds. There are several dozen large shopping centers. All of them are scattered around the city and there will probably be one of them near your hotel, especially if you live in the center.
The best shopping centers in Bangkok are multi-storey buildings with 5-6 or more floors. Each floor is usually dedicated to some type of product, such as children's products, women's products, sports products. In addition, there is a separate floor with a food court (where you can have a cheap meal of Thai food for only 40-60 baht) and restaurants. Some have grocery supermarkets.
The best shops in Bangkok are located in the tourist areas, usually near the subway and easily accessible. There are also large retail chains - Big C and Tesco Lotus. They have the lowest prices for goods and products.
Below we describe the main shopping places in the capital of Thailand. For your convenience, at the bottom of the page, we have marked the main shopping centers and shops of Bangkok on the Google map.
Siam Paragon, Siam Center
The largest shopping center in the city. Consists of 5 floors. It sells quality goods of world famous brands such as Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Versace, Burberry and Hermes and others. Prices are quite expensive for Thailand, but there are sales almost every month.
Siam Paragon occupies two underground floors of the Bangkok shopping center - one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
There are also three food courts here: Food Hall Food Court, Food Hall Gallery, and Food Hall Take Home.
The Siam Center shopping complex is one of the oldest, built in 1976. Nevertheless, it successfully competes with its more modern counterparts. Has gone through several renovations. It has 4 floors, where there are 300 shops, 20 restaurants and a food court. Large selection of goods for children, adults and youth. Computers, mobile phones, IT products and much more.
Pantip Plaza - Bangkok's premier electronics store
This is the largest electronics store in Bangkok. Here you can buy cheap everything related to computers, IT technologies and digital technology. The 5-story building houses hundreds of shops selling both Thai products and global brands.
In the electronics store you can buy computers, laptops, netbooks, iPhones, iPads, mobile phones, photographic equipment, printers and their consumables, scanners, flash drives, disks (both clean and with music and movies), game consoles, etc. . etc. There are fakes (mainly mobile phones) and high-quality goods.
MBK shopping center in Bangkok is one of the most popular among both tourists and local residents. Built in 1986, area 89,000 sq. m. In the 8-storey building there are more than a thousand stores offering almost everything and at low prices, from clothes, shoes, bags to audio, video, photo products, athos, iPads, furniture, discs with films, music and games . On the 5th and 6th floors, you can have a delicious meal in the food court.
Central World
The Central World shopping complex is one of the most modern and largest in the capital of Thailand. Area 830,000 sq.m. This is not only a place for shopping, but also for entertainment. In addition to 500 shops, there are cinemas, dozens of restaurants, playgrounds for children, bowling and much more. You can come here for the whole day: buy, eat and relax.
Shopping Center Terminal 21
The youngest and most unusual store in the capital. It was opened in October 2011. It got its name not by chance, because it resembles an airport and each of its floors represents a particular country: Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, Istanbul, etc. Only 9 floors, more than 600 outlets. Lots of inexpensive items from little-known Thai and Asian brands. Kipling, Jaspal, Adidas, Levi's, Guess, Puma, Nike and other well-known brands sell more expensive.
On the top floors of this Bangkok store there is an inexpensive food court and a cinema with 8 halls (including 3D).
Emporium
Shopping Mall has 6 floors above ground and several underground. Built in 1997. Its convenience is that it is located a few meters from the metro. There is always a large selection of famous brands such as Versace, Chanel, Christian Dior, Kenzo, Cartier and others that are more affordable. There is a cinema, children's playgrounds and an inexpensive food court. In addition, this Bangkok shopping center has a lot of sports and youth clothing, various accessories, computer, audio and video equipment, and perfumes.
The shopping center was built in 1993 and covers an area of 11,200 sq.m. Located opposite the very center of nightlife in Bangkok - Patpong 1 and Patpong 2 streets. Only 4 floors (plus one underground), where there are shops for clothes and shoes, fashion accessories, optics, cosmetics, watches, bedding, jewelry, toys, etc. .d. Goods for women, men, children and teenagers, sporting goods. Banks, a grocery supermarket and restaurants are also at your service.
This is the oldest mall in Bangkok. Opened back in 1973. Consists of 8 floors. Belongs to the Central retail chain, whose stores are in many. There are several points of this network in Bangkok, but this one is the main one.
The store has a large selection of clothes, shoes, watches, handbags, phones, children's toys, jewelry, books, household utensils, bedding, etc. In particular, such famous brands as Gucci, Burberry, Bally, Ferragamo, Paul Smith, Zegna are represented. Perfume and skincare brands such as Shu Uemura, SKII, MAC, L'Occitane, Urban Rittuale, Anna Sui. Lots of sportswear. There is a supermarket and food court.
Platinum Fashion Mall
One of the cheapest shops in Bangkok. Built in 2000, has 8 floors (if you count the underground). Its main feature is that it is aimed at wholesale buyers, the prices here are very low. But it should be borne in mind that practically nothing can be measured, except for shoes, so purchases can only be made by eye.
Platinum Fashion Mall sells goods from all over the world, including Asian ones - Korean, Japanese, Indian, Chinese. Most of the floors are occupied by departments with women's clothing and footwear; for men, the assortment is noticeably smaller.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
The largest market in the capital of Thailand. On an area of 27 acres, there are 15,000 tents and stalls where they sell almost everything: woodcarving, handmade amulets, ornamental plants and flowers, handicrafts, souvenirs, ceramics, Chinese products, furniture, paintings, stones, clothes, shoes, silk, toys, household appliances, etc. Large selection of antiques. There is a zone where you can buy pets - dogs and cats of different breeds, rabbits and other animals.
Prices are designed for Thais, so traditionally low. In addition, you can bargain and buy the item you like even cheaper.
But it is also one of the world's shopping centers, where no one leaves without shopping. Trade in Bangkok has a lot of advantages: low prices, fairly good quality, and always a reasonable bargain.
What to buy in Bangkok
Most often, tourists prefer to buy traditional Thai products made of silk and cotton, various fabrics, as well as jewelry, which can be found in Bangkok in abundance. At the same time, the quality and prices vary greatly, so someone can leave Thailand sparkling with precious sapphires, diamonds and emeralds, and people with a less fat wallet may well like semi-precious nephrites, topazes and opals. There are really a lot of opportunities for shopping in the city: street shops where you can get goods of not very high quality, but they are cheap and you can easily bargain; numerous boutiques, shining with their showcases; huge shopping centers where you can not only shop, but also just have a good time.
Where to buy
It is easy to find local shopping centers in every district of Bangkok, but most of them, of course, in tourist places. One such place is the Silom district along with the street of the same name, which is very important from a commercial point of view.
Silom
It is in the Silom area that there are many boutiques and shops of famous brands, fashion houses with world-famous names and just shops with various goods. It is in the area of Silom Street that the Central Department Store and the Robinson's shopping center, as well as other shopping centers and plazas, are located. These places are a real paradise for shopaholics of all kinds, because the range of goods that Silom has is amazing - great amount jewelry stores, shops with antiques, clothing, ceramics, souvenirs, electronics and many, many others.
Silom continues along New Road, where shopping centers such as Oriental Plaza and City Shopping Complex are located with a large selection of jewelry, paintings and clothing.
Patpong
Patpong Street, diagonally crossing Silom and Surawong Road, becomes the center of all trade in Bangkok with the onset of twilight - from 19:00 it is here that the amazing night bazaar Patpong opens. A couple of hours before that, many workers assemble counters from metal structures and spend on the created for this a short time market light. The market is open until 2 am, however best time to visit - after 23:00, when the bulk of tourists begin to thin out and it becomes easier to bargain with sellers and bring down the price.
Chinatown
Perhaps the most exotic area of Bangkok, whose residents have long considered themselves Thais and do not speak Chinese, but the influence of their native culture is felt everywhere here - a peculiar architecture, many Chinese restaurants. The district's main street, Yowarat, is also Chinatown's main commercial artery, with more than 130 jewelry stores selling mostly gold. Even the area itself is sometimes called the "Golden Road". All shop buildings are built in red and gold. It is noteworthy that almost all stores are members of the Association of Gold Merchants, so they try to monitor the quality here - 99% of gold is real.
There are also several markets in the area: Talat Khao, which sells amazing exotic delicacies for Chinese restaurants; Sampeng is the fabric trading center in Bangkok; Khlong Tom market offers a huge selection of electronics and home appliances. Markets and shops in Chinatown are usually open seven days a week and until late.
Bangkok markets
Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest in the world. The market area is huge - 141,640 m², on its territory there are more than 15,000 shops and shops of various kinds. Every day, the market is visited by approximately 200,000 people, and the total amount spent by visitors on purchases reaches 30 million baht, which is equivalent to 743 thousand dollars.
Phahurat Market Bombay located in Bangkok's Indian minority area. Here you can find a huge variety of fabrics, as well as spices, various clothes, curtains, buttons, tassels, and at very low prices. Phakhurat is also considered the center of spices, which is why there is an unforgettable specific smell here all the time. Curry, paprika, nutmeg - the choice of spices here is colossal.
Pratunam Market- one of the largest centers in Bangkok for the production of ready-made dresses, some of which are sold here in stores. Open daily, located on Ratchaprarop and Phetburi (Phetchaburi) road. Nearby is the Amari Watergate Hotel. The market sells all kinds of textiles and clothing, including wholesale and small wholesale. The area is also home to Bangkok's tallest building, the Baiyoke Tower, with restaurants on the 77th and 78th floors offering stunning views of the city.
Bo Be Clothing Market located along the Krung Kasem road, near the Bangkok railway station, and is the city's recognized ready-to-wear shopping center, both wholesale and retail. When buying a large amount of goods, you just need to bargain.
Pak Khlong Talad Market known as the "flower market" where they sell orchids, lilies, carnations, etc. This is a must-see market, especially if you can't sleep at night (the market is open after three in the morning). Here you can buy not only a sea of cut flowers at a ridiculous price, but also a huge amount of fruits and vegetables.
Market "Thieves" located between Yaowarat and Charoenkrung streets, with a large selection of art and antiques. Here they sell Thai and Chinese porcelain, brass and copper products, furniture with mother-of-pearl inserts. Trading is required.
Sampeng Lane remains one of the most picturesque and curious corners of the city. On some streets they make lanterns, on others they sell various drugs, herbs, toys or shoes. Try to find the little Kong Tek shops that sell houses and cars made out of paper.
Talat Khao Market- an old bazaar where they sell fresh fruits, outlandish dried fruits, spices and nuts. A bag of fire spices purchased from an old Thai man will remind you of Bangkok exoticism for a long time to come.
Patpong night market already mentioned in this review. Note that the best time to visit is after 23:00, when the bulk of tourists begin to thin out and it becomes easier to bargain with sellers and bring down the price.
Shopping malls in Bangkok
In addition to the markets in Bangkok, there are many high-level shopping centers. The number of huge shopping malls, smaller shopping centers, shops, supermarkets, private shops, souvenir shops, markets and spontaneous bazaars in Bangkok is more than you can imagine.
The main shopping centers where shopping turns into a real pleasure, accompanied by visiting cinemas, restaurants and cafes, are Siam Paragon, Gaysorn, Central World Plaza, Emporium, Erawan. In them you can find almost every global brand of clothing, shoes, accessories and cosmetics that you can think of.
Prices are also very, very reasonable, for example, things from such popular brands as Guess and Zara can be bought much cheaper than, say, in Moscow stores. In addition, almost all major shopping centers often hold sales, during which discounts can reach 70%. Large shopping centers are usually open until 21:00-24:00 seven days a week.
List of malls in Bangkok
Tax Refund
The Thai tax free system is called VAT Refund and implies a refund of 7% of purchases made in Thailand.
The tax free check in Thailand is called the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P.10) and is a yellow A4 form, to which the original store check is attached.
In order for a tax free check in Thailand to be issued, you must make a simultaneous purchase in the amount of more than 2,000 baht. However, for a VAT refund when leaving Thailand, it is necessary that the total value of goods on all tax free checks be more than 5,000 baht.
The purchase of goods under the VAT Refund system must be made in a store that has a corresponding white and blue logo. For example, in a boutique or store, simply ask the seller to issue you a VAT Refund Application for Tourist form by presenting your passport or a copy of it. If the purchase is made in a shopping center or in a supermarket, then all information on VAT refunds must be obtained from the Information or Customer Service counters.
To take advantage of the Thai tax free system, you need:
- be a tourist, not a citizen of the Kingdom of Thailand;
- not be a member of the crew of any airline;
- leave the country through one of the international airports;
- The purchase must have been made no more than 60 days ago.
The VAT refund procedure at the airport is quite simple. At the VAT Refund office, before check-in and baggage check-in, the customs officer must put a stamp on all issued Tax Free checks. The customs officer may require you to present the purchased goods in unopened form. This without fail applies to goods whose value exceeds 8-10 thousand baht. At the end of the procedure, all things can be checked in as luggage. Then, after receiving a stamp on tax free checks, registration and passport control, already in the departure and duty free area, you need to go to the VAT Refund counters, where the VAT refund will be made.
Please note that refunds in excess of THB 30,000 will not be issued in cash and can only be refunded by check or direct transfer to a payment card such as VISA or Mastercard. You will also not be able to receive your 7% of the purchase by presenting tax free documents in Russian bank upon arrival, as is possible with European VAT refund systems.
Another Thai nuance: for the services of issuing and processing documents and tax free checks, the system takes a fee of 100 baht, which is deducted from the total amount of the tax refund.
Sales in Bangkok 2019
Shopping centers in Bangkok arrange sales on the eve of the New Year - the usual and Chinese, and other public holidays. In addition, being in the Thai capital at any other time, you can always find discounted goods, because retail outlets arrange permanent sales at their own discretion.
In summer, it is worth visiting the "Amazing Big Thai Sale" - Amazing Thailand Grand Sale— the official two-month period of grandiose discounts. In 2019, the sale will run from June 15 to August 15. Not only large shopping and entertainment centers, shops and boutiques, but also jewelry stores, SPA-salons, museums, cafes, restaurants will take part in the big sale. In addition to fixed discounts on goods in the amount of 50-80%, it will be possible to receive special gifts, vouchers, discount cards, flyers, participate in promotions like “two goods for the price of one”, etc.
Shopping video in Bangkok
On the official website of the TV show “Eagle and Reshka. Shopping” is available for viewing the edition dedicated to shopping in Bangkok.