Bangkok has built a strong reputation as a top shopping destination. It has all types of outlets (from huge, modern malls to simple street markets) and wares (from antiques to the latest in fashion). Most stores accept major credit cards and have fixed prices; but be prepared to haggle with street vendors.

Pottery has a 700-year history in Thailand, and among the popular buys today are the sea-green celadon, and Chinese blue-and-white pieces. Bangkok is famous for its jewelry and gems (the country is ranked the world’s second-biggest jewelry exporter), as gem-cutting and jewelry design have reached a high level among Thai artisans. Another bestseller is Thai silk, which comes in a rainbow of colors, and which could be made into a dress, shirt or coat for you by any of the shops offering custom tailoring in the city.

Some shopping reminders:

Following are some popular shopping areas in Bangkok. Hunt for bargains or just mingle with the crowd and soak in the local color.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

This is a huge open public market located opposite the Northern Bus Station on Phahonyothin Road adjacent to the Vibhavadi Rangsit Highway that leads to the airport. Here you will find thousands of local products—from fresh fruits and vegetables, to dresses, toys, plants, and pets. The market is open only on Saturdays and Sundays. Try your skill at haggling and get some really good bargains. Language is not a problem as vendors show you the price on their calculators, and let you key in the amount you want to pay.

Silom-Patpong

Silom Road is the main road in Bangkok’s commercial district. At its lower end where it leads to New Road, which runs parallel the Chao Phraya River, there are dozens of gem and jewelry shops. Near this area is the River City Shopping Complex which houses art galleries, a Thai-style market, and a branch of Central Departmental Stores. At the upper end of Silom stand the big department stores led by Central and Robinson. Linking Silom to Surawongse Road is Patpong, where you will find the famous night market teeming with bargain-hunters.

Chinatown and Ban Mor

Gold shops are mainly concentrated in Bangkok’s Chinatown, located in Yaowarat Road. Ban Mor, which also has many quality jewelry stores, is just a few blocks away. The quality of gold, the workmanship, and designs are generally high in this area. Also visit two other traditional shopping places located nearby: the Thieves Market and Phahurat Cloth Market.

Ploenchit-Ratchadamri Roads

Some people call Ratchadamri, with its glitzy shops, the Fifth Avenue of Bangkok. Here luxury goods from different countries are on display together with the fine works of local designers. Ten of the biggest department stores in Bangkok have arcades here, standing next to countless smaller shops. Narayana Phand, at 127 Ratchadamri Road, offers a fine collection of handicrafts from all around the country at reasonable prices (open daily from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.).

Sukhumvit-New Petchburi Road

Sukhumvit is another major thoroughfare boasting exclusive shops, boutiques, stalls, and modern shopping plazas. It is known for its many garment shops offering custom-tailoring: You can order a suit or a dress made and get it in just a few days. Antique lovers, meanwhile, can scour Sukhumvit’s antique shops. A popular destination in this district is Pratunam Market, a traditional center for ready-to-wear clothing.

Seacon Square

Touted as Asia’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, Seacon Square in eastern Bangkok is equivalent in size to 96 football fields. It houses the Robinson Department Store; the Lotus Supercenter; "Yoyo Land" amusement park; "Seacon 14" multiplex cinema; an International Book Forum; a motion simulation theatre called "The Simulator"; 400 brand name shops; a food court; and even an 18-hole miniature golf course.

Seacon Square
904 Srinakarin Road, Nongbon
Prawet, Bangkok 10260
Tel: +66-2 721-8888
Fax: +66-2 721-9444