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 An
overwhelming choice of high quality shops and multifarious
markets have made Thailand internationally famous for its
shopping opportunities. It should be noted that the prices
in large department stores are usually higher than those in
local markets, though these are still useful as a general
guideline. Department stores are also a reliable source of
genuine designer goods, rather than the cheap, lower quality
fakes that are still widely sold in the markets.
Tour guides and taxi drivers usually earn a commission for
taking their clients to certain shops and, although there
is nothing wrong with this particular practice, shopping around
is recommended. A number of smooth-talking touts still hang
around some of the major tourist attractions in the hope of
snagging unsuspecting
tourists into following them to shops - especially gem and
jewellery shops. Following them is usually an unrewarding
adventure and has occasionally led to people being disappointed
in one way or another.
It is in the Thai markets that the best bargains and the most
fun can be had when shopping. Colourful and fascinating, they
constitute a sightseeing experience in themselves, and much
enjoyment can be had without buying a thing.
Bangkok
  Chatuchak
Weekend Market - This huge, popular weekend market, set
on a 35 acre plot of public park, is open from dawn to dusk
every Saturday and Sunday. Chatuchak has literally hundreds
of stalls and thousands of products, including handicrafts,
plants, fresh fruits, antique reproductions, shoes, toys,
clothing, domestic utensils and pets.
Banglamphu
- The traveller hang-out of Khao San Road, near the Chao
Phraya River, in Banglamphu, has a wide range of street stalls
and enclosed markets selling ethnic and tie-dyed clothing,
leather goods, footwear, cosmetics and curios. There are also
a large number of stalls selling secondhand books.
Patpong
& Silom Road Night Market - By day, a busy shopping and
business district, at night this area converts into a raucous
entertainment centre with numerous street-stalls selling everything
from fashion items to watches and music. Much that is for
sale here is fake.
Pratunam
Market - The bustling area in downtown Bangkok is best
known for bargain clothing.
Chinatown
Markets - An exciting place to visit even if not shopping,
Chinatown has two particularly interesting markets - the Pahurat
cloth and textile market, mainly run by Thai-Sikhs, where
materials can be bought cheaply, and the Thieves Market selling
a range of antiques and bric-a-brac.
 Chiang
Mai Markets
Warorot
Market - Located near the river, many other Chiang Mai
markets are equally as colourful, but cannot match the size
of this market or the variety of goods available. Almost anything
can be bought, and it is easy to spend several hours exploring
the hundreds of shops and stalls on two different levels.
Chiang
Mai Night Bazaar - This is a great place to visit for
the atmosphere, and discovering the occasional unusual shop
selling something quite different from the run-of-the-mill
tourist favourites. Shopping around and bargaining is essential
before deciding on a purchase.
Best Buys
Silk
- Made internationally famous by Jim Thompson, Thai silk is
available in a variety of weights and colours, or as off the
peg or bespoke clothing.
Ceramics
& Pottery - From the richly decorated Benjarong style
to the simple beauty of Celadon, Thai ceramics and pottery
comes in many attractive forms, shapes and sizes.
Wickerwork
- There is a wide variety of durable rattan and bamboo wickerwork
available, with most shops happy to arrange shipment of large
pieces around the world.
Brass
& Bronze - Bronzeware is a Thai specialty, with many traditional
and modern designs obtainable. Modern silicone coating methods
prevent normal tarnishing, and items need only the minimum
of care.
Gold
and Silver - Many jewellers can craft items to individual
specifications, but ready-made favourites include hand crafted
chains, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, coins, and pendants.
However, since gold prices are fixed according to the daily
market prices, costs can vary. Small antique silver items,
available at many markets and some shops, make particularly
attractive souvenirs or gifts.
Pearls
- There are several pearl farms producing fine quality products
in Thailand's southern peninsula, particularly in Phuket,
Phang Nga, and Ranong.
Sa
Paper - Made from the Sa tree, this remarkably strong
paper is used for, among other things making religious scriptures,
canvases, fans, and masks for the traditional Thai theatre
as well as for many attractive inexpensive souvenirs. Its
most famous use is for the colourful and wonderfully durable
umbrellas made in Chiang Mai.
Artificial
Flowers - Entirely hand made using Sa paper, coconut fibre,
and silkworm cocoons, Thailand's artificial flowers rank amongst
the finest in the world.
Dolls
- The art of doll-making dates back hundreds of years. From
classical dancers in full costume, hill tribe people in their
colourful dress, rural folks in everyday attire, to traditional
Thai children with their topknots, the dolls reflect Thailand's
wide range of different peoples and customs
Shadow
Puppets - With characters from the Ramakien, the Thai
translation of the Indian epic drama, the Ramayana. Shadow
theatre figures of buffalo hide come in singles and pairs,
usually fixed in a fighting pose, and groups, often with backgrounds
of earthly or celestial scenery.
Wood
Crafts - Ranging from superb furniture to the most delicate
carvings, Thai craftsmen are renowned for their talent in
transforming raw wood into beautifully aesthetic forms, from
lifelike replicas of animals, to reproductions of figures
from old temples and palaces. Chiang Mai is particularly noted
for teakwood furniture which can be made to measure, and shipped
to your home.
Jewellery
- Thailand is now a well-established cutting centre both for
precious stones mined locally, and those imported from neighbouring
countries such as Myanmar and Cambodia. There are many attractive
jewellery items on sale in hundreds of shops and markets all
over the country and almost anything can be copied, or made
to measure to suit your preference.
Note: The export of Buddha images,
images of deities and antiques is strictly forbidden without
first obtaining approval from the Fine Arts Department. Note
that in the case of Buddha images, this only applies to consecrated
images and not those sold as souvenirs.
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