Thailand Activities and Top Things to do guide
What to Buy
A wealth of shopping opportunities awaits the visitor, and bargains abound
throughout our country in traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery
and antiques, as well as more contemporary items.
 Gems
: Bangkok is the coloured gemstone capital of the world. Rubies and sapphires
are indigenous stones, but virtually all coloured gems, as well as diamonds,
are available. Shoppers should exercise caution and buy from reputable
dealers only.
Clothing : We're one of the world's leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear
clothing. Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper
clothing such as T-shirts and jeans are available at bargain prices from
street vendors. Custom tailoring is also very affordable and tailors can
produce or copy most styles in just a few days.
Cotton & Batik : Our Thai cottons have become increasingly
popular and are a good deal. Particularly notable are the hilltribe cottons
woven by the tribal people of the North, typically displaying bold designs
and often lavish embroidery. Equally distinctive are original batiks crafted
at several studios in Bangkok.
Hilltribe Crafts : The tribal groups who live in the hills of
the north make a variety of beautifully embroidered textiles and silver
jewellery. Chiang Mai is the centre for such goods.
Where to shop
 In
Bangkok : Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets,
and there are many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and
easy access. Here’s just a selection of some of the places to go
shopping!
Chatuchak Park Weekend Market : A famous Bangkok landmark where you can
buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants - a paradise
for browsers and bargain- hunters alike.
Silom-Mahesak-New Road :
Many gems and jewellery stores are found here, also the River City Shopping
Complex, known for its quality antique stores and regular auctions.
Silom-Surawong-Patpong :
The commercial heart of Bangkok. houses dozens of specialist shops,
boutiques and shopping plaza representing all the major buys. Street stalls
also abound, most notably Patpong’s famous night market.
Bang Lamphu :
Close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu
has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
Beyond Bangkok :
The main city for shopping outside the capital is Chiang Mai, which ranks
as one of the world's largest centres for handicrafts and cottage industries.
The extensive range of local products includes cotton and silk, hilltribe
clothing, Burmese tapestries, hand-painted umbrellas and lacquerware,
and many such items can be found at its fascinating Night Bazaar. Pattaya
also offers plentiful shopping for Thai goods while virtually all other
cities and resorts provide ample opportunity for buying gifts and souvenirs,
as well as local specialties.
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