Bangkok has a well-deserved reputation as one of the world's top ten shopping destinations. From traditional markets to gleaming new shopping malls, the city certainly does have a lot to offer. Of course, how “good” the shopping is, for you, will depend a lot on what exactly you're looking for. Imported luxury items are likely to be just as pricey in Bangkok as they are back home. The best buys are usually on things made locally. Read on for ideas on where and what to look for.
MBK Shopping Center, one of the oldest malls in Bangkok
While one common comment about Bangkok is that it has no center, there's no doubting that there is a central shopping area, and that is the Siam district. In the space of just a few blocks are no less than seven major shopping malls, as well as the boutique-filled Siam Square and more than half a dozen hotels. This area is the place to go for manufactured goods - clothes, housewares, Lamborghinis, etc. Just about every taste and price range is catered for by one place or another, from the young-adult centered Siam Square boutiques, to the indoor bazaar that is MBK, to the high fashion international designer shops in Siam Paragon, where, yes, there is a Lamborghini showroom.
Now, if clothes are what you're mainly after, then you probably want to head just a little north of the Siam area, to Pratunam, which is one of Bangkok's main garment districts. The oldest part of this area is a rabbit warren of stalls selling just about any kind of clothing you could name, but most people these days seem to prefer to cool comfort of the newer mall-like places such as Platinum. These malls are little more than covered, multi-level bazaars where small stalls overflow with what-ever is on sale. The main things to find here are casual clothes of every description and style.
Local handicrafts: Thai traditional handicrafts, as well as modern Thai style housewares, are often simple yet elegant souvenirs to take home. The biggest selection of Thai handicrafts can be found at Narayanaphand, located on Ploenchit Road in the basement of the Siam Intercontinental. Of course, one of the most well known Thai handicrafts is silk. Other distinctive Thai crafts include Benjarong ceramics and celadon.
Sadly, a lot of the 'Thai' souvenirs on sale at many tourist sites are mass produced items that may have been made in Burma, Laos, Cambodia or even China. If you want to be sure of getting a genuine Thai handicraft, and help out Thais, you might want to patronize one of several foundations and charities that make or sell real Thai handicrafts.
Antiques can be a rather tricky proposition in Thailand, since there is little or no legal framework for the trade, and in fact anything truly old and significant requires special authorization to be shipped out of the country. The largest concentration of reputable antique shops can be found in the River City center near the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.
Computers, smart phones, digital cameras and other bits of technology can be bargains in Thailand, or they can be much more expensive than what you'll pay back home. This is one area where you really need to know what things cost at home before you decide to buy in Bangkok. For many items, you also need to consider warranty and repair services. Some electronics come with global warranties, and some do not. If you're in the market for just about anything in this category, my place to go would be Fortune Town IT Mall on Ratchadapisek Road. It's easy to get to, and has special sections for phones, computers and digital cameras.