Shopping
Many items can be purchased quite cheaply in Thailand,
as long as you know where to look. Thanks to Thailand’s
counterfeit culture, reasonable copies of Billabong shorts,
Nike trainers and hundreds of other products can be bought
for surprisingly low prices. However, quality varies widely,
so have a close look before you buy. Thailand operates
under a bartering system, which means that goods sold
by street vendors in markets or in some shops are flexibly
priced and you can get a very good deal if you know how
to haggle powerfully and politely. Like many aspects of
Thai culture, bartering is an intricate system that is
easy to underestimate. The trick is to let the vendor
make the first offer then ask 'Can you make a discount?'
A good benchmark is to offer half the quoted price. Be
firm, but make sure that you smile and possibly make a
joke – if you are seen as too pushy or aggressive you
will not be taken seriously and many traders will refuse
to deal with you. Remember not to start to bargain unless
you're serious about buying. Also remember that a difference
of a few baht may not really make much difference to you,
but it may be a big deal to the vendor. The best bargains
can usually be found at large markets. Chatuchak market
in Bangkok is a great place for bargain hunting, as is
the night market in Chiang Mai. Most towns have at least
one large local market, where you can find everything
from kitchen utensils, cheap clothes, bags and baubles
at incredibly cheap prices. Night markets are also a great
place to shop. Usually opening around 5 pm and often packing
up as late as 11 or 12 pm, these are also a great place
to find a cheap meal, buy fruit and people watch. Thailand’s
Floating Markets are much photographed and provide an
interesting appeal for tourists. The most visited floating
market is Damnoen Saduak, which is also the largest. Most
tour operators in and around Khaosan Road offer tours
to Damnoen Saduak. However, these days the market is very
crowded and sells mainly souvenirs and other tourist items.
For a more authentic experience, head to the Bang Khu
Wiang Floating Market, which is open daily from 04:00
and 07:00, or the Taling Chan Floating Market, which is
open on weekends until around 2 pm. If you’re looking
for cheap technology, Panthip Plaza in Bangkok has it
all. With 5 floors filled of every type of technological
gadget and gismo you could possibly dream of, it is easy
to spend half a day here. Remember to barter as most prices
are negotiable and seem to be cheaper on the upper floors.
Siam Square in Bangkok is the place to go if you like
large shopping centres. There are a wide range to choose
from, including MBK, Paragon and Siam Discovery. Big C
is another shopping center chain and can be found all
over Thailand in towns, cities and even quite small villages.
As well as having its own store, which usually spans several
floors, you can usually find dozens of other stores, including
international stores such as Boots and The Body Shop.
Thailand
Northern Thailnd
Chiang Mai
| Chiang Rai
| Mae Hong Son | Sukhothai | Lumpang | Petchaboon | Phitsanulok
| Tak North
North Eastern Thailand
Khon Khen | Buriram | Loei | Nakhon Ratchasima | Nong
Khai | Nakhon Phanom | Ubon | Ratchthani |
Udon Thani | Uthai Thani
Eastern Thailand
Pattaya | Chonburi | Rayong | Trat
Central Thailand
Bangkok |
Ayutthaya | Sukothai | Kanchanaburi | Phetchaburi
| Prachuap | Khiri Khan | Lop Buri | Nakhon Nayok | Nakhon
Pathom | Ratchaburi | Samutprakarn
Southern Thailand
Koh Samet \ Phuket \ Krabi \ Phang-Nga Phuket \ Ranong
\ Songkhla \ Surat Thani \ Trang \ Chumphon \ Nakhon Si
Thammarat \ Narathiwat
