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Many items can be purchased inexpensively in Thailand,
as long as you know where to look. 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
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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.
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