Supreme Shopping Paradise:
Shopping in Thailand is a glorious pleasure, as one ventures from upscale shopping malls and department stores to high street shops, back street stalls, and bustling markets. Thailand offers such a fantastic array both traditional and modern goods, from exquisitely crafted handicrafts to elegant designer fashions, superb antiques to the latest electronic gadgets, everyday clothing to gorgeous artworks, all at seemingly miraculous prices for the quality offered.
While there are so many choices for the dedicated shoppers, here are some of the most popular products among visitors to Thailand:
• Thai Silk & Cotton
• Art & Antiques
• Home Decoratives
• Custom Tailoring
• Woodcarvings
• Gems & Jewelry
• Ceramics & Pottery
• Metalware
• Lacquerware
• Leather Products
• Preserved Fruits
Shopping Galore
Bangkok
Bangkok is a shopping mecca, with all kinds of goods on sale at a wealth of modern shopping malls and department stores. Upscale favorites include Central World, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, The Emporium, Central Chidlom, Gaysorn Plaza and Erawan Bangkok. In these centers, you will find world-renowned designers, such as Gucci, Hermes, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
Central World
999/9 Rama 1 Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 662 264 5555
www.centralworld.co.th
Siam Paragon
991 Siam Paragon Shopping Center
Rama 1 Rd.,Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 02 610-8000
www.siamparagon.co.th
Siam Center
444 Phaya Thai Road
Phone: +66 (0) 2658 1000-19
Open 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
www.siampiwat.com
The Emporium
622 Sukhumvit Rd., Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 662 269 1000 #1726, 1727
Open 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
www.emporiumthailand.com
Central Chidlom
1027 Phloenchit Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 0 2793 7000
www.central.co.th
Gaysorn Plaza
999 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330
www.gaysorn.com
Erawan Bangkok
494 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 662 250 7777
www.erawanbangkok.com
Chatuchak Weekend Market Clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, antiques, ceramics, pets, vintage magazines/stamps/coins, collector's items, knick-knacks and just about anything and everything else one could want from a Thai market.
Mo Chit Station, Bangkok
Open: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Plant shops are open Wednesdays and Thursdays 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
On the corner of Ratchada-Lad Phrao junction
Open: Every Saturday from early evening to around 11:30 PM
Patpong Night Market
Open: 6:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Narai Phand
President Tower No.7C, 7th Floor, #973, Bangkok 10330
Tel: +66 2 656 0398
Open: 10:00 AM -8:00 PM
www.naraiphand.com
Siam Square
Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10400
Tel: +66 2 694 1222
www.siam-square.com
MBK (Mah Boon Krong) Shopping Mall
Phayathai Road, Pathumwan
Open: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
www.mbk-center.com
Pratunam Garment District
Petchburi, Ratchathewi (next to Pantip Plaza and Baiyoke Sky Hotel)
Open: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Shopping Tips
Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at other places bargaining is to be expected. The final price can be 10% to 40% lower than the asking price. Be patient, use your skill, and a smile will carry the day.
VAT Refund
Value Added Tax (VAT) will be refunded on items bought within 60 days of departure from a store displaying the VAT refund sign. This refund is entitled only to non-Thai visitors. On any day, goods purchased at each participating store shall not be less than 2,000 Baht, including VAT, and the total amount for the refund claim must not be less than 5,000 Baht, including VAT. At time of purchase, ask the clerk to fill out the VAT form so you can present it at departure. For more details, visit www.rd.go.th/vrt
|