Thailand has long been known as a bargain hunter's paradise. The floatation of the Baht in 1997 has made it even better in many cases.   Thailand has a variety of shopping experiences from street markets to malls. Tourists have historically always preferred markets and bazaars to the other forms of shopping. The Chatuchak weekend market is one of the largest shopping destinations in Bangkok. Water markets are gradually disappearing, but remain strong tourist attractions as many tours are offered through the canals the markets are located on. The huge new shopping complex known as Siam Paragon and CentralWorld on Rama I Road in Bangkok's city center are among the biggest and most luxurious malls in Southeast Asia. Bangkok also includes over 15 world class malls situated around Bangkok, mostly centered around Sukhumvit Road

Antiques Generally speaking, the term "antique" in Thailand refers to goods designed in an old or traditional style. Genuine antiques - things more than 100 years old - require special permission to be taken out of the country. Our advice is to ignore the purported age of an item when negotiating the price, and if the seller insists on an unreasonably high price because of an item's age, ask to see the export permit for the item from the Department of Fine Arts. If the shop-keeper says they will provide a letter saying the piece is a reproduction, then you're advised to leave the shop right away. As is probably obvious, prices for  thai "antiques" can be outrageous in places that cater to tourists. Don't be afraid to offer half or even a third of the initial asking price, if you think it's high. Don't be afraid to walk away if the merchant isn't coming down enough in their price, it's the quickest way to get them to change their minds. Always haggle in Thailand.

Bags and Luggage Handbags, backpacks, wallets, purses, briefcases and suitcases in just about every size and style can be purchased in markets throughout the kingdom of Thailand for a small fraction of the price you might pay elsewhere. Its quite easy to pick up a good backpack suitable for use as a catch-all / camera bag in your travels for less than US$5. Leather items can also be found in abundance, especially in Bangkok tourist areas. Prices are competitive and quality is usually quite good.

Clothing Thailand is a major clothing manufacturer and exporter. A wide range of garments are made, from "K-mart specials" to designer goods. Locally made goods will usually be much cheaper than imported name brand items, although not as cheap as the many no-name products available. When buying clothing designed mainly for the local market, you will need to keep in mind that, although Thai clothing is usually sized according to the US system of 'S' for small, 'M' for medium and so on, these sizes generally run one size smaller than their standard American usage. In other words, if you normally wear medium sized items, you will probably have to purchase large sizes in Thailand.

Gold You will find gold shops in every city of Thailand. Thais, like most Asians, buy gold as a savings mechanism - sort of an alternative to banks. Because of this, the gold sold in gold shops is pure 24 karat solid gold, or at least it's supposed to be. Attempts to sell plated items as solid gold are not unknown, so it's wise to be on your guard. Bangkok/chinatown is a good area for deals. Pure gold is quite yellow compared to the 18 karat gold that is more common for jewelry in the west. The color alone is not to everyone's taste. Add to that pure gold's inherent softness, which can make pieces difficult to maintain and frequently in need of repair, and you have reason to consider whether or not pure gold jewelry is right for you.

Thailand offers a wonderful experience for the ardent shopper, with a tremendous variety of goods on offer. You can shop for designer goods in the Malls, or browse for handicrafts and knick-knacks in the many markets. There is something for everyone, no matter how deep or shallow your pocket may be. Department stores open around 10:00 am and do not close until 9:00 pm. Markets vary in their timing with produce markets opening before dawn, more general markets open during daylight hours, but in many areas there are Night Markets where you can sit in the open and eat before browsing the stalls. In general we have listed the shopping locations along with the other details of each of the areas, but you can gain direct access by clicking on the headings below. Shopping in Bangkok Shopping is one of Bangkok’s major attractions. Favorite purchases include Thai silk and cottons, modern and traditional jewellery featuring precious gemstones, semi-precious gemstones, silverware, nielloware, pewterware, ceramics, celadon, woodcarvings, paintings, and clothing. Bangkok is one of the most competitively priced cities in Asia. Friendly bargaining in most stores and markets ensure favourable prices and service. Suriwong/Silom Area Numerous shops, and department stores sell jewellery, gemstones, antiques, ceramics, leather goods, men’s and women’s clothing, handicrafts, Thai silk and cottons, electrical and photographic goods. The area comprises Bangkok’s major commercial and nightlife centre. Mahesak/Silom/New Road Area The area is a major gemstone dealing and jewellery manufacturing area. Boutiques, art galleries, department stores and shopping arcades, including the River City Complex, sell a wide range of items, with particular emphasis on antiques, tailored clothing, and contemporary Thai and Asian paintings. Phloenchit/Pathumwan Area The area encompasses several department stores and shopping centers, such as the World Trade Center, Siam Square, Siam Center and Mahboonkrong. Almost everything the shopper needs may be found within this area. Thailand’s principal duty-free shopping outlet is located on the 7th floor of the World Trade Center. Sukhumvit Road Area Concentrated largely between Soi Nana (Soi 3) and Soi Asoke (Soi 21), several shops, shopping centers and department stores offer a broad range of Thai and imported items. The luxurious Emporium Shopping Center is located between Sukhumvit Soi 24 and the Benjasiri park. Pratunam/Phetchaburi Road Area The area is best known for its inexpensive readymade clothing, which is sold partly in a street market, where determined bargaining is required for best prices. Banglamphu The riverine section of Bangkok is favoured by back-packers for its budget accommodation. The area offers inexpensive items, especially readymade clothing, leather foods, footwear, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended. Bangkok's Principal Markets Chatuchak Weekend Market A large open public ground on Phahonyothin Road, is where people buy and sell a thousand loval products including food, clothing, household products, handicrafts, pets, and pot plants. This market is a paradise for browsers and bargain- hunters alike. It operates during the day time on Saturdays and Sundays. Bangrak Market Located on New Road, between Silom and Sathon roads, this market offers a particularly large selection of cut blooms and orchids. Lovely garlands made principally of jasmine are a specialty. Thewet Market Lining the bank of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem off Samsen Road, this market is best known for potted plants. Lang Krasuang Market Facing Klong Lot, on Atsadang Road, between the Royal Hotel and Ministry of Interior, a row of shop houses sell moderately priced second-hand goods, including antique cameras and typewriters, musical instruments, radios and all manner of electrical goods. Bargaining is essential. Woeng Na Woeng Nakhon Kasem Better known as Thieves Market, located between Yaowarat Road and New Road, near Phahurat, this area sells antiques, including Thai and Chinese objects d’art, porcelain, brassware, copperware and furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Bargaining is essential. China Town Bangkok’s China Town is an old business centre covering a large area around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods. The area is always lively and market stalls abound. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago. Nearby is Phahurat Market, one of the city’s renowned cloth centres.   PHUKET . Wherever you are staying in Phuket you are never far from a local Thai market. These serve both local Thais and resident expats and you’ll find things here at a fraction of the price of the typical tourist stalls and shops. These late afternoon/evening markets are an integral part of Thai life. These are where many Phuket residents buy fresh meat, fruit, vegetables and household goods, as well as clothing and jewelry. With large supermarkets and shopping centers on the island few and far between, most Thais favor their weekly local market, and leave major shopping trips until the weekend. Visit these markets at between 5pm – 7pm and they’ll be heaving with local Thais buying ready-cooked fish, curries, chicken, pork satays etc for their dinner. Many Thai people prefer not to cook at home (or don’t have a kitchen), as food is cheap and plentiful to buy from the many street-side or market stalls. In addition to the ubiquitous tourist stalls you’ll find in every resort on the island, here’s a guideline of where to find a Thai market closest to your Phuket hotel or accommodation: Phuket Town The best (and biggest) market on the island is the Phuket Town weekend market, on the outskirts of the city, just before you reach the Central Festival shopping mall, coming from the Chalong Circle (Hai Yak Chalong) direction, on the Chao Fa Nok Road. This is modeled on the famous Bangkok Chatuchak market and has around a thousand stalls selling everything from Thai handicrafts and souvenirs to clothing and jewelry. This market, called Talad Nad Chaofa Variety, is held on both Saturday and Sunday evenings from around 4.30pm. If you are unable to make it to the weekend evening market, then there is a smaller covered day market in the center of Phuket Town, on Tilok Uthit 2 Road, just up for the Royal Phuket City Hotel and one block behind Robinson’s department store. This much smaller market does not hold a candle to Talad Nad but has a huge selection of bargain-priced clothing, bags, luggage and jewelry, and some DVD’s and computer games. Unusually, this is a daytime market, open from around 10am. Chalong Market Chalong (between Rawai and Phuket Town), is undergoing huge development, with the construction of a big shopping center and permanent market, due to finish around the end of 2008. There is currently a weekly temporary market on Thanon Patak (the road to Kata and Karon), just up from the Chalong Circle next to the 7-Eleven, before you reach The Green Man pub. This market is held on a Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays and has around 50 -100 stalls, depending on the weather. Kata Market On the inland Kata/Karon road (Thanon Patak), coming from Chalong Circle, you’ll find another day market on the right-hand side, just before Kata/Karon post office. This sells a huge selection of fresh vegetables, fruit and meat but is also surrounded by a number of lingerie, clothing and accessories stalls. Twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, just opposite to this market, is another open air market, selling a variety of products from food to housewares to clothing. Cherng Talay Market If you are staying in the Laguna area then this is your local market. Twice a week, on Sundays and Wednesdays; this is a much smaller version of the Phuket Town weekend market, but nonetheless will provide you with some bargains. Bear in mind that if its raining, you’ll find fewer stalls. Whilst the ready-made-food stalls always brave the weather, other stalls selling non-perishable goods such as housewares, clothing, accessories etc may not show up.

Shopping in Pattaya There are several shopping malls in the centre of Pattaya, plus two super centres which sell everything from instant noodles to TV sets. Beach Road and south Pattaya has many shops where you can buy clothing, jewellery, leather goods, paintings, bronze ware and a host of other things. Don't be afraid to bargain at these shops it's all part of the fun. Every Sunday there is an excellent market at Naklua, just north of Pattaya city.