Shopping in Thailand
Thailand is known for its Thai silk and
handicrafts. Gemstones and jewelry are also
favorites. There are many bargains. Also many
knock offs (some admitted, some not so open) and
"scams". The Thai government has gone
a long way towards fighting consumer fraud and
copyright infringement. |
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The Weekend Market, otherwise known as
'Chatuchak', is the source of countless items
and one of the few places where Thais from all
walks of life mingle with tourists. With over
8,600 vendors, selling everything from used
clothes to exotic animals, you will definitely
not cover it all in one visit. It is open from 8
a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and is
conveniently accessed from the BTS sky train Mo
Chit station. |
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Go early and dress comfortably - it is crowded
and hot!
Suan Lum Night Bazaar (open nightly) offers
the same type of shopping as Chatuchak, but
without the congestion and with a better
organized shopping structure. It is priced a bit
higher and doesn't have the selection or local
color, but is much more comfortable, suitable
for a pleasant evening out.
The many malls and department stores around
Bangkok cater to every budget and taste. The
Emporium - with its own BTS stop - caters to
up market Thais, expats and tourists. Gaysorn
Plaza - Chidlom on the Sky Train (BTS) -
consists of ultra luxury international brand
named boutiques and would be at home in Paris or
Beverly Hills. Robinson's, The Mall and Central
department stores are popular. |
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Bangkok Night Life
Bangkok really comes to life when the sun goes
down. There are many bars, beer gardens, jazz
clubs and night markets to visit. Bangkok
nightlife offers a variety of entertainment to
suit varying tastes. The Thais love to enjoy
themselves and do so with their own sense of
style. Use common sense, as you would anywhere, but in general you can enjoy
Bangkok at night with few worries. |
Dining on Thai Food
Thai dishes are very spicy and flavorful and
almost always cooked with fresh herbs. If you
are not one for too much spice, most restaurants
will alter the dish to your specifications.
Traditional Thai Massages
There are many places for self indulgence. Many
of the shops are walk-in and you can choose an
hourly foot or body massage. There are also
specialty spas that offer facials, waxing,
manicures and pedicures. |
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The word
"Traditional" implies the hard, joint
twisting type usually performed on clients
wearing loose pajamas.
Transportation in Bangkok
The Sky Train is the quickest way to travel if
your destination is near the train line. Where
the sky train does not travel where there are
always taxis available. Taxis are metered and
remarkably cheap. If the driver refuses to turn
the meter on get another one. Make sure to carry
small denominations of Baht with you as often
times drivers will claim not to have change. |
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Tipping is not customary although many tourists
feel compelled to do so. A good practice is to
"round up". Tuk Tuks - basically a
motorcycle "carriage" are everywhere.
Amazingly they are more expensive than
air-conditioned taxis.
You will be offered cheap Tuk-Tuk city tours,
but will invariably be taken on long tours to
shops offering kickbacks to the driver. |
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