Orbler
Fashion
Leesa
Sisi
Jeska
Harry
Jana
Maddy 1
Tyronne
the-mothball-cardigan
Nella
yaviz
Miki
Brenton
Chic Critique
Cibbuano
Louie12 Steps to Shopping in Bangkok
May 16th 2008 20:16
These shopping notes were shared with me by one of my best friends Ronnie Atlas!*
Things change so not everything on this list will be up to date but the main shopping centres/areas will still be sensational.
Step 1: Pick up a map and see where you are compared to all these places that Ihe is going to send you to. There is no city centre in Bangkok. It is all just various pockets of shopping. Step 2: Take a small umbrella with you or buy one when you arrive. They become expensive when it rains. It can rain (pour) down at any time during wet season.
Step 3: Make sure you always get your destination written down in Thai by the hotel. Lots of people don't speak English (or say they don't) especially Tuk -Tuk (little 3 wheeled cars, pronounced Took, Took) drivers and taxis. Don't let them take you to Lapidaries or souvenir shops. They will try hard as they get kickbacks and free petrol from the Government shops to take you there. Most cab and tuk tuk fares are around 100 Baht. An absolute bargain. Cabs aren't really much more expensive than tuk tuks, and are airconditioned, but don't forget to bargain and ask them how much to any destination, unless they are metered. Most these days are metered however. These are airconditioned and will charge the same amount (or less) than a Tuk-Tuk. On the roof it will say Taxi-Meter. Try to take these when you can. Tuk Tuks are fun however and often get you through traffic very quickly but use strange roads, footpaths whatever, so if you are worried about where you are going avoid using them. Have the hotel write down your destination in Thai if you are in any doubt..
Step 4: There are various shopping centres all around the same area. There are so many shops nearly anywhere, you will find something to buy. Also remember if you are buying bags or luggage, no matter how close to the original it looks, IT IS A COPY unless you are in the Chanel, Louis Vuitton shop etc.
Step 5: Indra Regent Hotel, Baiyoke Hotel & Pratanum Market across the road.
Step 6: Underneath the BAIYOKE (pronounced BUY-O) hotel, one of the tallest buildings in BKK with Rainbow stripes down the side. Baiyoke 2 (up the road) is even bigger. Under Baiyoke 1 there are lots of samples from manufacturers and great items, 3 floors of various shops here most of whom are wholesalers of various goods, mainly clothing. Will give you cheaper rates if you buy two or 3 of certain items. There is even an ATM up the steps out the front.
Basically the whole area around the hotel is full of shops and everywhere you must bargain, sometimes only a little. Across the road from the Indra Regent (and Baiyoke) is a series of shops and little alleys as well.
Step 7: Check out PRATANUM MARKET.
Take some time to walk up and down the alleys. There is much to see, maily clothing. Great cheap jeans to buy here ($12-$15). Worth trying them on if you can...there are no change rooms so don't be embarrassed and wear your clean undies!! Lots to buy here in all the areas. It could take you a day to do these two areas but if you still want more, there are also great shops around the bottom of the Indra Regent Hotel.
Step 8: Check out SIAM CENTRE: (Next door to the Siam Intercontinental Hotel on Ploenchit Rd). This one is for better and more upmarket garments. It has recently been renovated and has excellent shopping but things aren't cheap here but very good quality. Across the road, from Siam Centre, stright over the footbridge and underneath are other interesting shops as well as to the right when crossing over the footbridge.Near the Shakey's Pizza. Very good for all sorts of things including shirts, t-shirts, bras (Wacoal label), lingerie (great bras, usually padded-because of the petite Thai girls but anyway excellent styles and colours) and menswear, also lots of little shops, arcades, lanes. Worth a look perhaps if time permits. Look around. It will take some time.
Step 9: Head now on to Mah Boon Krong - THE greatest shopping centre in Bangkok.
From Siam Centre, head for the Tokyu department store, the next major intersection - Go out of the SIAM CENTRE and head to the right.... (you will see it) Tokyu is expensive but a part of Mah Boon Krong - All the locals shop here, 6 floors amazing Jeans, bags, T-Shirts, shirts, leather etc.....too much, not to mention shoes as well, the whole third floor nearly. Mah Boon Krong is where you want to do most of the shopping. Also on the first floor at either end is a great Chinese and Japanese sort of fast food restaurant. Make sure you head out to the far end of the complex (opposite to Tokyu) as this is also another department store.
***Be prepared for a long day at Mah Boon Krong perhaps even the whole day here and attached other shopping areas. There is a money changer outside near the entrance, head to the right when walking outside. There is so much here on every floor, also great to get some business cards made up here on the computer. Near this is a complex of little alleys called 42nd St, Broadway, Times Square etc. A good area for a look. Also there are shops everywhere that sell great accessories for mobile phones, such as aerials, batteries etc. There really is something for everyone, if you need glasses or sunglasses, they are also very reasonable from shops inside. Too much to probably try and list here but lots of good things. Enjoy. There is also an excellent department store at the far end (opposite end to Tokyu) in Mah Boon Krong. Go out the main doors and head to the right where there is sort of a hotel style entrance.
Attached by footbridge to Mah Boon Krong is another little shopping centre which is worth a look. Have the guy on the bridge make you up a leather or suede belt on the spot. It is a bit of a maze but fun also down on ground level are more shops.
Step 10: To relax with a great facial with the banana on the face etc. go into the World Trade Centre and into ZEN on the 4th floor in the Right hand side at the back is a beautician and hairdresser. It's a bit hidden so look around. It should set you back about 150Bht for an hour. World Trade Centre and Zen are expensive but might be worth a look anyway, the quality is outstanding but don't be distracted here for clothes - there is much cheaper elsewhere for clothes, although maybe not of the same upmarket quality.
Step 11: If you want something copied, it is best to bring what you want made or copied with you from home. They copy brilliantly, shirts, dresses whatever. They are all high quality and you can even get clothes for work made up there. If you like, it might be worth bringing fabrics and anything you want them to copy. They are not great tailors but sensational copiers, photos and originals will help.
Step 12: If you need a dressmaker, you may also go to my mother's which is on the first floor of the Indra Shopping Centre, near the tarot card readers. It is shop 2109 in The Indra Shopping Centre, name of Khun Paeo: It is sort of on the corner towards the Baiyoke Hotel, if that makes some sense. Its very close to the picture theatre inside the Indra complex. If you have problems, find the cinema, then ask for the fortune tellers, card readers. Should be behind their tables. Take material with you of anything you want made up. Ask for fully lined etc.
DONT FORGET TO BARGAIN EVERYWHERE...V. IMPORTANT.
The main shopping hits should be: Siam Centre,
Mah Boon Krong for cheaper items, Pratnum Market/Indra Regent.
Silom Rd is now also absolutely sensational with many shops.
There is also an excellent mall very close to the Airport. Just in case you think you might be missing out on some shopping by not being in the city.
I hope that you have a great time and that this is of assistance to you, it really is a shoppers paradise especially if you want to spend some money to get a lot, well at least compared to what is on offer here.
Enjoy and have enjoy shopping!!!!!!!!!
P.S. If you find some new places that I can include in my notes please let me know and if they were helpful and you bought huge bargains, feel free to also let me know.
With the fall in Asian currencies the exchange rate could be as much as 35-40 Baht to the Australian dollar which makes it cheap to shop. There is also a great place to change money, near the Pratanum Market. There is an overpass from the Indra Regent. Go over this (i.e. across the road from the hotel) then when you get to the end, head to the right, down the stairs to the street. Walk about 6 shops, across a little lane and the third shop along or so will have the name TIMMY on the door. This shop only changes money. Go to the door, it will be opened by security, wait in line, give them your money and they will hand you back the calculation and the rate of exchange and how much you will receive. It all looks a bit suspicious but everyone (especially the locals) changes money here. You will definitely get the best rate of exchange here, no doubts. He will be at least .3 Baht per dollar better than everywhere else.
PS ----
***I don't know if this still exists but if it does then......this is something you should really find time for. If you want a real massage - a real one not the sexual kind go to the MARBLE HOUSE, its on the 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor on the right hand side up near the end of Surawong Plaza which is next to Pat-Pong 2. The Sarika Cafe is on the corner of the lane and its also fairly close to a very lavish Bangkok Bank building. About 150Bht per hour, its great and very relaxing and intense, allow 2 hours - wow! They finish up by giving you some chinese tea to complete the relaxation. Phone for appointment on 2345218 or 2370989. Its about 30 yards up from the main street which is Surawong(se) Rd. Near the Ramada and Montien Hotels. Full address 37/18-19 Soi Surawongse Plaza (Behind Sarika Cafe), Surawongse Rd, BKK 10500. (The road is opposite the Montein Hotel). Don't be afraid as you go upstairs. It's obscure but completely above board. There is actually a large sign on the main road advertising it. You can even call and make an appointment. They also accept a small tip for the masseuse, if you enjoyed it. In case you are worried, I have been there 3 times and once with my mother.
HOPEFULLY MOST OF THIS IS OF USE....AS I SAID THINGS CHANGE QUICK LYIN BANGKOK.
You can also use your Visa or credit cards in the Auto/Flexitellers/ATM's in Bangkok...not the best exchange rates but very handy for a quick cash fix...which you will need occasionally especially when shopping. Trust me!!
Have fun.....
Things change so not everything on this list will be up to date but the main shopping centres/areas will still be sensational.
Step 1: Pick up a map and see where you are compared to all these places that Ihe is going to send you to. There is no city centre in Bangkok. It is all just various pockets of shopping. Step 2: Take a small umbrella with you or buy one when you arrive. They become expensive when it rains. It can rain (pour) down at any time during wet season.
Step 3: Make sure you always get your destination written down in Thai by the hotel. Lots of people don't speak English (or say they don't) especially Tuk -Tuk (little 3 wheeled cars, pronounced Took, Took) drivers and taxis. Don't let them take you to Lapidaries or souvenir shops. They will try hard as they get kickbacks and free petrol from the Government shops to take you there. Most cab and tuk tuk fares are around 100 Baht. An absolute bargain. Cabs aren't really much more expensive than tuk tuks, and are airconditioned, but don't forget to bargain and ask them how much to any destination, unless they are metered. Most these days are metered however. These are airconditioned and will charge the same amount (or less) than a Tuk-Tuk. On the roof it will say Taxi-Meter. Try to take these when you can. Tuk Tuks are fun however and often get you through traffic very quickly but use strange roads, footpaths whatever, so if you are worried about where you are going avoid using them. Have the hotel write down your destination in Thai if you are in any doubt..
Step 4: There are various shopping centres all around the same area. There are so many shops nearly anywhere, you will find something to buy. Also remember if you are buying bags or luggage, no matter how close to the original it looks, IT IS A COPY unless you are in the Chanel, Louis Vuitton shop etc.
Step 5: Indra Regent Hotel, Baiyoke Hotel & Pratanum Market across the road.
Step 6: Underneath the BAIYOKE (pronounced BUY-O) hotel, one of the tallest buildings in BKK with Rainbow stripes down the side. Baiyoke 2 (up the road) is even bigger. Under Baiyoke 1 there are lots of samples from manufacturers and great items, 3 floors of various shops here most of whom are wholesalers of various goods, mainly clothing. Will give you cheaper rates if you buy two or 3 of certain items. There is even an ATM up the steps out the front.
Basically the whole area around the hotel is full of shops and everywhere you must bargain, sometimes only a little. Across the road from the Indra Regent (and Baiyoke) is a series of shops and little alleys as well.
Step 7: Check out PRATANUM MARKET.
Take some time to walk up and down the alleys. There is much to see, maily clothing. Great cheap jeans to buy here ($12-$15). Worth trying them on if you can...there are no change rooms so don't be embarrassed and wear your clean undies!! Lots to buy here in all the areas. It could take you a day to do these two areas but if you still want more, there are also great shops around the bottom of the Indra Regent Hotel.
Step 8: Check out SIAM CENTRE: (Next door to the Siam Intercontinental Hotel on Ploenchit Rd). This one is for better and more upmarket garments. It has recently been renovated and has excellent shopping but things aren't cheap here but very good quality. Across the road, from Siam Centre, stright over the footbridge and underneath are other interesting shops as well as to the right when crossing over the footbridge.Near the Shakey's Pizza. Very good for all sorts of things including shirts, t-shirts, bras (Wacoal label), lingerie (great bras, usually padded-because of the petite Thai girls but anyway excellent styles and colours) and menswear, also lots of little shops, arcades, lanes. Worth a look perhaps if time permits. Look around. It will take some time.
Step 9: Head now on to Mah Boon Krong - THE greatest shopping centre in Bangkok.
From Siam Centre, head for the Tokyu department store, the next major intersection - Go out of the SIAM CENTRE and head to the right.... (you will see it) Tokyu is expensive but a part of Mah Boon Krong - All the locals shop here, 6 floors amazing Jeans, bags, T-Shirts, shirts, leather etc.....too much, not to mention shoes as well, the whole third floor nearly. Mah Boon Krong is where you want to do most of the shopping. Also on the first floor at either end is a great Chinese and Japanese sort of fast food restaurant. Make sure you head out to the far end of the complex (opposite to Tokyu) as this is also another department store.
***Be prepared for a long day at Mah Boon Krong perhaps even the whole day here and attached other shopping areas. There is a money changer outside near the entrance, head to the right when walking outside. There is so much here on every floor, also great to get some business cards made up here on the computer. Near this is a complex of little alleys called 42nd St, Broadway, Times Square etc. A good area for a look. Also there are shops everywhere that sell great accessories for mobile phones, such as aerials, batteries etc. There really is something for everyone, if you need glasses or sunglasses, they are also very reasonable from shops inside. Too much to probably try and list here but lots of good things. Enjoy. There is also an excellent department store at the far end (opposite end to Tokyu) in Mah Boon Krong. Go out the main doors and head to the right where there is sort of a hotel style entrance.
Attached by footbridge to Mah Boon Krong is another little shopping centre which is worth a look. Have the guy on the bridge make you up a leather or suede belt on the spot. It is a bit of a maze but fun also down on ground level are more shops.
Step 10: To relax with a great facial with the banana on the face etc. go into the World Trade Centre and into ZEN on the 4th floor in the Right hand side at the back is a beautician and hairdresser. It's a bit hidden so look around. It should set you back about 150Bht for an hour. World Trade Centre and Zen are expensive but might be worth a look anyway, the quality is outstanding but don't be distracted here for clothes - there is much cheaper elsewhere for clothes, although maybe not of the same upmarket quality.
Step 11: If you want something copied, it is best to bring what you want made or copied with you from home. They copy brilliantly, shirts, dresses whatever. They are all high quality and you can even get clothes for work made up there. If you like, it might be worth bringing fabrics and anything you want them to copy. They are not great tailors but sensational copiers, photos and originals will help.
Step 12: If you need a dressmaker, you may also go to my mother's which is on the first floor of the Indra Shopping Centre, near the tarot card readers. It is shop 2109 in The Indra Shopping Centre, name of Khun Paeo: It is sort of on the corner towards the Baiyoke Hotel, if that makes some sense. Its very close to the picture theatre inside the Indra complex. If you have problems, find the cinema, then ask for the fortune tellers, card readers. Should be behind their tables. Take material with you of anything you want made up. Ask for fully lined etc.
DONT FORGET TO BARGAIN EVERYWHERE...V. IMPORTANT.
The main shopping hits should be: Siam Centre,
Mah Boon Krong for cheaper items, Pratnum Market/Indra Regent.
Silom Rd is now also absolutely sensational with many shops.
There is also an excellent mall very close to the Airport. Just in case you think you might be missing out on some shopping by not being in the city.
I hope that you have a great time and that this is of assistance to you, it really is a shoppers paradise especially if you want to spend some money to get a lot, well at least compared to what is on offer here.
Enjoy and have enjoy shopping!!!!!!!!!
P.S. If you find some new places that I can include in my notes please let me know and if they were helpful and you bought huge bargains, feel free to also let me know.
With the fall in Asian currencies the exchange rate could be as much as 35-40 Baht to the Australian dollar which makes it cheap to shop. There is also a great place to change money, near the Pratanum Market. There is an overpass from the Indra Regent. Go over this (i.e. across the road from the hotel) then when you get to the end, head to the right, down the stairs to the street. Walk about 6 shops, across a little lane and the third shop along or so will have the name TIMMY on the door. This shop only changes money. Go to the door, it will be opened by security, wait in line, give them your money and they will hand you back the calculation and the rate of exchange and how much you will receive. It all looks a bit suspicious but everyone (especially the locals) changes money here. You will definitely get the best rate of exchange here, no doubts. He will be at least .3 Baht per dollar better than everywhere else.
PS ----
***I don't know if this still exists but if it does then......this is something you should really find time for. If you want a real massage - a real one not the sexual kind go to the MARBLE HOUSE, its on the 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor on the right hand side up near the end of Surawong Plaza which is next to Pat-Pong 2. The Sarika Cafe is on the corner of the lane and its also fairly close to a very lavish Bangkok Bank building. About 150Bht per hour, its great and very relaxing and intense, allow 2 hours - wow! They finish up by giving you some chinese tea to complete the relaxation. Phone for appointment on 2345218 or 2370989. Its about 30 yards up from the main street which is Surawong(se) Rd. Near the Ramada and Montien Hotels. Full address 37/18-19 Soi Surawongse Plaza (Behind Sarika Cafe), Surawongse Rd, BKK 10500. (The road is opposite the Montein Hotel). Don't be afraid as you go upstairs. It's obscure but completely above board. There is actually a large sign on the main road advertising it. You can even call and make an appointment. They also accept a small tip for the masseuse, if you enjoyed it. In case you are worried, I have been there 3 times and once with my mother.
HOPEFULLY MOST OF THIS IS OF USE....AS I SAID THINGS CHANGE QUICK LYIN BANGKOK.
You can also use your Visa or credit cards in the Auto/Flexitellers/ATM's in Bangkok...not the best exchange rates but very handy for a quick cash fix...which you will need occasionally especially when shopping. Trust me!!
Have fun.....
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