Looking for bargains or just window shopping? in either case check out our listings.
BANGKOK IS A GREAT SHOPPING DESTINATION. Excellent bargains in clothes, antiques, handicrafts, textiles, readymade clothes, etc are to be had. The local bazaars are full of colour and bargains while the swank department stores have the latest in brand names.
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| SHOPPING AREAS AND PLAZAS |
MABOONKRONG. (MBK) Trendy clothes, shoes, and all accessories. Plus lots of designer fakes. Siam Square area.
Sky train Station : National Stadium.
BAIYOKE PLAZA AND PRATUNAM MARKET. Ideal place for great bargains when it comes to clothes. Probably the cheapest in Bangkok. Near Indra Regent Hotel, Pratunam area.
CENTER POINT. A meeting point for youngsters. They come in the most fashionable attire to shop for clothes and accessories. Restaurants, internet cafes, snack bars and shopping: mainly trendy clothes. Siam Square, Rama I Rd. Sky train Station: Siam
CENTRAL. When it comes to department stores Central is ubiquitous. Probably the most popular department store, it offers good quality products. More than 10 branches in Bangkok. Central City Bangna is the biggest and deserves a visit though Central Chidlom is most favored by tourists. Sky train Station: Chidlom
ERAWAN BANGKOK. Boutique Mall, designed for urban shoppers. It is full of brand names. Plus Urban Kitchen (14 ethnic cuisines)and Well ness & Beauty Centre. Ratchaprasong intersection... Sky train Station: Chidlom.
THE EMPORIUM. An impressive department store with up-scale retail shops offering world famous brand names. Plus cinema halls. On Sukhumvit 24.
Sky train Station: Phrom Pong.
OP PLACE. For arts, antiques and handicraft shops. Its European Renaissance architecture and elegant decor make for luxurious shopping. Behind the Oriental Hotel. 02 266 0186-95.
PANTIP PLAZA. Computer haven. For hardware and all kinds of software. Best prices in town. Latest DVDs and CDs as well as MP3 downloads. Petchburi Rd.
RIVER CITY. For arts and antiques. River City is also the departure point for most river cruises. Near Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. 02 237 0077-8.
SEACON SQUARE. It houses Robinson and Lotus and a skating rink, a bowling alley and 14 theatres. Srina¬karin Road.
SIAM DISCOVERY CENTER. An up-market shopping centre aimed at the young. Five storeys of great shopping. Each floor catering to different tastes, beginning with the teenagers on the ground floor and the young ones on fifth. Plus cinema halls. Next to Siam Center, Rama I Road.
Sky train Station: Siam.
CENTRAL WORLD PLAZA. A shopping spree at the Central World Plaza is more of an expedition. Two department stores: Zen and Isetan plus lots of boutiques and retail shops. Ratchadamri Road. Sky train Station: Chidlom.
GAYSORN. Five storey, high end shopping complex featuring world famous brand names and designer boutiques including Louis Vuitton's largest store in Asia. At the comer of Ratchadamri intersection. Sky train Station: Chidlom.
Besides the above there is Robinson which has a number of branches. On the lower end of the scale, in terms of prices, are Big C, Tesco Lotus and Carrefour: low prices, good quality but no brand names. There are also a number of Japanese owned department stores like Isetan, Sogo, Tokyo, but prices tend to be on the higher side. |
| HANDICRAFTS |
| CHITRALADA. Outlets of The Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit which encourages indigenous handicrafts 15 outlets in Thailand (six in Bangkok). Basket ware, hand-embroidered linen, belts, spectacle cases, organizers, purses, wallets etc. Oriental Place; Royal Thai Decorations pavilion, Grand Palace; Bangkok Int'l Airport (Terminal 1 and 2); Vimanmek Mansion, Amporn Palace; Royal Garden Riverside Hotel Plaza.
NARAI PHAND. Biggest Thai handicraft centre in Thailand. Thai silk, cotton fabric, bronze ware, ceramics, lacquer ware, Thai dolls, teak wood products, reproduction antiques, etc. Very reliable. Reasonable prices. Open daily 10am - 8pm (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). Opposite Central World Plaza. Rajadamri Rd. 02 252 4670-9.
SILOM VILLAGE. This complex offers a large number of Thai handicrafts at a reasonable price. Open daily Warn till midnight. Silom Rd. 02 234 4448.
TAM NAN MINGMUANG. Thai handicrafts from all over the country. Baskets, benjarong ware, terra cotta figures, wood carvings, etc. Open daily 10am - 8pm (Cards:AE, V). Thaniya Plaza, Silom Rd. 02 231 2120, and Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd. 02 256 9929
THAI CRAFT MUSEUM SHOP. Quality handicrafts from all over Thailand. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). Open daily 10am - 9pm. 4/F, Erawan Sogo, Ploenchit Rd., 02 250 0018. |
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SILKS
JAGTAR & SONS. Manufacturer of fine Thai Silk uphols¬tery and tapestry. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). Sukhumvit Soi 11: open 9am - 6pm, closed on Sun, 02 255 7380; Time Square: open 10am - 7pm, closed on Sun, 02 250 0273.
LAANTAI. Known for its hand woven Thai silk. Plus antique silk outfits. Open daily 10am - 7pm. (Cards:
AE, MC, V). 2/F, The Promenade, Hilton Hotel, Wireless Rd., 02 267 8883.
JIM THOMPSON. Most well-known Thai silk operation. Expensive but the quality is the best to be had. Outlets: Surawong Road; Oriental Hotel, Central World Plaza; Emporium; Central Chidlom; The Regent Hotel; Hotel Plaza Athenee; Grand Hyatt Hotel; etc.
RACHNIDA. Combines advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship to create beautiful Thai silk for curtains, upholstery, cushions, etc. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). Head Office: 246/2 Ekamai 20, 02 714 8920¬2. Outlets at Natural Park, Sukhumvit Soi 49; G/F, Pan Pacific Hotel, Rama 4 Rd; Narai Phand, Rajadamri Rd; International Airport, Terminal 1, Departure Duty Free.
SHINAWATRA. Everything from silk to ready-to-wear garments. Plus neckties and scarves. Shinawatra Thai Bldg., Rama 4, 02 633 1200. |
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CLOTHES
When it comes to clothes, Bangkok is one of the best places to shop. The garment industry has run amuck here with everything from designer wear to casuals. Brand names like Celine, Giordano, Armani, Hugo Boss, Max Mara, Nautica, DKNY, etc. are easily available here.
Thinking of stocking up on Thai designer wear. Local Fashion houses such as Jaspal (18 branches), Duangjai Bis, Pichita, Nagara, Metta, Greyhound, and Chaps have everything from chic daywear to cocktail dresses. However, if you are minding the budget and want cheaper options head for Pratunam on Petchburi Road for cheap t-shirts, dresses, trousers of all hues and designs. Also check out Pahurat Road. For custom-made clothes choose any of the tailors lining the top end of Sukhumvit Road. These tailors offer astonishing bargains and most promise to have your clothes ready in no time. Shop around before you settle on one. Consider including traditional Thai batik sarongs (now also fashioned as skirts) in your list. |
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AUCTIONS
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| CHRISTIE'S AUOION HOUSE. The world's oldest fine art auctioneers. Open Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm. The Peninsula Plaza, Ratchadamri Rd., 02 652 1097.
RIVER CITY. Has regular auctions throughout the year. Near Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. 02 237 0077-8.
SOTHEBY'S AUOION HOUSE. Hosts regular exhibitions. The company organizes two auctions per year in Asia, normally conducted in Singapore, Hong Kong or Taipei. Open Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm. At Sukhothai Hotel, South Sathorn Rd., 02 286 0788.
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| ARTS, ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES |
| ANONG GALLERY. Each piece of jewellery is a work of art and the entire collection is designed by Khun Anong, the owner. Definitely in the collectible category. Open daily except Sunday. Second floor, Peninsula Plaza. 02 252 3070, 02 254 4450-2.
THE ASHWOOD GALLERY. A permanent exhibition of antiques such as old Chinese cupboards made from teak wood, Buddha images in different sizes. Two outlets: River City, 3/F, 23 Yotha Rd, 02 237 0077 ext. 314, and Oriental Place, G/F, 30/1 Soi CharoenKrung 38, near Oriental Hotel, 02 266 0187-95.
GALLERIE@444. Rare objets d'art, antique furniture, paintings, wood and bronze artifacts, etc. open daily from 11 am to 7pm. (Cards: AE, MC, V). 4/F, River City Complex, 02 237 0077.
GLASS GALLERY AND LIGHTING EMPORIUM. Good quality stained art at reasonable prices. Everything from windows and panels to lamps and other objets d'art. Open 9am - 7pm. Closed on Sun. No credit card accepted. 228 Siam Square Soi 2. 02 251 1151.
KILIN. Antiques and art objects from Thailand, China and Myanmar both original and reproductions. Open 10.30am - 6.30pm closed on Sun. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). Oriental Place, 02 266 0186-95
LOTUS ARTS DE VIVRE. This store offers designer jewellery, objets d'art, cutlery, paintings, etc. from all over Asia. 4 outlets in the city: The Regent Bangkok Hotel, 02 250 0730, The Oriental Bangkok Hotel, 02 235 1875, The Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel, 02 287 0222, The Peninsula Bangkok Hotel, 02 861 1168.
THE FINE ARTS THE HEIGHT. Hand-made ship models - Royal barges, Asian junks and modern cruisers ¬reproduced in exquisite detail. Open daily 9.30am¬7.30pm. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). River City Shopping Complex, 3/F, 02 237 0077 ext. 354.
OLD MAPS & PRINTS. All kinds of old maps and prints. The oldest map exhibited in the shop dates to 1482. Prices begin at Bt 1,000. Joerg Kohler, an antiquarian, can give you the run down on each item. Open daily 11 am - 7pm. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). River City Shop¬ping Complex, 02 237 0077 ext. 432.
SILOM ART. Antiques from Asia and Europe. Open daily. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). 2/F., River City Shopping Complex, Yotha Rd., 02 639 4078.
THE SILOM GALLERIA. Jewellery, antiques and handi¬crafts. Regular art exhibitions. Open daily. Silom Rd, near Holiday Inn Crown Plaza, 02 630 0950. |
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| BAZAAR BARGAINS |
CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET. Everything from crockery to antiques at bargain prices. Check for quality and do bargain. Open only on Sat. and Sun. from early morning till dark. Opposite the Northern Bus Terminal. Sky train Station: Morchit.
BAIYOKE PLAZA AND PRATUNAM MARKET. Ideal place for great bargains when it comes to clothes. Probably the cheapest in Bangkok. Near Indra Regent Hotel, Pratunam area.
PATPONG NIGHT MARKET. All of Patpong turns into a busy night market full of stalls selling garments, all fake brand names. Plus tapes and CDs, pirated videos, watches, various Thai handicrafts, games, leather items, souvenirs and the like. Sky train Station: Saladaeng.
SUAN LUM NIGHT BAZAAR. Seven nights a week night bazaar with around 3,700 shops selling everything from clothes and handicrafts to modern furniture and funky lamps. Plus restaurants and beer gardens. Opposite Lumpini Park, Wireless Road. Underground Station: Lumpini.
BOBAE TOWER. A warren of hundreds of small shops selling clothes for kids and adults. Great bargains. About half an hour from MBK. Lanluang Road.
SAMPENG AND PAHURAT. For Chinese essentials head for Sampeng and for Indian products Pahurat. Excellent bargains in fabrics. The two areas border on each other. |
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| JEWELLERY, WATCHES & PENS |
BLUE RIVER DIAMOND: Emporium 02 554 8885.
CALDERONI GIOIELLI: Emporium 02 554 8358.
CARTIER: Emporium 02 564 8550, Peninsula Plaza 02 254 0750
CHOPARD: Emporium 02 554 8885, Peninsula Plaza 02 253 9797.
CHANYA BIJOUX: Emporium 02 654 8558.
CHUN BY TOK KWANG: Emporium 02 654 8551.
FLORENTINE: Emporium 02 554 8380.
FRANK'S JEWELRY: Peninsula Plaza 02 254 4528, Emporium 02 564 8698. JM: Emporium 02 554 8390.
MONT BLANC: Emporium 02 554 8777,
KARAT: Emporium 02 554 8787.
PENDULUM: Emporium 02 664 8377.
PETCH BORAN: Emporium 02 554 8383.
ROLEX: Emporium 02 654 8400.
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| BOOK SHOPS |
| ASIA BOOKS. Great collection of travel guides. Exten¬sive selection on Thailand. Plus loads of other reading matter. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). At Seacon Square, Central City Bangna, Emporium, World Trade Center, Times Square, Thaniya Plaza, Landmark Plaza, Penin¬sula Plaza, 221 Sukhumvit Soi 15-17.
KINOKUNIYA. One of the best English bookstores l Bangkok. Very comprehensive selection. 3/F, Emporium Shopping Center, Sukhumvit Road near Soi 24, Bangkok, 02 664 8554. |
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| CAR RENTAL |
| To rent a car you must be between 23 to 60 years old and in possession of a valid International Driving Permit, or local driver's license and a credit card.
AVIS RENT A CAR. Branches allover Thailand. All types of cars. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). Head Office, 2/2 Wireless Rd.,02 255 5300-4.
BUDGET RENT A CAR. Offers competitive rates from 4¬wheel drives to vans. One-way rental available. Free delivery and pickup services. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). Head Office, 19/23 Bldg. A, RCA, New Petchburi Rd., 02 203-0250.
HERTZ RENT A CAR. Offers reliable services with quality cars but limited choice. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V). Head Office, Sukhumvit Soi 71, 02 267 5161-2. |
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| MUSIC SHOPS |
CD WAREHOUSE. Wide range of international music, from classics to pop. Open daily 10 am - 10 pm. (Cards: AE, DC, MC, V).The Mall Bangkapi, World Trade Center, Siam Discovery, Emporium and Siam Center.
MANG PONG. All kinds of videos, tapes and CDs. 18 branches in Bangkok such as Central World Plaza, MBK, Central Rama 3.
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| FITNESS & SPAS |
| THE ASPARA. Full range of services offered: body scrubs, hydro massage baths, seaweed wraps, toning wraps, facials, different types of massages as well as other types of beauty treatments. Hotel Plaza Athenee, Wireless Rd., 02 650 8800 ext. 5010.
BANYAN TREE SPA. More than 20 programs of spa service. Plus five exclusive spa packages. Gym facilities, Bt 500.- per day, Banyan Tree Bangkok, South Sathorn Rd., 02 679 1200.
BEING SPA. A day spa. Promises peace and serenity, surrounded by lush gardens in the heart of Bangkok. Three categories of treatments including facials and body massage treatments. Traditional treatments and highest quality natural spa products used. Sukhumvit 51,026626171.
CHI. Nine private spa suites with over 35 specialized body, water, massage and facial therapies. All spa suites have expansive views of the Chao Phraya River. Shangri-La Hotel, Charoenkrung Rd, 02 236 7777.
CHIVIT CHIVA. In the heart of the city. Oriental style relaxation techniques. Skillful therapists. Booking recommended. Open daily from 1 Oam-l1 pm. 02 2530607-8.
DEVARANA SPA. Luxurious healing treatments offered in stress-relieving environment inspired by the concept of garden in heaven. Plus meditation and yoga room. Dusit Thani Hotel, Rama 4 Rd, 02 6363596.
JW'S HEALTH CLUB & SPA. Head to toe treatments. One day gym facilities at Bt450. JW Marriott Hotel, Sukhumvit Rd., 02 656 7700.
MANDARA SPA. A tropical spa offering facials, relaxing baths and natural body therapies ranging from Inter¬national classics to exotic Thai traditions. Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02 476 0022.
THE ORIENTAL SPA. In a traditional Thai house. Offers beauty and relaxation treatments from Bt 1,000. Full day programs from US$230. Open daily 9am.-10pm. The Oriental Hotel, 02 437 7613-4
SEASONS SPA. A vast selection of head-to-toe treatments to choose from. Plus Aroma Stone therapy 10am - 10pm. Conrad Bangkok, Wireless Rd. 02 690 9355.
SAREERAROM. For healthy bodies and minds; it offers an extensive range of treatments using aromatic products. Thonglor Soi 10, 02 391 9919 |
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