Joanna James
With a choice of floating and night markets as well as luxury shopping precincts and malls, Bangkok is the ideal shopper's paradise for those heading to the Thai capital.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market attracts visitors by the might of its sheer collection of diverse items. The market is also popular amongst wholesalers and traders. Around 8000 stalls display wares at Chatuchak. Navigating the 35 acre marketplace may present a challenge to novices but don't let it deter you. Any veteran shopper would tell you that you can find practically anything on sale in Chatuchak. You could use BTS and MRT stations as well as numbered gates to map your way around the vast market. A day visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a good idea when you crave variety and a different experience from your stay at a Bangkok spa resort. Once there, you can shop till you drop and wonder at the sheer variety of goods on offer.
If you are interested in a different type of a shopping experience, visit Asiatique The Riverfront. It is a place where they've combined the two experiences of a night bazaar with a modern mall. If you are staying at a riverside resort such as Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Asiatique is not too far away. The night bazaar / mall is located just 10 minutes from the Saphan Taksin BTS. You will find approximately 1500 shops and over 30 restaurants inside the warehouse replica space. Asiatique is open in the evening and you will be able to find exquisite souvenirs and plenty of items to take home. Don't forget to enjoy dining at one of the many restaurants and catch a performance of a Thai puppet show.
Rot Fai Market is an open air bazaar with a vibe of Bohemia about it. You will be blown away by the collection of vintage goodies on display. The bazaar also sells antique furniture and historic memorabilia. You can find a number of exotic knickknacks to give to your friends at home. If you would like to be the proud owner of a vintage leather jacket or gift a French chandelier to your mother, browse carefully for you may find those and many more treasures amidst the jumble of wares at Rot Fai Market. Once you've had your fill of wares, head towards a bar to sip Tiger Beer or try a bowl of pad thai or a spicy tom yum and fish for succulent prawn or squid. Try all kinds of authentic Thai delicacies such as sticky rice and ripe mangoes, som tum or even salted grilled whole fish.
Who doesn't love a floating market with its implications of romance in true anime style? Khlong Lat Mayom is significantly small in size when compared to the larger Damnoen Saduak but this market has an authentic vibe that some of the more popular ones have lost over the years. A few hours spent at Khlong Lat Mayom on a weekend will probably give you an intimate chance to observe local life in its true form. Take in the beautiful hues and the heady fragrance of the flowers and food, as well as browse through the clothing and homeware on sale and enjoy your chance to savour a slice of Thai life.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
