Joanna James
Holiday shopping is a thrill that never gets old, and in Bangkok, you are stuck for choice. Floating markets, night markets, huge glitzy malls and entire shopping precincts are yours to savour.
1. The Awesome Bangkok shopping Malls
Let loose the diva in you as you scour these glitzy edifices, home to some of the world's top branded stores, high street fashions and local designer wear these malls are virtually limitless in allures. There is no limit to the number of goods on offer and even extend to the outrageous such as designer sports cars. Places that are just right for a family day out these malls have it all; bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, Asia's largest aquarium and IMAX theatres ready to blow your mind. All this in addition to the exotic shopping allures, make the malls of Bangkok hard to resist no matter how tight your budget is. This being said, they aren't all about splurging, there are those that offer fantastic discounts that even extend to branded goods. For example, MBK just 18 minutes from Emporium Suites by Chatrium is a haven for bargain goods of all kinds.
2. Get Lost in the Hustle and Bustle of Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak most certainly is the mother of all weekend markets. A mammoth selection of over a 1,000 stalls await the serious shopper here, with goods ranging from armour to seahorses (the live kind). Well, it's not all quirky, you do get the general goods such as shoes, clothing, accessories, knock offs of branded goods, DVD's, handbags and a whole gamut of consumer goods. This is the best place to treat both shopaholic and foodie as the section divided for Bangkok's marvellous street food is hard to resist and you will enjoy this in equal doses of shopping.
3. Hit the Night Markets for Sunset Action
Situated close to just about every well-located luxury hotel Bangkok has to offer, these night markets are quite the experience. By dusk, the likes of Khao San Road and Patpong come alive with the hustle and bustle of night markets. While these together with Rot Fai Market are classics, there are many more mushrooming around the city. From bootleg merchandise to a variety of luggage these markets are more than shopping precincts, offering a range of open air food stalls and bars to kick back relax and enjoy the warm balmy nights of Bangkok.
4. Floating Markets for Getting Away from the Traffic
Floating markets are a must experience in Bangkok; the most famous being Damnoen Saduak, Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang etc. Most are based on a short distance from the city and offer one a rare insight to a Bangkok of yore. Paddling your way in a traditional wooden canoe, being jostled about by other boats that contain shoppers and sellers is a marvellous experience. Buy you pad Thai noodles piping hot from a wooden canoe and look around for boats brimming with local fruit and other goodies.
5. Asiatique the River Front
This is probably the best shopping experience in Bangkok as Asiatique is a combination of the night market and shopping mall. The place is a refurbished trading post with over 1,500 shops located amongst converted warehouse on the riverfront. Easily accessible via water taxi or by land this is one shopping district you won't want to miss.
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