Joanna James
Holiday shopping in Silom is tops, from the well-known night markets to ritzy malls, the district knows just how to satisfy the serious shopper. Read on and make sure you don't miss out on the best.
Silom Complex gives the huge malls of Sukhumvit and Siam a pretty good run. It may not be as large, but has a good collection of independent boutique shops, high street brand stores, beauty parlours, cafes and restaurants. Just 5 minutes away for guests at Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok Serviced Suites this mall is home to just about all the usual favourites of Bangkok; this includes Mango, Swarovski, Accessorize, Jaspal and Asia Books. Look forward to dining in style after a busy shopping spree as the place offers a fine selection of eateries that include Piri-Piri Flaming Chicken, Wine Connection as well as the luxurious Tops Market situated in the basement. The mall is one of the easiest to access from a centrally located apartment hotel. Bangkok Sala Daeng BTS Station gives you direct access from any point in the city while the main entrance is situated on Silom Road.
In order to savour the true essence of Bangkok's street life, incorporating shopping and dining, one must visit popular haunts such as the Patpong Night Market. The place is an amalgamation of shopping and the famous nightlife of Bangkok. But since we are concentrating on just shopping, make your way past the go-go bars and head over to the strip occupied by the market stalls. The place sells just about every type of consumer good, including a rather large collection of designer brand knock-offs; not too shabby, these items come quite close to the real thing in looks if not quality. So, if you are on a budget, Patpong Night Market is the place to visit for a taking back a large haul of goodies and gifts. Mind you practise your bargaining skills and keep a sharp eye for items that may fall apart before you leave the airport. This being said, Patpong Market is ideal for a taste of local culture and it does yield a couple of good buys, to the trained eye. The market is open from 6 pm onwards.
The entrance to this market is at Silom Soi 5, the small doorway is rather deceptive and a far cry from the huge interiors awaiting the avid shopper. Inside is an amazing maze of food and consumer goods stalls, this market is ideal for savouring some of the best Bangkok street food. Explore the place and you will come across wet markets, little boutiques, electronic stalls selling knock-offs of popular brands and lovely cafes at which to sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
Step back in time to an era when Siamese traditions were rife in Bangkok with a visit to Silom Village. Made up of traditional Thai teak-wood houses, dating back to the 19th century the place is home to a restaurant and bevvy of quaint shops.
Jim Thompson label is fast gaining prominence both in the country and internationally. The brand is renowned for its top quality silk garments, exquisite hand-crafted ornamental items and a range of traditional Thai home-ware. If you are on the scout for unique items that are classy and elegant; look no further than this very chic venue.
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