Joanna James
From high-end apparel to ready-to-assemble meal ingredients, these are some of the best places to shop in Sukhumvit, offering an unforgettable experience when in Bangkok.
If you want to practice your bargaining techniques, this is the best place to shop at. Sukhumvit Market is full of a mind-boggling number of stalls selling all and sundry. Prices are generally cheap; however, as a tourist, you can face being charged extortionist rates if you're not willing to haggle. The atmosphere is nothing like that of the more upscale shopping malls that exist in the area; but, if you want to experience the Thai way of shopping at its most rudimentary level, this is your stop.
You won't have to go too far out of your way to visit the market. From accommodation options the likes of Citadines Sukhumvit 23 Bangkok, which is a service apartment in Bangkok, Sukhumvit Market is under a 10-minute cab ride away. The market stretches out over a kilometre, along streets situated between the Asok and Nana Skytrain stations. Visit the market after 05:00pm, as that's when it opens for the day. The closing time is at midnight and it is a good place to buy inexpensive souvenirs too.
If you're staying in a serviced apartment and not a hotel, you may want to try your hand at cooking while you're in town. Stop by the Food Mart which stocks all the usual groceries and basic kitchenware, in addition to some very useful extras. For example, the Food Mart sells pre-cut and marinated meats that are ready to be slapped onto the grill straight away with no fuss. This will save you a lot of time and effort, and let's face it; who's got the time to slave away in the kitchen while on holiday.
While one may not find many occasions to bake while vacationing abroad, baking fanatics may nevertheless be pleased to hear, that Sukhumvit is home to a store that is essentially a baker's paradise. Located in Sukhumvit 49, the Baker Republic is part bakery store and part bakery academy. It sells a wide assortment of baking equipment and ingredients. If you aren't sure about what to buy, just ask the shopkeepers for advice.
Walking into Asana evokes a little bit of nostalgia for Ikea, the Swedish fast-furniture giant. Check out the beautiful creations on offer here by local designers. They range from coffee tables, chairs and desks, to shelving units and funky lighting options. See something you like? If it's small or light enough to pack in your main luggage, then, by all means, go for it. If it's not, and it's something you really love, you can always ship it back home for a fee.
For a more conventional shopping experience, walk through the doors of The Emporium. This is a premium shopping mall which features a gamut of famous international brands. If you're on a budget though, you may have to settle for window shopping rather than actual shopping.
If you want to get some household items, cosmetics or other knick-knacks at a more affordable price, try Robinson's Department Store. It is a mid-range shopping complex which doesn't have any of the bells and whistles that are characteristic of malls like The Emporium. However, it won't break your bank. For items that are necessities, this may, therefore, be the place to go. It also has convenient transport links; it's connected to the Asok Skytrain Station.
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.
