Roland Lefevre
Bangkok has a plethora of markets and luxurious malls that cater to a range of shoppers and budgets. Among the merchandise are souvenirs of all sorts from the tacky to the exquisite.
Frequented by 200,000 people a day, it is by far the most popular place to shop for souvenirs. Vendors in its 8,000 stalls are from all parts of the country. Exceptional wood carvings, clay handicrafts, real and imitation silk fabrics, apparel and painted wall hangings, ethnic ware, traditional jewellery and collectibles are available at very reasonable prices. It is advisable to visit the market early in the morning or after sundown as the area can get unbearably hot and muggy.
Bargain hunters should also visit some of Bangkok's other markets. Khaosan popular with backpackers, Khlong Lod Night Market and Khlong Thom Market are where even cheaper merchandise and souvenirs can be found. Ratchada Night Bazaar trades in pre owned scooters to knickknacks. Talad Rot Fai is the place for vintage ware.
Asiatique a restored waterfront area has 1,500 boutiques, 40 restaurants and nightly entertainment. A combination of night bazaar and a mall, it offers quality souvenirs among other tasteful merchandise. It opens at 5 pm and remains open till mid night.
The third floor Thai Craft Market at Amarin Plaza has stalls full of silks, woven bags, colourful jewellery and a range of cheaper gifts to gladden any souvenir hunter's heart. It is easily accessible from the Chitlom sky train station.
Located at Siam Paragon Mall is devoted to Thai gifts and handicrafts. Selection of silk articles for all genders, well crafted pieces of jewellery, handbags and other gift items are available at a range of prices. The mall has direct access from the sky train station.
This site can be found in the President Tower and offers an amazing collection of well crafted handicrafts. Although many items here tend to be quite expensive, the selection is wonderful and rummaging through it can yield some finds at reasonable price.
Located around Bangkok, these places are visitors go to pick up that gorgeous silk scarf, a well designed t shirt, a silk necktie or apparel. While the items retailed at these shops make ideal souvenirs they are quite expensive. Cheaper products are sold at the brand's factory outlet at Soi 93 in Sukhumvit. Those staying at Anantara Bangkok Riverside will also find a Jim Thompson boutique within the resort itself.
On the premises of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation on Rama IV Road Lumphini, this shop offers a unique collection of handicrafts produced by hill tribes in Chiang Rai Province, pottery, apparel and their trade mark coffee. The foundation has a handicraft shop at Suvarnabhumi airport.
Silom Village in the heart of Bangkok's business district is a collection of 17 antique Thai houses dating to the period of King Rama V. The shopping arcade here features shops that retail antiques, handicrafts, lacquer ware, jewellery and Thai silk.
The Chitralada shops carry handicrafts and other products made by rural communities funded by the Chitaralada Foundation, whose patron is the queen. They have a shop at the Suwarnabhumi airport as well.
Haven't go that souvenir? Then the only recourse is the souvenir shops at Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok, Level 4 Concourse D. The shops here sell only good quality locally made handicrafts and other products.
