Occupying approximately 14.61 hectares, (35 acres) of land, with close to 15,000 outlets to choose from, this is a wonderful way to spend a day for both bargain hunters and those shopping for their weekly supplies. Despite its name, the Chatuchak Weekend Market opens from Wednesday to Sunday just beside Bangkok's Chatuchak Public Park on Thanon Phaholyothin. It provides locals with the opportunity to display and sell a wide range of products. You can find exotic fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables, handicrafts, paintings, ceramics, furniture, toys, utensils, plants, antique reproductions and even pets. Whether you are on a shopping spree or simply want to soak in the local scene, this is definitely a place to explore.
Jim Thompson on Surawong Road is the main outlet for Jim Thompson's Thai silks and cotton. It is housed in a mock Thai style house and a spacious well-lit interior keeps shopping relatively hassle free despite the flocks of tourists who descend here every day. On the ground floor are scarves, ties, purses and gifts. Upstairs, they have ready-made clothes, cards, handbags, silks, cottons and a café. One can also find household fabrics, cushions, linens, and furniture. For premium cotton and silk products, this is definitely the place to come to.
Street food lovers are in for a treat along the Sukhumvit Soi 38 in Bangkok. While the Sukhumvit area is actually lined by some of the best restaurants in town, this particular road is even more popular for the stalls along the road which serve some of the most delicious local cuisine at pocket-friendly prices. From pad thai and seafood noodles to grilled pork and soi-dogs, which are a vegetarian version of hot dogs, the variety here will suit even the most picky eater.
Wang Lang Market is one of the most bustling and lively markets in Bangkok. Famous for the exhaustive variety of street food stalls located here, a trip to this market more often than not takes up half the day! Wander around the crowded maze of alleys and browse through the local products being hawked at every turn. This flea market is a popular shopping spot not just for tourists but also primarily for locals, who you can see going about their daily tasks and stopping to enjoy a delicious meal before rushing off again. Even if shopping is not for you, make sure you visit Wang Lang to get a glimpse into the lives of the locals and enjoy some seriously good and cheap food. Look out for stalls selling muu daeng yang (roasted pork) and phad sataw muu tawt (stink beans with crispy pork belly) and finally end your food expedition with desserts like kanom krok (Thai cupcakes) and kanom buang maprow (wafers stuffed with meringue and sweet coconut or sometimes dried shrimp).
Situated within the glittery Siam Paragon shopping complex, this flagship shop of S'uvimol is a fashionista's best bet for leather accessories. In 1950, the legendary owner of Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo, Utai Youngprapakorn, started trading fine crocodile leather to the world's best brands. His descendants then set up another crocodile breeding farm in the 1990s and subsequently started S'uvimol as a one-stop shop for all accessories made from crocodile leather. At this boutique, women can find bags in diverse styles and colors ranging from rich red and deep pink to navy blue and sunny yellow. Sling bags, clutch purses, totes, satchels and wallets are just a few of the items sold here. Men need not despair either as S'uvimol is a treasure trove of quirky iPad and Blackberry cases, wallets, key holders and belts.
Selvedgework is the place to go for bespoke clothing, especially handcrafted denims. As its name suggests, this shop specializes in selvedge jeans, and it tailors each individual piece to suit the customer's preferences. Customers are given a choice in everything, right from the thread, fabric and pattern to zippers, rivets and buttons. Whether you like your denims made from washed or raw fabric, in a light or dark shade, skinny or loose fit, plain or with embellishments, their craftsmen will sew the perfect pair of jeans for you. All bespoke denims come with a leather patch bearing the customer's initials, a metal tag and even a unique handwritten identification number! Selvedgework also has ready-to-wear items like ultra-soft denim shirts, bow ties, blazers, aprons and even bags and watches.
In search of that first day cover, or rare Penny Black? This is Bangkok's haven for serious philatelists, or those just wishing to start their collection. It is the official distributor of a huge number of stamp collections from the postal organizations of China, USA, Canada, France and other countries around the world. Some of the stamp collections available can be located at other outlets throughout the city. Additional branches: Siam Center; Emporium; Central Chidlom.
Established in 2002, Mrs. Flowers had humble beginnings, with an outlet at a department store. Today, they're recognized as one the finest purveyors of chocolates, with prominent locations throughout the city. The treats are crafted from the finest ingredients, with no added preservatives. From classic dark chocolate and praline to innovative creations lime crunch and snow mango, the store has something for every sweet tooth. Check website for more.
The Baan Kwan Thai Desserts Boutique specializes in crafting traditional Thai sweets. With over 25 years of experience, the shop has made a name for its intricate culinary creations. Especially popular at weddings and other momentous occasions, these sweet treats are carefully-crafted and infused with cultural meaning. For instance, the Jah Mongkut, a crown-shaped dessert signifies triumph, while the rose-shaped Khanom Chan signifies success. This shop is a must visit to sample traditional Thai sweets.
Situated within the glittery Siam Paragon shopping complex, this flagship shop of S'uvimol is a fashionista's best bet for leather accessories. In 1950, the legendary owner of Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo, Utai Youngprapakorn, started trading fine crocodile leather to the world's best brands. His descendants then set up another crocodile breeding farm in the 1990s and subsequently started S'uvimol as a one-stop shop for all accessories made from crocodile leather. At this boutique, women can find bags in diverse styles and colors ranging from rich red and deep pink to navy blue and sunny yellow. Sling bags, clutch purses, totes, satchels and wallets are just a few of the items sold here. Men need not despair either as S'uvimol is a treasure trove of quirky iPad and Blackberry cases, wallets, key holders and belts.
Milin is what you get when you marry traditional ideas of femininity with the self-reliance of the modern woman. A clash of disparate fashion styles and eras defines the collection of celebrated designer Mimi Yuvacharuskul who started this label in 2009. Her approach is perfectly encapsulated in the motto “Elegant, Sensual, Rebellious.” From showstopping evening gowns in vermilion red to floral mini dresses with flattering silhouettes, ankle-length palazzos in pastel shades to crop tops with geometric cuts, Milin covers it all. The silhouettes of most dresses are so unusual, you might actually start a new fashion trend by wearing them. Yet, none of the clothes are overly pretentious and are as suitable for daily wear as for the fashion ramp. If it is a free-spirited approach to fashion you seek, then Milin is your answer.
Neold Collection is an antique and interior design store, located in Bang Rak. With a wide collection of exquisite and rare items, this store is an excellent place to pick up something unique to beautify your home. If you do not wish to purchase anything simply stop by to take a look at the beautiful items displayed here.