Emplazado en unas tierras de casi 14.6 hectáreas y con más de 15.000 puntos de venta, este mercado es la forma perfecta de pasar el día ya sea que estén buscando las mejores ofertas o que simplemente quieran hacer las compras de la semana. A pesar del nombre, el Mercado de Fin de Semana de Chatuchak abre sus puertas de miércoles a domingo junto al Parque Público de Chatuchak en Thanon Phaholyothin. El mercado es la plataforma perfecta para que los residentes puedan exponer y vender una amplia variedad de productos. Aquí encontrarán flores frescas exóticas, frutas y vegetales, artesanías, pinturas, cerámica, muebles, juguetes, utensilios, plantas, reproducciones antiguas y hasta mascotas. Ya sea que vengan a comprar hasta el hartazgo o que simplemente quieran empaparse de la cultura local, este mercado tiene lo que buscan.
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.
TUBA is a designer furniture shop and gallery where young and budding artists show-case their talent. There is a rich collection antique furnishings from the bygone era as well. If shopping is not on your mind then you can surely enjoy the local delicacies served here as this space doubles up as restaurant. You can gorge on the Thai dishes flavored with authentic herbs and spices. Not in the mood to either shop or eat? Simply relax and sip the cool cocktails and other beverages served here. TUBA surely is a place that has something for everyone.
Initially known as the World Trade Center, CentralWorld is one of Bangkok's largest downtown malls, containing a massive variety of trendy shops. The flagship department stores of Zen and Isetan can be found here, but the core is a labyrinth of shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities, including cinemas and an ice-skating rink. Located on the seventh floor is the Thailand Duty Free Shop, which is the one of the only government-operated, downtown duty-free shop in the country. Much more than just your average shopping mall, CentralWorld also has an entire luxury hotel and a fully-equipped convention center within its premises.
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).
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.
Zegna may not be as popular as Armani, but the truly hip man will be familiar with this brand. Find classic cuts and designs, such as knitted, black three quarter length coats, simple but sophisticated suits, and plain, woolen jumpers. Comfort is another of Zegna's priorities, with an emphasis on soft, wearable fabrics like cashmere, silk and mohair. They also stock an up market range of shirts, ties and accessories. Definitely for the discerning gentleman!
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.