Shopping in Thailand
Thailand is a bargain hunter’s paradise with glitzy department stores, huge shopping malls and bustling street markets.
It is a great experience to shop in Thailand. The products are typically very cheap and there are a lot of choices for buyers. Not counting grand shopping centers where the prices are already fixed and written on the tags, most street vendors, markets and souvenir stands don’t label fixed prices for their items and customers need to bargain.
Bargaining in Thailand
Sellers there always try to get more money from foreigners whom they assume to be wealthy and have a lot of money to spend. When you go to stores and souvenir stands, the prices they tell you are only what they wish they could make. The actual prices are on the average half or even one third of what they tell you. Many sellers can speak English. They try to defraud you, and tell you that you are the first customer of the day to shop at their store today and they are ready to sell you the item at their buying price for some luck. Please, do not believe them. The “buying” price they offer you is always much higher than the true value of the product.
Antiques
Remember that real antiques more than 100 years old do require a special permission to be exported. This means that most arts and antiques are fakes and replicas.
Bags and Luggage
Leather handbags, backpacks, purses, wallets and suitcases are easy to find and buy. Many are replicas so be aware of the quality.
Thai Clothing
Thailand is a major clothing exporter and manufacturer. There are many shops offering men and women costumes and suits for a bargain.
You can also buy Thai silk which is famous for its vibrant patterns and colors and come at a very cheap price.
Famous Markets and Shopping malls in Bangkok
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- China Town, Yaowarat
- Suan lum Night Bazaar
- Silom Road
- Patpong
- MBK Center
- Emporium Department Store
- Gaysorn Plaza
- Siam Paragon, The Pride of Bangkok
- Pantip Plaza
- River City Shopping Complex
- Central Department Store
In Bangkok, if you buy in bulk (min 3), you will get a bargain.
If you’re in the north, don’t miss the Chiang Mai Sunday market which features the most amazing bargains of Thailand.
VAT Refund
If you buy in a regular shop, don’t forget to ask your VAT Refund Application for Tourists form.