ESSENTIAL GUIDE: WHAT TO BUY IN BANGKOK

Bangkok is a shopping paradise, and there are many unique and original items made in Thailand that you can buy as souvenirs or gifts.

Let’s start with the basics of what you can buy:

TOP THINGS TO BUY IN BANGKOK

Here are some of the most original things to look for when shopping in Bangkok:

1. Thai Silk: Thai silk is world-renowned for its quality and intricate patterns. You can find silk clothing, scarves, pillow covers, and other home accessories in various shops and markets around Bangkok.
2. Handicrafts: Thai handicrafts are diverse, with artisans creating beautiful wood carvings, lacquerware, ceramics, and woven products. Look for items such as carved wooden figurines, lacquer boxes, celadon ceramics, and bamboo or rattan woven products.
3. Silverware: Thai silverware is known for its intricate designs and craftsmanship. You can find silver jewelry, decorative items, and tableware in shops around Bangkok, particularly in the Silom and Chinatown areas.
4. Soap Carvings: Delicately carved soaps are popular souvenirs in Thailand. These beautifully crafted items often depict flowers, animals, and other intricate designs and are sometimes even scented.
5. Thai Spices and Curry Pastes: Bring home the flavors of Thai cuisine with authentic Thai spices and curry pastes. You can find these in supermarkets, local markets, and specialty food shops.
6. Coconut Shell Products: Thailand has a long tradition of using coconut shells to create various handicrafts, such as bowls, cups, and decorative items. These eco-friendly products make for unique souvenirs.
7. Traditional Thai Clothing: Traditional Thai clothing, such as the chut Thai for women or the fisherman pants for men, can be found in various shops and markets. These garments are often made from Thai silk or cotton and feature intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
8. Thai Snacks and Sweets: Thai snacks and sweets make for delicious and unique gifts. Look for items such as dried fruits, coconut candies, tamarind snacks, and Thai-style toffees.
9. Hill Tribe Products: Many items made by Thailand’s hill tribes are available in Bangkok, including handmade textiles, silver jewelry, and embroidered bags. These products showcase the unique cultural heritage of the various hill tribes.
10. Spa and Massage Products: Thailand is famous for its spa and massage culture, so bringing home some Thai massage oils, balms, and herbal compresses is an excellent way to remember your trip.
11. Rare gems: Rubies, Sapphires and Spinels:

JEWELRY & GEMS:

1. Silom and Charoenkrung Roads: These areas, particularly around the Silom and Surawong Roads, are home to many reputable gem and jewelry shops. You can find a variety of precious stones and expertly crafted gold and silver jewelry in these stores.
2. Yaowarat (Chinatown): Bangkok’s Chinatown is another popular area for jewelry shopping, particularly for gold jewelry. Yaowarat Road is lined with numerous shops offering gold jewelry in various styles and at competitive prices.
3. Gems Gallery: As one of the world’s largest jewelry stores, Gems Gallery offers a wide range of gemstones and jewelry products. You can find an extensive selection of rubies, sapphires, diamonds, and other precious stones, as well as gold and silver jewelry.
4. Jewelry Trade Center (JTC): Located in the Silom area, the Jewelry Trade Center is a one-stop destination for all your gem and jewelry needs. The building houses numerous wholesale and retail jewelry shops, gem laboratories, and even jewelry design schools.
5. MBK Center: While MBK is mainly known for its affordable fashion and electronics, the mall also has a section dedicated to jewelry shops on the second floor. Here you can find a range of silver, gold, and gemstone jewelry at reasonable prices.

Rubies:

Thailand is well-known for its beautiful and high-quality rubies, particularly those sourced from the Chanthaburi and Kanchanaburi provinces. Thai rubies typically exhibit deep red colors with a hint of blue, which makes them highly sought after.

Sapphires:

Thailand is also a major source of sapphires, with blue, yellow, and pink varieties available. Thai sapphires are known for their rich colors and excellent clarity, making them popular among gem enthusiasts and collectors.

Spinels:

Spinels are another gemstone that can be found in Thailand. Although not as well-known as rubies and sapphires, spinels come in a range of colors, including red, pink, blue, and black, and have gained popularity in recent years.

When shopping for original items in Bangkok, make sure to visit local markets, such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, Asiatique The Riverfront, or the various night markets around the city. These markets offer a wide variety of unique and handmade products that showcase the rich culture and craftsmanship of Thailand.

WHERE TO SHOP FOR EVERYDAY THINGS:

1. Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the world’s largest weekend markets, Chatuchak offers a vast array of products, including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, furniture, and more. With over 15,000 stalls, you can find almost anything you’re looking for at bargain prices.
2. Siam Paragon: This upscale shopping mall is home to luxury brands, high-street fashion, a wide variety of restaurants, and even an aquarium. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for a luxurious shopping experience.
3. CentralWorld: One of the largest shopping complexes in Southeast Asia, CentralWorld offers a mix of high-end and affordable brands, as well as a range of dining and entertainment options.
4. MBK Center: A popular destination for bargain hunters, MBK Center has eight floors filled with small shops selling clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs at negotiable prices.
5. Asiatique The Riverfront: This open-air mall and night market is situated along the Chao Phraya River, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can find fashion, handicrafts, and souvenirs in a lively atmosphere.
6. Terminal 21: With a unique concept that brings together different cities and their famous shopping streets under one roof, Terminal 21 offers a range of international and local brands, as well as a large food court and cinema.
7. Platinum Fashion Mall: A wholesale shopping center for clothing and accessories, Platinum Fashion Mall is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. You can find the latest fashion trends at affordable prices, with even better deals when buying in bulk.
8. ICONSIAM: This riverside shopping complex is a mix of luxury brands, high-street fashion, and local designers. It also offers art galleries, cultural attractions, and a wide variety of dining options.
9. Pantip Plaza: Known as the go-to place for electronics and IT products, Pantip Plaza offers a wide range of computers, gadgets, and accessories at competitive prices.
10. Pratunam Market: This wholesale market is a great place for bargain shopping, particularly for clothing and textiles. You can find a wide range of products at low prices, especially when buying in bulk.

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