Most of Bangkok’s main shopping centers are centrally located within easy walking distance of other centers as well as Bangkok’s art, cultural and entertainment offerings.

Located near the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center as well as the National Stadium the MBK shopping centre is well situated and has just about anything you might need from high fashion to souvenirs. Modern, immaculate and cutting edge, this mall is a pleasure to roam and window shop. There are all the modern amenities and services one hopes to find in a contemporary shopping setting including entertainment for the kids, family facilities and rest areas. A variety of activities and entertainment are regularly on show to amuse you while you take a break from the spectacular variety of wares for sale, including designer fashion and unique artefacts.

Siam Paragon is Bangkok’s newest shopping treasure. Six floors of boutique style shopping encompass a gourmet food emporium, toys, beauty, fashion and entertainment. For tourists the Siam Paragon makes an extremely generous offer with the Siam Paragon Tourist Card. The card entitles the bearer to a 5% discount on everything in the department store; up to 70% off in the shopping complex as well as the 7% VAT refund (see VAT below). Visitors can download the PDF brochure online or apply in store.

Central World Bangkok almost always has a festive feeling about the place. Fashion shows and displays featuring new talent are common as are numerous other events hosted by the Center. This shopping center has a genuine community feel which makes for a terrific relaxed environment. Central World also offers tourists a special discount card.

These are three of the many shopping centers throughout this buzzing metropolis. There is no wanting for shopping in Thailand and tourists can expect to see everything their hearts desire as well as a few things they would never expect. Shopping in Thailand is fun!

Night Markets

Perhaps the most famous of the night markets is Patpong Night Market which has been operating for about 15 years. For a period being in the area at night was becoming a little dubious but the community has managed to turn the trend around and now the Patpong market, while still exciting and energetic, is safe and excellent for night market shopping. This is the place to bargain!

Just around the corner from Patpong along Silom Road there are many more night stalls open every evening. This part of the markets is slightly less touristy and some suggest the prices here are a tad better as well. There is an element of red light district to the area still, but the streets are crowded at all times and feel quite safe.

Chatuchak Market boasts over 8000 stalls although it is only open on the weekends throughout the day. The market is massive and covers 35 acres of stall packed land with laneways running a grid through the stalls. This used to be the place wholesalers and traders went to get a bargain but the word got out and now the markets have thousands of visitors every weekend. This is more than shopping, it’s an experience.

Store Hours

Thailand is famous for its shopping and with good reason. Store hours to suit every lifestyle and work schedule makes shopping convenient and easily accessible.  In the main centers most shopping malls and department stores are open from 10am to 10pm, 7 days per week. In rural areas or smaller towns shops may close on Sunday.

Night markets come to life at dusk and remain open until midnight.

Wet markets, the place to purchase a variety of fresh food for the day’s meals, open at 4am and close by around 9am.

Bargaining

Sometimes westerners feel uncomfortable bargaining or don’t know how to begin. Although it isn’t necessary to bargain everywhere you shop in Thailand many people find the experience fun once they get the hang of it. The satisfaction of walking away with real deal can make shopping that much more enjoyable. For those who don’t wish to bargain fear not, most department stores and shopping malls will have set prices for items and there is no need to negotiate.

For those who want to give bartering a go the markets are for you. A very general rule of thumb is that you can usually knock a price down by between 10% and 40% of the price quoted. Have a good sense of humour, be polite, and be willing to walk away and you increase the odds of a good deal! Another good strategy is to be first to market. Many vendors will give a great deal for an early sale believing that this is a lucky sign for a prosperous day ahead.

Buying Authentic

The market for knock-off designer goods in Thailand is big. The best way to avoid buying fakes is to purchase goods at a reputable store and when shopping in markets to stick to the old saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t.” When common sense prevails shoppers will be wary of ‘precious gems’ which cost a fraction of the price of a real gem or ‘authentic designer items’ cheap. No matter where in the world you shop, precious gems and designer items are not cheap.

Also be cautious about what you will be allowed to take with you out of the country. Statues of Buddha for example have restrictions on export as do many foods, plants, plant products, animals, animal products and also certain medicines and medicine products.

Currency

The official currency in Bangkok is the Thai Baht. For an American dollar you may get around 30 baht. One euro will fetch approximately 42 baht but of course the rates change daily and these figures are estimates at present. Bank machines will dispense Baht when you withdraw from credit or bank cards and there are many exchange places located throughout the city. When shopping in markets Thai Baht is the best payment method for bargaining. Although some market vendors will accept credit cards they are unlikely to give you the best value unless you pay cash.

Shopping centres, malls and department stores will usually take the top credit cards, MasterCard, Amex, Visa and Diners but they may charge extra for using credit (even though they’re not really supposed to).

Exchanges or Refunds

With a receipt you may possibly obtain an exchange or refund but the chances if you don’t have a receipt (and often if you do) are very slim. There is no obligation for vendors to take back an item. It’s best to make sure you are buying exactly what you want before you pay.

VAT tax

Shoppers in Bangkok are charged a 7% VAT tax which is refundable to those shopping with a visitor’s visa. There are minimums that must be spent before you are eligible for a return; the current minimum is $5000 baht. To claim the tax visitors must fill out VAT refund paperwork at the store where they are purchasing items and provide passport and travel information at that time. At the airport paperwork is presented to customs officers before passing through immigration at the VAT refund office; at Suvarnabhumi the VAT refund office is near the entrance to Domestic Departures.