🛍️ **Bangkok Shopping Guide: From Chatuchak to Luxury Malls**
Shopping in Bangkok is an EXPERIENCE! Here's where to spend those baht:
**🏬 MEGA MALLS (Air-con Heaven!):**
**Siam Paragon**
• Luxury brands + affordable options
• Aquarium, IMAX cinema
• Gourmet Market - best imported food
• BTS: Siam
**CentralWorld**
• Huge! 7 floors of shopping
• Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, local brands
• Sales during Songkran & New Year
• BTS: Chit Lom
**Terminal 21**
• Airport-themed, each floor = different country
• Budget-friendly brands
• Food court = cheap & good!
• BTS: Asok / MRT: Sukhumvit
**IconSiam**
• Riverside luxury mall
• Thai heritage zone (Sooksiam)
• Floating market indoors
• Free shuttle boat from Sathorn Pier
**MBK Center**
• Electronics, phones, gadgets
• Tailors, souvenirs, knockoffs
• Haggling expected!
• BTS: National Stadium
**🎪 MARKETS (The Real Bangkok!):**
**Chatuchak Weekend Market**
• 15,000+ stalls!
• Open: Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm
• Everything: clothes, plants, pets, antiques
• Bring: Cash, water, comfortable shoes
• Budget: 500-2000 THB for good haul
• MRT: Chatuchak Park
**Talad Rot Fai (Train Night Market)**
• Vintage items, retro vibes
• 3 locations: Ratchada, Srinakarin, Kaset
• Open: Thu-Sun evenings
• Great street food!
**Pratunam Market**
• Wholesale clothing
• Early morning best (6am-noon)
• Buy 3+ items = better prices
• Near: Platinum Fashion Mall
**Khlong Toei Market**
• Fresh produce, seafood, meat
• LOCAL prices (super cheap!)
• Go early: 5am-9am
• Not touristy at all
**Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)**
• 24/7 flower market
• Beautiful photo ops
• Wholesale prices
• Near Chinatown
**📱 TECH & ELECTRONICS:**
**Pantip Plaza**
• Computers, software, accessories
• Some gray market items
• Negotiate prices!
• Pratunam area
**IT City (Fortune Town)**
• Phones, cameras, gadgets
• Better organized than MBK
• MRT: Rama 9
**🎭 SPECIALTY SHOPPING:**
**Jodd Fairs (Night Market)**
• New hipster market
• Great food + shopping
• Open: 5pm-midnight
• MRT: Rama 9
**Asiatique The Riverfront**
• Night bazaar + restaurants
• Scenic riverside location
• Calypso Cabaret show
• Free shuttle boat from Sathorn
**Or Tor Kor Market**
• Premium fresh market
• High-quality produce & ready-to-eat
• Near Chatuchak
• Clean, organized, air-con sections
**💡 SHOPPING TIPS:**
**Best Deals:**
✅ Markets: Cash only, haggle 20-40% off
✅ Malls: End of season sales (Mar-Apr, Sep-Oct)
✅ Electronics: Check online prices first
✅ Tailors: Get recommendations, avoid touts
**What to Buy:**
• Thai silk from Jim Thompson
• Leather goods (cheaper than Europe)
• Spa products (Thann, Harnn, Karmakamet)
• Handicrafts from Chatuchak
• Electronics (check warranty!)
**Sizes:**
Thai sizes run small! Try before buying. Many shops don't allow returns.
**VAT Refund:**
Spend 2,000+ THB at participating stores, get ~7% back at airport. Keep receipts!
**Shipping:**
Kerry, Thailand Post, or DHL if buying heavy items. Some markets offer shipping services.
**Avoid:**
• Tourist trap tailors near hotels
• Gem scams (common!)
• Tuk-tuk drivers offering "special shopping tours"
What's your favorite Bangkok shopping spot? Share below! 🛒
#BangkokShopping #Chatuchak #ThailandShopping #BangkokMalls #ShoppingGuide
