Shopping in Thailand
Thailand is a paradise for those who love to shop. All across Thailand, there is a huge range of shopping options offering a truly diverse shopping experience for those visiting. Great value can be found everywhere you look.
Every city has one or several public market places. Bangkok itself is world-famous for its public markets such as Sukhumvit area, Ratchaprasong intersection, Pathumwan area, Pratunam, Chatuchak, Lumphini, Yaowarat, Banglamphu. Even if you don’t feel like shopping, these markets are fi lled with sensory and visual delights.
There are also many mega-malls like Siam Paragon, the biggest mall in Southeast Asia, the extraordinary Central World Plaza, the Platinum Fashion Mall, and the Emporium which is famous for fashion.
Thailand is one of the world's leading exporters of gems and ornaments. If you know what you want, you can make some excellent deals in both unset gems and finished jewellery. With the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Jewel Fest Club was established to bring together many leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers.
The club's aim is to offer quality products at reasonable prices. When visitors purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identified as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, the purchase will be duly recorded and a certificate detailing the purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and value of the purchase, it also guarantees the item should visitors wish to return the purchase. A 10% reduction occurs if the merchandise is returned to the point of sale within 30 days, and a 20% reduction after 30 days but within 45 days of the purchase date.
Colourful embroidery, clothing, bags and jewellery fashioned by the indigenous tribal people in Thailand's northern provinces can be bought in Bangkok. Of course, the closer one gets to the source, items become less expensive and are of better quality. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are the places to find bargains for hill tribe crafts.
Thai's have been producing some of the world's finest lacquerware since the 11th century. In many cases, the products produced in Thailand today follow the same production techniques used 1,000 years ago. Bowls, trays, plates, boxes, containers, cups, vases and many other day-to-day items are sold at most markets.
Many kinds of hand-thrown pottery, old and new, are available throughout the Kingdom. Most popular are the greenish Thai Celadon products from the ancient Sukhothai-Si Satchanalai area and central Thailand's "five colour" style known as Bencharong.
Fabric is the best all-round buy in Thailand, with Thai silk being considered the best in the world. The weave and soft texture of Thai silk means it is easily dyed resulting in brighter colours and a unique lustre. Thailand's northern and northeastern provinces are where the best deals can be found. Tailor-made and ready-made clothing are relatively inexpensive. If one is not particular about style, it is simple to pick up an entire traveling wardrobe at one of Bangkok's many street markets for the same price as one pair of designer jeans.
Rattan and hardwood furniture items are excellent buys and can be made to order. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have the best selection of styles and the highest quality.
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