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Chatuchak
You can buy just about anything at the city's largest market, including silk items in a mudmee (tie-dyed before weaving) design that would sell for five times the price in the United States. Despite its name the market is open daily, though it's best to come on Friday or the weekend—in the morning before the place gets too crowded and hot. An afternoon at JJ, as it is known by locals ("ch" is pronounced "jha" in Thai, so phonetically Chatuchak is Jatujak), is not for the faint of heart: up to 200,000 people visit each day, and there are more than 15,000 vendors. Keep your bearings by remembering that the outer ring has mainly new clothing and shoes, with some plants, garden supplies, and home decor. The next ring is primarily used (and some new) clothing and shoes plus accessories like jewelry, belts, and bags. Farther in are pottery, antiques, furniture, dried goods, and live animals. Be prepared with bottles of water, comfortable shoes, and make sure to print out a copy of the map of the market from the website. Strategically placed food vendors mean you don't have to stop shopping to grab a bite.
Phaholyothin Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
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Silom
Silom Soi 5 was nicknamed Soi Lalai Sap, or "Melting Money Lane," because the shopping here is so good. The air-conditioned shops and sidewalk vendors sell a huge variety of inexpensive men's and women's clothes (including selections from up-and-coming Thai designers), handicrafts, and snacks.
Silom Rd. Soi 5, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand
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Bang Rak
In a prime spot by the Chao Phraya River, this complex of eateries, bars, and shops is in a group of renovated warehouses. The shopping focuses on local products, from clothes and handicrafts. You can get here via a free shuttle boat from the Saphan Taksin Pier next to the BTS station of the same name.
2194 Charoen Krung Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10120, Thailand
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Pathumwan
The flagship location of Thailand's largest department store chain has a quality selection of clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, housewares, and fabrics, including a Jim Thompson silk shop. An elevated walkway connects Central Chidlom with the even more upscale Central Embassy mall next door.
1027 Ploenchit Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Pathumwan
Fashionistas will find much to explore at one of Bangkok's newer shopping malls; from high-end international brands to Thai designers like Boyy and Disaya. The Eathai section has street food nibbles and cooking ware displays, as well as Thai cooking classes at Issaya Cooking Studio. On Level 6 is Embassy Diplomat Screens, a state-of-the-art cinema house where staff bring snacks and beverages to your seat.
1031 Phloenchit Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Pathumwan
At more than 1 million square meters (nearly 11 million square feet), this megacenter claims to be Southeast Asia's biggest mall. It's packed with local and international retailers, as well as a multiplex cinema, a hotel, and many dining options.
Rama I Rd. and Ratchadamri Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Sukhumvit
You can get custom-made boots for around $200 here. The shop also stocks a large inventory of ready-made leather shoes, boots, and accessories. Liu's Bootery, farther southeast along Sukhumvit Road, is also recommended.
141 Sukhumvit Rd., at Soi 11, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
Shop Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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Sukhumvit
This glitzy mall was renovated and expanded to include EmQuartier, a separate building across the BTS line from Emporium, together called EM District. There are exclusive high-end shops and fine dining throughout and the sixth floor full of beautiful silks, incense, and glassware, all reasonably priced.
622 Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
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Pathumwan
This upscale shopping center outshines many of the others with its white marble-and-chrome fixtures. You'll find European and local labels and lauded restaurants such as Paste and Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar.
999 Ploenchit Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Pathumwan
One of Bangkok's oldest local fashion labels started out primarily in menswear, but now sells casual yet chic streetwear for both genders. The original branch in Siam Center showcases the most current collections.
979 Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Klong San
Opened in 2018 on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, IconSiam is one of the largest shopping malls in Asia. The sleek, multilevel, air-conditioned space is filled with shops and restaurants, including the first Apple Store in Thailand and Michelin-starred Blue by Alain Ducasse. There's also a 14-theater cineplex and a huge food court designed to resemble a floating market.
299 Charoen Nakhon Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10600, Thailand
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Pathumwan
Collections from this hip local designer are inspired by the cultural influences of Thailand, from Buddhism to ancient royalty.
Rama I Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Bang Rak
The shops of the pioneering company are prime places to buy silk by the yard and as ready-made clothes. The prices are high, but so is the quality and design, and staff members are knowledgeable. In addition to this Bang Rak shop there are numerous other locations throughout the city, including at the Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, CentralWorld, IconSiam, and many other shopping centers and five-star hotels.
9 Surawong Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand
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Phra Nakhon
If you call first, this long-established firm will send a car—a common practice of the city's better stores—to bring you to the shop near Wat Phra Kaew. The selection is massive, and you can order custom-designed pieces.
199 Fuengnakorn Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand
Shop Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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Sathorn
Thai lawyers Nuttaya and Paniti Chunhasawatikul founded Kad Kokoa in 2018 and quickly earned respect. Their chocolate made with beans from a Chumphon cacao farm won a gold medal in Paris as a preeminent example of showcasing terroir. Along with plain chocolate, there is chocolate flavored with black pepper, salted tamarind, and shiso seeds. There's a cafe here serving chocolate-based drinks, cookies, brownies, truffles, and more.
1076 Soi Narathiwat, Soi 17, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10120, Thailand
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Banglamphu
Yes, this is backpacker central, with harem pants and cheesy souvenirs for sale, and lots of cheap pad Thai street food, but the people-watching can be entertaining.
Khao San Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand
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Ratchathewi
If you want the convenience of duty-free shopping, try King Power. You choose and pay for the items at the shop or online, then pick them up at Suvarnabhumi Airport when you depart Thailand (or simply take them with you). You need your passport and an airline ticket, and you need to make your purchase at least eight hours before leaving the country. The airport branch is open 24 hours.
8/2 Rangnam Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
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Bang Rak
The jewelry sold at this highly respected shop is more expensive than average, but so is the quality.
9 Charoen Krung, Soi 38, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand
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Bang Rak
Among the knickknacks stacked floor to ceiling, this shop has some of the most finely crafted silver cutlery in town.
9 Charoen Krung Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand
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Pathumwan
One of the best custom-tailor shops in Bangkok, Marco Tailor sews a suit equal to those on London's Savile Row. It's not cheap, but it's cheaper than what you'd pay in London.
430/33 Siam Sq., Soi 7, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
