Buzz
Just returned from a trip to Thailand with my group of friends, I want to share my experience with everyone, especially to answer questions like: where to shop, what to buy as gifts... to make your trip enjoyable and complete.
My latest trip to Thailand. Source: NVCC
Before the trip
I simply travel for leisure, so my only need is to buy gifts for my family, not for business purposes. Therefore, I brought about 6 million Vietnamese dong, of which I exchanged 4 million into Thai baht and 2 million into US dollars.
>>> You can also refer to it here: 3 Golden rules related to money when traveling.
Prepare some flip-flops, and you'll see how convenient they are for your travel. If you're just planning to go shopping, my advice for you is to get active: walk, run, do sports a few days before departure to prepare physically. Trust me, you'll thank me later, or else you'll be very tired.
If you want to shop for a lot of goods, pay attention to your luggage weight. If necessary, buy more from the start to avoid extra fees at the airport. Or to save even more, you can contact a company specializing in shipping goods from Thailand to Vietnam, which is quite reasonable.
My Shopping Journey
During my four-day exploration of Thailand, I mainly enjoyed myself in Bangkok and Pattaya. Our group also visited some traditional markets and floating markets, but the tour guide advised us not to buy goods at these places, just look around or buy food, because they mostly sell Chinese products to Chinese tourists at high prices. Save your shopping for Bangkok.
Floating Market in Pattaya, Thailand. Image Source: NVCC
Enjoying Mango Sticky Rice in Thailand. Image Source: NVCC
A soap stall at the local market. Image Source: NVCC
Returning to Bangkok. Image Source: Internet
Yes, let me affirm that for shopping alone, Bangkok is enough. I say this because Bangkok is the commercial hub of Thailand, where all products are transported before distribution nationwide and for export.
A quite interesting point shared by our Thai-Vietnamese tour guide: “Thai goods are divided into 3 grades based on quality, where grades 1 and 2 are for domestic consumption, and grade 3 is for export, meaning that the best quality goods are kept for local use before being exported. So, when you shop in Thailand, it's different from buying Thai products abroad.”
Since our group didn't visit Chatuchak Weekend Market due to the timing, we explored the equally enticing shopping centers in central Bangkok.
We divided into 3 groups to shop at Central World, Pratunam Market, and Big C. I chose Big C as I wasn't up for the hustle of Pratunam Market and didn't need to visit Central World.
On the left is Central World, on the right is Big C. Image Source: NVCC
Don't underestimate Big C (Super Center), it's located opposite Central World and is extremely vast. I spent 3 hours there and still didn't cover it all. This is where locals buy their daily necessities. I went there to buy snacks and a few small items for friends as gifts. The prices are affordable, ranging from 100 to 200 baht (about 70,000VND – 140,000VND), and you can get a variety of items like clothes, shoes, accessories, and snacks, which are even cheaper.
This is the cute little elephant I bought as a gift, it cost 20 baht. Image Source: NVCC
Adding a few fruit soap bars for just 100 baht for 6 bars. Image Source: NVCC
Thai oil is the top choice for buying gifts for adults. Image Source: NVCC
Milo Cubes and banana cakes are the two items friends buy the most. Image Source: NVCC
After my shopping trip, the result was all food items. Image Source: NVCC
And the long, dense receipt that I had to fold in half. Image Source: NVCC
You can check out the items I chose to buy as gifts. Note that for soap items, don't use them for washing clothes or dishes, instead put them in your closet, shoes, books, they'll smell great. These items are very common in Thailand, but prices vary from place to place. My friends shared with me that soap and oil are even cheaper at wholesale markets.
Places for those who come to Thailand just for shopping
Perhaps I've mentioned wholesale markets a bit too much. If you have the energy and desire to hunt for good bargains, then you should visit wholesale markets in Bangkok. There are three places I want to introduce to you:
Chatuchak Weekend Market: It's the most famous shopping destination in Bangkok, located in Chinatown. When you come here, you need to know exactly what you want to buy, or else you might get lost in the maze of Chatuchak Market. This market area is only open on weekends from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. If you're traveling to Thailand on weekends, don't miss out on Chatuchak!
Chatuchak Night Market in the Chinese neighborhood. Image Source: Internet
Strolling and shopping at Chatuchak. Image Source: Internet
Pratunam Market: Walk through the entire Central World area, towards the left, and you'll see an old apartment building. If you don't see the sign 'Pratunam Market,' you won't even guess that it's a bustling 24/7 market in Bangkok. If you can't visit Chatuchak, Pratunam is the second best option. They sell everything here, from clothes, shoes, accessories, home decor, both old and new items, ranging from grade 1 to grade 3 quality. So, inspect the goods and ask questions carefully to avoid buying something you don't like.
A favorite shopping spot for the ladies in the group. Image Source: Internet
A clothing store in Pratunam Market. Image Source: Internet
Platinum Fashion Mall: This is where Thai workers, housewives, and students come to shop. It's famous for trendy and fashionable items. If you buy in bulk, you'll get a good discount here. Platinum organizes its goods by zones, making it easier for you to find what you need.
The Platinum Fashion Mall is located in the bustling area of Bangkok. Image Source: Internet
Platinum is always busy with visitors. Image Source: Internet
>>> Secrets of Wholesale Shopping: Most items here are cheap, but if you buy 3, the price will be lower. And if you negotiate to buy more than 10 items, the price will drop even more. So, buy a few pieces from wholesale sellers for excellent deals.
At these three locations, you won't have trouble spotting Vietnamese visitors; they come here mainly for wholesale shopping. Ask them if you can't find the specific item you're looking for.
Must-Visit Shopping Areas for Sightseeing
Central World: As mentioned earlier, Central World gathers hundreds of world-renowned brands, but prices are higher than in the U.S. In this rectangular paradise, you'll be amazed the first time you step in. Clothes, accessories, furniture, electronics... you can find everything at Central World. Moreover, this shopping center also has many food courts, making it quite appealing for a meal break.
Central World Bangkok. Image Source: NVCC
MBK Center: With over a hundred dining options, movie theaters, and hundreds of shops ranging from fashion to electronics and cosmetics, MBK Center offers a diverse experience. It welcomes more than 200,000 visitors daily. Most Thai people come here for food and movies, so I advise you, this isn't the place for budget-friendly shopping.
MBK Center Bangkok. Image Source: Internet
Siam Paragon: Considered the pride of bustling Bangkok, the paradise of luxury high-end brands, that's what Thai people say about Siam Paragon. This 5-story complex shopping center also houses a cinema with over 1000 seats, and a movie ticket + popcorn + drink combo will cost you more than 1 million VND. Therefore, in my opinion, Siam Paragon is more suitable for sightseeing.
Siam Paragon, the pride of Bangkok. Image Source: Internet
Above are some insights into my shopping experience in Thailand. I hope it will make your Thailand trip more complete, and let's contribute more attractive spots in Bangkok for the travel community.
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