Shopping in Thailand
In order for your Thai vacation to continue to warm your soul not only with photos and memories of the gentle sea, you will need some information about shopping in this wonderful country..
It will be difficult to navigate on the spot, there are a lot of proposed options. Therefore, it is better to spend a little time in advance to plan what you want to purchase, how much you can afford to spend, where you need to go for this. You will need two lists: «shopping for yourself» and «souvenirs as a gift». It is also necessary to take into account that tourists on the so-called «free» excursions, usually taken to the most expensive shops.
What and where to buy in Thailand
- There is a huge shopping center in Chiang Mai. Furniture masterpieces from handicraft centers located in the north in the provinces of Nan, Phrea, Lampang flock there. Teak, rattan and bamboo furniture is a national craft. It is beautiful, environmentally friendly, does not cause allergies, it will decorate any interior, but it is not cheap both in terms of purchase and delivery. If just interior souvenirs are enough, then they are offered in abundance in any corner of the country. In Thailand, there is a cult of the elephant, therefore, elephants are offered to tourists as a national symbol, according to legend, their figures bring happiness to the house. Good as an option «singing frog» from teak wood, which is designed to provide you with prosperity in the house. Thai idols, Buddha masks, caskets are also popular. You need to know that the export of ivory products is prohibited.
- An assortment of precious and semi-precious stones are sold in Chanthaburi. You can buy everything elsewhere, but at a higher price. Self-respecting stores issue certificates of conformity. The merchants can please with the cheapness of the products, but there is a high probability of counterfeiting. It is prohibited to export unprocessed stones from the country. Items made of gold and silver, especially blackened ones, are good and have a unique design. There are no such prices for jewelry as in Thailand, perhaps nowhere else in the world..
- In Chiang Mai, Korat and Surin, you can become the proud owner of handicrafts made from excellent silk. Thai silks are amazingly beautiful and are considered some of the finest in the world. They are everywhere, but if in Bangkok in the center «Jim Thompson Silk House» they are quite expensive, then the night markets of Patrong and Silom Road, as well as the upper part of Sukumvit Road, will offer you reasonable correspondence «price quality», however, the quality must be monitored separately. Bargaining is possible, but kindly and benevolently. In general, you can buy silk in any shopping center in Bangkok, Phuket or Pattaya..
- The famous green porcelain is produced in Chiang Mai «Celadon», which has been exported to the world for a long time. After some decline, he is again at the peak of popularity. The thinnest translucent products simply tempt those who are able to appreciate beauty. Sold everywhere.
- Leather can be the first item, because Thailand is a paradise for its lovers. The assortment is truly huge - from $ 3.00 for a thing made of pork or buffalo leather to several hundred dollars. for a handbag or belt made of stingray or reptile skin. Do not trust only the assurances of «real elephant skin»! This is out of the question. Bangkok has a great place - MVK shopping center. As they say: «If you did not find a handbag in MVK, then you will not find it anywhere». In addition to leather bags, there are also cotton and silk, and grape; huge bags and tiny clutches - THERE IS EVERYTHING! You can also visit the Chatuchake weekend market - as an alternative to well-known brands, they offer the creations of novice designers, which is also quite interesting. On weekdays, it is better to go to Platinum Mall - truly a mecca for bag fans. Moreover, there, the more you buy, the more discounts!
- If you want to buy clothes and shoes, then Bangkok is what you need, because Phuket and Pattaya are more expensive in this respect. Branded goods in boutiques are still cheaper than elsewhere, and after Chatuchak, the Pratunam market located in Bayoke Tower is the second largest. This is a democratic place where you can stock up on a decent wardrobe for an amount equivalent to 500 rubles.
- Equipment in Thailand is worth buying, if only for the reason that many well-known brands are produced here under license. The quality is decent, prices across the country are not very different, but the biggest center is «Pantip Plaza» in Bangkok - for computers and components - there, there are all new items and prices are slightly lower.
- Lovers of retro and vintage have something to do too. «profit» on such a trip. Local counterparts of the flea market are abundant in Bangkok. From vintage cameras and watches to clothes made from grandma's trunk, they offer you: Chatuchak (Rod Fai Market), Thong Lor and Ekkamai metro stations, FASHION Vintage, and even vintage cars in the Thai Auto Vintage museum shop..
- For tourists who find themselves in Pattaya, bypassing Bangkok, the coast offers an extensive range of beach accessories and inexpensive souvenir trifles..
Thailand (recreation and tourism)
