DESTINATION : Bangkok, Thailand (Shopping post)

Destination : BANGKOK

If you are planning on heading to the lively city anytime soon for a shopping trip, we suggest you give this a read. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and is famous for its bargain buys, and delicious food. We will be sharing our favourite shopping destinations best for a short weekend trip.

Where to stay

Firstly, you would want to stay somewhere near a train station if you're planning to stay out of the shopping district. Secondly, if you're planning to stay in the Pratunam area, you would want to stay somewhere near soi 11 to soi 21. You would also want to stay near Phetchaburi where it would be their main road where if you would mostly likely stumble upon as you make your way to shopping paradises such as The Platinum Mall, and Siam Paragon. The airports are about 45minutes to an hour taxi ride away from Pratunam on heavy to normal traffic if you are coming from the airport. Otherwise, to get to the airport from Pratunam, you would probably only take 30 to 45 minutes varying on the traffic.

Whether you do not have a budget or if you are on a tight one,  or even with a group of friends, you can check out the listed hotels below. Click on the pictures to their link on agoda. *We highly recommend boxpackers hostel for groups*.

How to shop

Time to up the bargain skills. Always ask for wholesale prices, and if you can mix and match. Getting an item at wholesale price would mean you would need to buy a certain quantity of the same item or different items in the shop if you're allowed to mix.

If you like it, buy it. Do not hesitate with the thought of you would find your way back to the shop unless you are really good with directions or if you are in a mall, otherwise, it is not a good idea.

Always carry your home currency with you or have your ATM cards in your wallets and purses. This will help when you run out of cash. Do note that most ATMs in Bangkok will charge a processing fee of 1,500baht when you use a card of a different bank. You can change currency at currency exchange counters you can find most likely along Phetchaburi Road.

Where to shop

Chatuchak Market



Located about a 20-minute tuktuk ride from Pratunam, this is a weekend market open from 6am to 6pm every Saturday and Sunday. The market is home to about 2,000 stalls in 27 sections spanning from clothes, to furnitures, books, plants, antiques and many more. You could also take the BTS or MRT to reach to the market.

It gets very crowded and it is not recommendable for those of you who are not willing to break a sweat or bargain your morning and afternoon for your "finds". Of recently, there has been a hike in price in the items sold in the market but e would still recommend a definite visit here just for the atmosphere. You cant consider a weekend trip without at least a pit stop at the weekend market.

What to prepare? We suggest either a trolley bag, which would be less convenient and you have to drag the bulge through a sea of people and shop at the same time, or you could always carry a backpack. Always hold your backpack in the front though to ward off thieves. Always have food and water with you as well, as the weather can get quite hot and humid especially in the afternoon.

Also, always be reminded of the high number of pickpocket cases in the area. It is recommended that you keep an eye especially on your bag and purses as you squeeze your way along the market alleys.

Platinum Fashion Mall

Since its establishment years ago, Platinum Fashion Mall has been known for its shopping and its bargain deals. This is where you will be less disappointed by the clothes. In about 7 out of 10 shops you could at least find something that looks good or otherwise not bad. It is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

The prices at the stores vary, but you can also bargain at the mall. Even with so many shops, surprisingly, items are not so much repeated as expected. You should buy an item if you really like it instead of hoping for another store selling the same item for a much lower price. Most stores have different designs and most likely you will get lost in the jungle of people.

Pratunam Market

The market is Thailand's largest clothing market and is one of the major markets as well. It is located at the intersection of Ratchaprapop and Phetburi roads in the district. Here, you will find prices at Platinum and Chatuchak cannot even compare with. Walking distance from the hotels we've listed above, about less than 5 minutes walking distance. 

The market itself is open 24 hours. We would suggest you start your walk of the market as early as 6am to avoid a crowd if you are prefer shopping in a calmer manner. The weather would also not be as harsh as in the afternoon if you leave early.

We have listed our favourite 3 places to shop, but bear in mind alond Pratunam there are many other shopping and wholesale outlets such as Shibuya19, Pantip Plaza, Indra Square, and many more. Do feel free to comment below on any questions on this post ! See you soon !