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| Shopping in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is totally unique. There is quite simply nowhere else on the planet that offers the same experience. Bangkok has worked hard to develop its reputation as one of Asia’s most inviting shopping destinations. The city is huge and offers every type of shopping experience regardless of your budget. There are literally dozens of modern, air conditioned shopping malls, offering everything imaginable. Top designer shops with merchandise ranging from high end cars to top of the line designer clothes are all offered in abundance. Some of the Shopping Centers in Bangkok
For those with a slightly more modest budget, there are again plenty of shopping malls offering everything from Chinese herbal medicine to shops offering crystals and new age products. Along with these are shops recognisable to millions - Top Shop, Dorothy Perkins, Boots to name just a few. If you are traveling (and shopping) on a tight budget, then do not despair. There are still plenty of bargains for you to snap up. There are literally hundreds of street markets in Thailand, and Bangkok has some of the largest. And as to be expected, here is where you need to bring your finest bargaining skills. Street vendors and market stall holders are experts at haggling, and negotiating the best price. They are becoming increasingly familiar with visitors asking “Is that your best price?” so try to surprise them. And remember, you are far more likely to bag a bargain if you remain calm, polite and smile, than if you are surly, snappy and disgruntled. Plan on spending a little over half what the original price asked was, and you won’t go far wrong. Statements that the buffalo died, and he cannot offer a better price should be taken with a pinch of salt. But do remember that most of these traders survive on a tiny fraction of what most of us would consider we need, just to live. Some the weekend markets and night markets in Bangkok
Jewellery may be on your list of items to price, buy and bring home. Thailand has plenty of stores offering all types of gemstones, both precious and semi-precious. Most will be set in 22 carat gold, unlike the standard of 14 carat in the USA, and 9 carat in the UK. Cultured pearls from Phuket and jade from Burma are two local treasures to look out for. When buying jewellery and gemstones, unless you are expert in the field, you would be wise to buy only from a recognised and fully accredited seller. There are plenty of fakes and imitations around, some extremely good, so as with any shopping purchase, remember caveat emptor (let the buyer beware). And if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is! Thai silk is another local specialty, and tailors will make anything from three piece business suits to dresses, blouses and shirts in a very short time, usually a couple of days. Many of these tailors are highly skilled and will copy an item of clothing you bring in to them, or create something in your size from a magazine cutting or photograph. Locally made souvenirs carved from wood are a very popular choice for tourists. Often items have been intricately carved for many days, and are sold at prices we would pay for a take away meal. Labour in Thailand is relatively cheap, so it is possible to buy exquisitely hand worked items, like embroidered fabric or carved wood, at a fraction of the prices in other countries.
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