From shopping malls, to street stalls to floating markets. When it comes to shopping, Bangkok has the monopoly.
Chatuchak Market
This weekend market has been named one of largest markets in the world, opening from Friday to Sunday 9am to 6pm. Over 10,000 stalls line the streets, and just about everything is on sale here. Clothing, furniture, books, souvenirs, art, you name it, they’ve got it. You will be sure to find a bargain or two here. There are plenty of food stalls dotted throughout the markets, serving your favourite mouth-watering Thai style treats. Grab some coconut ice cream and make your way through the king of all markets.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Drive an hour out of the heart of Bangkok and you will come across the most popular floating market in Thailand. This colourful market is filled with vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, trinkets and much more directly out of their boats. Most of the produce sold brought from their own orchards. Once you arrive, you will embark on an unforgettable boat tour through the buzzing canals. Be sure to pack your camera, you will think you’ve stepped right onto a page in a National Geographic magazine.
CentralWorld
The largest megamall in Thailand and the third largest in Asia, this is a shopping experience like no other. 8 floors with over 500 stores, 100 eateries, and a 15 screen movie complex, there is something to satisfy all walks of life at this mall. There is even an ice rink located on the first floor, drop the kids off and away you go. If ice skating isn’t really their thing or they are too little to be left unattended then head to Genius Planet Zone where supervision is provided and your children will be encouraged to create and learn. Don’t fret if you feel you can’t explore this entire shopping haven in one day, because the Centara Grand hotel is connected to this fantastic complex. You can literally shop till you drop, wake up and do it all over again!!
Patpong Night Market
Always busy, always chaotic, immerse yourself into the Bangkok nightlife. This popular night market is vibrant and loved by both tourists and locals, located in Bangkok’s notorious red light district, so don’t be surprised to see girls advertising x-rated shows, go-go bars and special massages. This is where you find all your goodies for your families and friends back home, all those brand name copies and DVD box sets, just remember to bargain and bargain hard.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique is an open air mall with river views combining shopping, dining, sightseeing, and nightly shows all under one roof. Home to 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants and two nightly shows, Asiatique attracts the tourists and is also a big hit with the locals. Shop up an appetite and choose between many international cuisines for dinner then make you way to the shows, either a traditional puppet performance at The Joe Louis Puppet Theater or if cabaret is more your style, check out the show at The Calypso Bangkok Theatre. Then end your night on Asiatique Sky, a 60metre high Ferris wheel with amazing views of the pier.
Whether you prefer fancy air conditioned shopping malls or the hustle and bustle of street markets, spending money in Bangkok is a dangerously easy task. If you have some time after your surgery and you’re feeling up to it, make sure you try to visit at least one of these amazing shopping destinations. I can assure you, you won’t leave empty handed.