There are plenty of markets in Thailand catering to all shopping
tastes. Goods can be very cheap with a little haggling. For those
looking for designer wear, even if you cannot afford the real
thing, there are plenty of copies to be bought.
Jatujak Market
The granddaddy of all markets. Nicknamed the weekend market or
J J, this is one of the largest markets in Asia. It is truly amazing
and even if you do not want to buy anything, it is worth the trip
just to look around. You can get lost for hours wandering its
maze of alleys and streets. Goods of all kinds are sold here including
among many others animals, clothes, antiques, ornaments, paintings,
second hand books etc. The list really does go on and on. The
market itself is a huge collection of small stalls and houses
all linked together under canvas awnings. Consequently it can
get a little hot but is well worth the effort. The only minus
point to this great market is its animal section. Exotic and less
exotic animals are crammed together in cages and boxes and treated
like just another commodity. Most people with a modicum of compassion
will find this disgusting. Save the tree man.
Banglampoo
This market is close to the Ko San road and features mainly clothes.
The market is spread over a large area and mainly lines the streets
and roads of Bang Lampu. If it gets too hot, the area is also
home to several department stores. There is plenty of good, cheap
food, either from vendors or in small restaurants.
Kaosan
Kaosan offers many goods for sale such as fake clothes and watches,
ornaments, second hand books etc. and vendors line the street.
However, prices can be high and service often rude.
Pratunam
This is mainly on Rajaprarop road at the corner of Phetburi near
the World Trade Center. Mainly clothing is on offer although there
are also watches, leatherwear, handbags etc. Most goods can be
very cheap with a little bit of haggling.
Thewet
Pronounced tay-wait this is on Sam-sen road near the national
library. Lots of food and also plenty of cheap plants for those
people fancying a longer stay in the Kingdom.
Pantip Plaza
Not really a market but it crept in because if you are looking
for anything to do with computers everything is so cheap. This
five storied building is on Phetburi Road. Most CD roms (of course
they are copies) are around 150 baht. Not bad considering that
a lot of software in Europe goes for over 500 dollars. This is
also probably the cheapest place in the world to buy hardware.
