Bangkok, Thailand is known worldwide for shopping. Most travelers already know about the hot spots in Bangkok, such as Chatuchak Market, Silom and Paragon/Central World. However, there are some hidden spots that might of interest to you. These hidden shopping places have better prices and offer some unique products. Here are my top 5 secret shopping spots in Bangkok:
1 - Tawanna / Mall Bangkapi
In an area called Bangkapi, about 30 minutes from the center of Bangkok by taxi, you'll find an intersection with 4 Malls that comprise one of the best shopping spots in Thailand. The anchor is the Mall Bangkapi, a five story modern mall with a giant waterfall, over 200 stores, a 24-screen cinema, bowling, video games and a giant water-park built on the roof. Some of the world's largest koi (goldfish) are on display here too. Open 10am to 10pm.
Next door to the mall, is the outdoor market known as Tawanna. It's outside, partially under tents, and you'll find about 300 vendors selling everything from t-shirts to tattoos. Jeans, sunglasses, shoes and purses seem to dominate a third of the market, but you'll find almost everything here. I even bought a few carved lizard statues.NomChit
Across the street you'll find another shopping mall called Mark Place (Nomchit in Thai), which is smaller and specializes in cell phones, software and DVD's. I counted 98 cell phone retailers there, and many deal in second-hand phones, too. Next to Mark's place, you'll find the Lotus Mall. This houses a few specialty clothing and jewelry stores, and is anchored by the giant Tesco Lotus department store. Behind this mall is actually a 5th outdoor market (unnamed), which has an assortment of small gadgets, clothing, lanterns and such.
You can't get to this area by Skytrain, but if you go to the Bangkok On Nut Skytrain station, you can take a taxi from there (about 20 to 30 minutes, for about $6), or just taxi all the way from your hotel. Just tell the taxi driver: Mall Bangkapi, and when you arrive you can find all the rest in the area. [photos: good friend at the Mall Bangkapi to right, and the Mall Bangkapi below]
2 - Platinum Fashion Mall
About 2 blocks from Central World is the Platinum Fashion Mall, 6 stories of clothing. Most of it is for women, but you can find shirts, shoes and accessories for men too. The prices are good, and can be negotiated even lower if you buy 5 or more from any one vendor. Some even have printed discounts for buying 5 or 10 of an item. This is where store owners from all over Asia come to Bangkok to buy bulk. For example, a friend of mine from Taiwan came to buy 100 dresses for his store in Taipei. He got a good deal, and shipped them ahead of his flight. You can still buy 1 or 2, as a casual shopper. The street in front of the Fashion Mall is also lined with fashion stalls, so browse around and have fun. This area opens early at 9 am and closes early at 4 pm.
3 - Ramkamhaeng Night MarketTake the Skytrain to Ramkamhang Station, or take a taxi to the Mall Ramkamhaeng from your hotel. This is the starting point for my favorite outdoor shopping market in Bangkok. It runs along the street, Ramkamhaeng Road, and goes for about 5 miles. It's too far to walk in one day, so walk as far as you can, shop til you drop, then call it a night. The street is lined with small stores, and the other side of the sidewalk is lined with vendors selling their wares on tables, hung on wire frames, or even spread on the ground. It can be difficult to manage walking along this market, because you have a mixture of people stopping to shop, and those walking along. However, it's worth the jostling you endure. The prices here are the best in Bangkok. Clothing and watches are everywhere. You can find excellent watches for under $12, and loads of t-shirts in every design for less then $6. The side streets (side sois) are filled with food stalls and drinks. When you reach Huamark Stadium at Ramkamhaeng University, cross the street and find a lot that houses another market, less crowded and easier to navigate. All these markets start at about 7 pm and go until midnight.
4 - Srinakarin: Seacon Square, Train Market and Paradise
Out on Srinakarin road, near the airport, find Seacon Square - the largest shopping mall in Bangkok. Next to it is the Train Market, an outdoor antiques fair. On the other side of that, find Paradise City, an upscale mall. The three make for a great afternoon of shopping, eating, and drinking!
5 - Fortune Town / IT Mall
Fortune Town, also known as the IT Mall, is located on Rachada road. It's right at the Rama 9 subway station. When you get off the subway, look for signs to the Fortune Arcade exit. This is also next door to the Grand Mercure Hotel. In Fortune Town, you'll find a mecca of IT equipment, computers of every size, GPS devices, phones, software, DVD movies, CD & MP3 music, along with stereo headphones and equipment. The main shopping area is 4 floors. There are also repair shops here for computers and cell phones. The sellers know a lot about IT, so ask them to help you.
Bonus tip: Connected to the Victory Monument BTS Skytrain station, follow the elevated walking until you see the shopping vendors on the street below. It's very small, but sometimes has interesting wares.
There you have some extra Bangkok shopping outlets to supplement your tourist spots. Keep in mind: in these non-tourist areas no one will speak English. However, you can get by if you smile, and carry a small calculator so vendors can show you the price.
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