Bangkok’s famous backpackers’ district, Khao San, known for its cheap accommodations,is also popular for thecheap souvenir shops that line themain street. Expect to find all the usualitems here such as wooden elephants, T-shirts, sunglasses, fisherman pants andhemp clothing.
Many shops are open all day, but more usuallymushrooms as night falls and the barsopen their doors.
Khaosan Rd., Banglamphu area, Phranakornic, Bangkok
Soi Sampheng (also known as SoiWanit 1) is the most famous strip inChinatown, and it is interesting for itspresent day appearance as well asits history. While today it is a retail andwholesale area for mostly cheapishmerchandise, it used to be a classicred light district of Bangkok, lined withbrothels and seedy establishments.Aside from kitchen and dining utensilsof the lowest prices, goods foundalong Soi Sampheng are stationery,cheap toys, inexpensive clothes,textiles, fabrics, and almost anythingin haberdashery, as well as Chinesereligious items, much of these madeof plastic and foils - in the prevailingChinese colors of gold and red.
On the fringe of Chinatown, Phahurat Indian Market is the place to come to buy fabrics andenjoy Indian cuisine. The selection of materialsis among the best in Bangkok, particularly forIndian cottons and silk. Most of the merchantsare Indian Sikhs who are involved in the textiletrade. Not only is it a cloth centre, but Phahurat isalso a spice centre. As you go round the market,you’ll be aware of that spicy, Indian scent madeup of incense, and of course Indian curries alsoavailahle here. Search the tiny side streets forspices and other Indian specialties, householdgoods and shoulder bags in Thai silk, all at veryattractive prices.
The enormous Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the world’s largest with more than 5,000 booths selling goods from all over Thailand. With every souvenir imaginable for tourists, along with all the essentials for bargain hunting locals, JJ Market (as it’s known to locals) has all manner of clothing, antiques, homeware, textiles, plants, pets, and stuff to keep your belly sated all day as you weave through the seemingly endless stalls. Dress comfortably, and don’t be afraid to drive a hard bargain!
