Shopping is one of Bangkok’s major attractions. Favorite purchases include Thai silk and cottons, modern and traditional jewellery featuring precious gemstones, semi-precious gemstones, silverware, nielloware, pewterware, ceramics, celadon, woodcarvings, paintings and clothing. Bangkok is one of the most competitively priced cities in Asia. Friendly bargaining in most stores and markets may obtain favorable prices and service. A wealth of shopping opportunities awaits the visitor and bargains abound throughout our country in traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as, more contemporary items.
Gems : Bangkok is the colored gemstone capital of the world. Rubies and sapphires are indigenous stones but virtually all colored gems, as well as diamonds, are available. Shoppers should exercise caution and buy from reputable dealers only. Gold : Thai gold ornaments are popular with foreigners, especially Southeast Asians, because of the large choice, excellent workmanship and beautiful designs available. Pure gold ornaments are not rare and gold shops are everywhere in the city, especially on Yaowarat Road, Chinatown. Silverware : The quality of Thai silverware is under strict control of the government and the content of a pure silver product must no be less than 92.5 per cent. Silverware is sold almost everywhere in town from road side stalls to leading department stores, often at a fraction of what they will cost abroad. List of jewelry, gems, gold and silverware shop Antiques : Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. There is an export ban on certain pieces, particularly Buddha images. Other pieces may require an export license but any reputable dealer will be able to advise on restrictions and any necessary documentation. List of Antiques Shops Ceramics : Both traditional and contemporary styles of pottery are available throughout our kingdom. Best known are the distinctive sea-green celadons from theSukothai area and the central provinces' colourful Benjarong (five color) porcelain, which are unique to this country.
Thai Orchids : Thailand is famous for our huge variety of orchids. Their magnificent colours and durable beauty make them a popular purchase. Specially packaged flowers, complete with water supply, are easily transported and can be conveniently purchased at Bangkok International Airport.
Thai Orchids
Furniture : Rattan and rosewood furniture items are available in many designs and styles and can also be made to order. Shops in Bangkok and Chiang Mai have a wide selection and can arrange shipment overseas.
Clothing : Bangkok is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing. Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper clothing, such as, T-shirts and jeans are available at bargain prices from street vendors. Custom tailoring is also very affordable and tailors can produce or copy most styles in just a few days.
Silk : Probably the most famous of all our kingdom's handicrafts, silk is available in a range of colours, patterns and plys. It is sold by the yard or as ready-made clothing and souvenir items. A unique style of Thai silk is Mat Mee, a tie-dye silk traditional to the North-east. The best known outlet for Thai silk is undoubtedly JimThompson's shop at the top of Surawong Road in Bangkok. It is also probably the most expensive.
List of Silk Products Shops Cotton & Batik : Thai cottons have become increasingly popular and are a good deal. Particularly notable are the hilltribe cottons woven by the tribal people of the North, typically displaying bold designs and often lavish embroidery. Equally distinctive are original batiks crafted at several studios in Bangkok.
Pewterware : Pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai craftsmen and the smooth, silky finish of this attractive alloy is enhanced by delicate relief decoration. Pewterware items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks. Woodcarving : Woodcarving products may be divided into four categories; furniture - such as, tables and cabinets; household utensils - such as, plates and forks; decorative objects such as, picture frames and souvenir articles. Prices are generally reasonable.Hilltribe Crafts :The tribal groups, who live in the hills of the north, make a variety of beautifully embroidered textiles and silver jewellery. Chiang Mai is the centre for such goods.
Bronzeware /brassware: Like silverware, nielloware, bronzeware and brassware, it is noted all over the world for good quality and design. The items can be found in many leading department stores at reasonbale prices. Nielloware : Practiced in the South for hundreds of years, nielloware is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects with delicate etched designs filled in metal ware. Nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items are some of our best buys.
Lacquerware : A specialty of Chiang-Mai and the north, this craft involves coating split bamboo or wood with lacquer, then adding intricate hand-painted designs typically gold-on-black lacquer or yellow and green on a red brown background. Look for lacquerware bowls, boxes, trays and other items for decoration or for souvenirs.
Genesis Stock Photo - Colorful Umbrellas (Chiang Mai)
Other handicrafts : Other handicrafts of artistic value, such as, Thai dolls, khon masks, paper umbrellas, artificial flowers and bric-a-brac are available leading department stores and many other shopping areas.
List of Thai Handicrafts shops (mainly Chiang Mai) Leatherware : Good leatherware - luggage, handbags, shoulder bags, shoes and other leather items abound. Bargaining is easier at street stalls but shops offer wider selections. Siam Square, Chatuchak Market, Mahboonkrong Centre (MBK), Silom, Ramkhamhaeng are recommended places to go for leather goods.
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