Stores, Malls or Markets in Thailand

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Being an avid buyer of ladies accessories, this place is a paradise to me.

Importing from Korea, Taiwan and China, these are available at whole sale prices.

There are two prices on the item, one if buy in 1 pcs and the other if you more than 3 items in the shop.

Some of these items (same design) were available at shops at shopping mall 10 times the price that it is selling.

What to buy: - Earrings (Many shoppers came here, a japanese couple were buying for their shop in japan)
- Necklaces
- Bangles (saw many indian shoppers buying)

What to pay: - Up to you....;)

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Koh Samui Shopping

Shopping is one of the most popular activities for most tourists coming to Koh Samui since there are a wide range of stuffs, including souvenirs, jewelry, crafts that you can buy for any occasions. Moreover, you can go shopping in Koh Samui during in both daytime and nighttime because there are some shops opening until the late at night. Also, in Koh Samui, there are many areas that are well-known in shopping such as Chaweng or Lamai market.

What to buy: -Where to buy in Koh Samui
The recommended shopping areas in Koh Samui are Nathon, Chaweng and Lamai where you can find various kinds of products from all over Thailad. In Chaweng, for example, if you are looking for genuine brands like Jim Thompson or Armani you can go to central shopping arcade close to Central Samui beach resort. In Lamai, some shops such as Pholphala House or The Thai Collection sell many beautiful souvenirs and crafts. Nathon is normally well-known in daytime shopping.

-When to buy in Koh Samui
About shopping in Koh Samui, it is possible for shopping lovers to go shopping during both daytime and night time because some shops in some areas in Koh Samui are opened until nearly midnight. During daytime, most people mostly go to Nathon where they can find many shops selling various kinds of goods. On the other hand, you can go shopping in some areas, especially Chaweng, in Koh Samui at night. For example, one of many shops opened at night in Chaweng is Siddhartha located at central Chaweng.

*Accommodations in Koh Samui
These are the recommended accommodations near the shopping areas in Koh Samui.

-Nora Beach Resort and Spa = is a perfect blend of tropical oasis and man-made new luxury awaits the traveler seeking a relaxing refuge at Nora Beach Resort & Spa.

-Muang Samui Spa Resort = is idyllically located on the white sands of the Chaweng Beach, lapped by the azure-blue water of the Gulf of Thailand.

-Chaweng Cabana Resort = is located right on Southern Chaweng beach, the most popular-because the most beautiful-beach spot of Koh Samui.

-Chaweng Buri Resort = is located at Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui with 115 bungalows.

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A few weeks ago, I went to the Siam Paragon, the mega luxury shopping center… let’s say it’s the Pride of Bangkok, the emphasis of Bangkok as the Hub of Fashion and… everything! The Siam Paragon stands proudly in the heart of Bangkok city, the area called Siam, with that big BTS in approacheable. The location where now belongs to the Siam Paragon formerly was the Siam Intercontinental Hotel.

I would be quite sure that the existence of the Siam Paragon will create an unbelievable chain of shopping centers along Phloenchit Road starting with Mahboonkrong Center, Siam Square (just across the street), Discovery Center, Siam Center, Paragon, World Trade Center, Gaysorn Plaza Erawan Sogo and etc, etc….

What to buy: - Handicrafts
- Gifts
- Clothes
- CDs / DVDs
- Food / Snack

Want to buy some cheap clothes, and can't find what you want in the markets? You could try one of the hypermarket chains, which are increasingly popular with the locals and now widespread in Thailand. The three biggest ones are Big-C (pictured), Tesco-Lotus (yes, British readers, Tesco is now in Thailand too) and Carrefour. As well as a wide range of clothes and food, these stores sell a wide variety of household goods, electrical appliances, and often have camping goods too.

In Bangkok, there are huge Tesco and Carrefour stores on Rama IV road, close to Sukhumvit 26, but probably the easiest hypermarket to get to is the newly opened Big C opposite the World Trade Center on Ratchadamri Road. There is also a Tesco-Lotus conveniently connected to On-nut station at the eastern end of the Skytrain.

You're more likely to see me in the Big C or Tescos in Korat, however...

The Tesco website is at:
http://www.tescolotus.net/Default.asp?Lang=English

What to pay: I bought a couple of T-shirts for 77 Baht each last time....

Taking in to consideration that good and reasonable are relative, I always recommend Raja's tailor on Sukhumvit and soi 4. Right across from the Nana Hotel and 20 feet from the Nana Plaza. Raja has been in business for the last, what, 30+ years at least, maybe more, and always does quality work. He is a bit high but I have suits from him that have lasted 15-20 years, stiches and liners never coming un-done. You will need couple/several days for fitting and a final fit so plan on that no matter where ya go. Like all places, ya get what ya pay for.
Hairdressers everywhere, and you'll pay much more at hotels than in salon around town.
Watches, depends on what you want done or to buy. Many jewelry shops to buy authentic brand watches, or chinatown to buy boot leg watches.
This is Bangkok and not Samui, but would recommend Bangkok tailors over any others.
Good luck and have fun

This night market is on the main drag in Chiangmai and has a huge selction of arts, crafts, jewellery, clothing , food stalls and other goods that I did not see anwhere else in Thailand. In particular, the handwoven shawls made by the Northern Tribes like the Karen are spectacular as well as the cowry shell belts and jewellery.

What to buy: Arts and crafts from all over Thailand make an appearance here at very good prices. The little bracelets made of grasses dyed in various striking colours make great gifts as well as the Thai pants.

What to pay: 10 - 1000 Baht dependin on what you buying

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Small shop near a jewery store that has been making me beautiful suits and jackets for the past ten years.I have had over 20 suits and jackets made and everyone always notice the fine tailoring when I wear them out.

What to buy: Make a suit out of cashimere and silk with two trousers for 125usd or they have a selection of many other materials and colors to choose from

What to pay: negotiable fair price, 125usd for suit, custom made with the finest material,line with silk.

It would help a great deal if you wee to mention just a little as to what you were interested in shopping for.

Generally speaking, Bangkok is going to be the place to shop. To me there is not much of a comparison unless you are looking for a specialty item, or maybe silver and then I would recommend Chiang Mai. Phuket will have almost the same items that Bangkok has but it generally will be more expensive since many of their touristy items will originate from Bangkok.

I would recommend the Sunday Market, friday Sat and Sunday only for all kinds of items and for considerably cheaper prices. There is very little that you can not find there. Be prepared to spend all day if you are really into shopping and to just see everything, as it is LARGE. The market is divided up into sections, clothing, housewares, furniture, knick knacks, etc. Great food there too so don't pass that up. Again, depending on what you are looking for Sunday Market, JJ market, Chatuchak, all the same, you can make it a one stop shop. There are jewelery stores, but I would not reccommend you buy jewelery at this market of any kind!

Also, considering that you mentioned that you are going mid year, be prepared to be rained on and the market to be more crowded inside whenit rains. Lightweight raingear is a good idea and proper foot gear.

Good luck and have fun

What to buy: Almost anything