Thailand is known to be one of the most favorite shopping destinations across the globe because it has everything from traditional Thai products and antiques to silk products and incredible ornaments. Thailand shopping is one of the main reasons catering to the huge tourist population in Thailand. Besides being an ideal destination for friends tour, family tour and honeymoon tour, Thailand is also a shopper’s paradise beyond a doubt.
For the most part, you can avoid the huge shopping malls and centers, and head for the markets and small shops, where the bargains are much better, and he vendors will let you haggle over the price. Big malls and shopping centers have set prices, and while they may be lower than back home, there is no possibility of haggling to reach an even lower price. The first price offered in the markets is rarely the lowest price the vendors will let an item go for, and the trick is knowing how to bargain with them. However, be aware that the sellers will use every trick in the book to keep the price as high as possible, and “emotional blackmail” is very common. Phrases like “business is not going well” and “it is jus ta little money in your currency” abound, and many “first prices” are hugely inflated to try and catch the tourists.
Top Thai Shopping Gifts
Thai Silk
Originally made famous around the world by Jim Thompson, the American who helped to develop the Thai Silk industry and was awarded the prestigious Order of the White Elephant, Thai silk is one of the best in the world. Thailand’s silk farmers cultivate both of the silkworms that produce quality commercial silk, with the glossy mulberry silk being the more popular. Although it originated in China and India, silk has been produced in Thailand for over 3,000 years. It has since become one of the most popular producers of silk worldwide, and in Bangkok, a ream of silk can cost as little as US$6, or around 200 baht.
Soap and Spa Products
While the shapes of some of the soaps sold to foreign tourists may be a little odd at times, Thailand is well known for having some of the best smelling soap and spa products in the world. From coconut lotions so smooth you will want to use them constantly, to fruit-scented soaps that contain real fruit extracts that brighten up bath time. In northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is well known for its scented massage oils, many of which are used in the massage parlors of Bangkok, and sold in the street markets there. Natural skincare and aromatherapy products abound, and there is a huge industry in the country for dermatological services for foreign visitors. On average, most soaps sell for around US$1 (40 baht).
Traditional Thai Clothing
Without a doubt, Thai clothing made in the traditional form is some of the most beautiful and sought-after clothing in the western world. Women adore the beautiful, silk chut Thai, which literally means “Thai outfit”, which consists of a pha nung (a long, rectangular cloth worn around the lower body) or chong kraben (a lower-body, wrap-around cloth vaguely resembling pants), and a sabai (shawl-like garment, or breastcloth that covers the upper body and drapes over the shoulder). You can also find the northern Thai sinh, a tube skirt worn by women, and the suea pat, a wrap-over type of shirt worn by some of the ethnic groups in northern Chiang Mai. For men, there are the traditional Nehru-style jackets, with five buttons that reach the neck, as well as the full-length, baggy pants that crimp just above the ankle. For the best in traditional clothing, there are many traditional tailors in the back streets of Bangkok, who will run up a full outfit for around US$50.
Handmade Bags
Handicrafts are one of the specialties of Thailand, and there is no shortage of custom-made designer bags in Bangkok’s many street markets. From backpacks to clutch bags, you will not be disappointed with the quality and the price. You can also find some great deals on international designer bags, as many of the big fashion houses have workforces in Thailand, but be wary about what you buy. Not all the designer bags in the street markets are authentic, especially if they have a very low price tag. While designer bags can be cheaper here than elsewhere in the world, it is unlikely that the bag that only costs US$20 is a real Gucci or Prada.
Jewelry
No trip to Thailand can be complete without having bought at least one piece of the beautiful Thai jewelry that is hand made all over the country. Light and easy to pack, much of the silver jewelry is very low priced, and beautifully made and decorated. And to make everyone at home jealous, it is guaranteed to be special, even if it is not one-of-a-kind in Thailand. They make perfect gifts for mothers and aunts, or even a special anniversary gift for your loved one. Prices vary depending on where you go, but for the most part, if they say it is silver, it most likely is. Silver is mined in several places in Thailand, and is a fairly common metal.
Thai Snacks and Spices
Bangkok is a real heaven for food lovers, and there always comes a time when you have to leave those delicious treats and spicy foods behind and return home. However, there are so many popular snacks in Thailand that you can buy them on just about every street corner. All those delicious snacks you loved can be picked up in bulk and taken with you. And they make a great treat for the people back home to give them a taste of the sumptuous delights of Thai cuisine. And if you are a lover of the authentic Thai spices, or the famous dried fruits, those are also available in large quantities at thousands of places for just a few baht each.
Home Décor
Some of the most popular items for western homes these days are Thai house decorations. The markets in Thailand are filled with these small décor items, that can sit on coffee tables or mantelpieces to brighten up the home, and give a little exotic feel to things. One does not need an eye for design to find the most beautiful household items in Bangkok, and a simple exploration of the markets will reveal some of the most beautiful decorations in Asia. From small jewelry cases to intricately designed bowls, and throw pillows made of silk to small bronze statues of Buddha, many of these beautiful items can be found in shops and stalls across the country. Mostly made for the tourist market these days, many of the items of crockery and vases are taken from ancient designs that date back over two thousand years.
Whatever your taste in gifts and souvenirs, you are bound to find something you like in the many markets and bazaars that can be found in almost every town and city in Thailand. Most of the items you can find are locally made, and are traditional Thai crafts, although you will find some things that look like they are factory made, and poor quality. trust your judgment, and if it looks cheaply made, it probably is, and move on.
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