Books
Hot Spots to Shop - Bangkok
There is a certain romance about shopping in foreign destinations, and for anyone who loves to shop, Bangkok has to be one of the most exciting
places in the world.
I first visited Bangkok over 30 years ago on my way home to Australia from the UK. I returned many times over the next few years while
working for Thai International, and more recently have continued to make frequent return visits with my good friend Robyn and other friends and colleagues
from the travel industry. I love the country, the people and, of course, the shopping.
Hot Tip: If you haven’t already booked your accommodation, look for somewhere that is situated on the Skytrain (BTS) network. This will make it much easier to travel to and from the best shopping areas.
The challenge of shopping in Bangkok lies in finding the really good quality shops, and reasonable prices, among the sheer abundance of shopping opportunities that you are faced with in the course of trips that invariably only last a few short days. There are many superb and stylish shopping centres where you can shop for the world’s top labels in air-conditioned comfort, and for the more adventurous, there are many markets and alternative outlets where the serious shopper can haggle to their heart’s content for all sorts of items of varying quality.
This fantastic guide to shopping in Bangkok sells for just A$19.95 and can be purchased right here.
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Examples of the listings in the book are:
| Venus Jewellery 167/1-3 Withayu (Wireless) Road |
|
| Phone | (662) 654 2096/7 |
| Fax | (662) 253 9559 |
| partner@venus-thailand.com | |
| Web | www.venus-thailand.com |
| Hours | Mon to Sat 9am till 7pm Sun 9am till 6pm |
| Payment | Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners |
| This family-run business is especially popular with American military and embassy personnel. It is not easy to find, so phone them and they will send a car and driver to pick you up. There is no obligation to buy, it just saves any misunderstanding with taxi drivers asking for kickbacks. The staff are very helpful and will go out of their way to find you a special piece. | |
| Goota Professional Nail & Beauty Care 59/3 Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Road, Paturnwan |
|
| Phone | (662) 255 3553, 684 4598 |
| BTS | Chid Lom, then about a 5-minute walk down Lang Suan |
| Hours | 10am-11pm |
| Payment | Visa, MasterCard, Amex |
| Not as upmarket as many Bangkok spas, however it is clean and reasonably priced. I usually have my nails done here. They do the usual manicures and pedicures, plus acrylics. They also offer a good range of massages, facials and beauty treatments. | |
| Raja’s Fashions Shop 1/6 Sukhumvit Soi Nana, (opposite Nana Hotel) |
|
| Phone | (662) 253 8370 |
| Fax | (662) 258 1528 |
| rajas@ksc15.th.com | |
| Hours | Mon–Sat, 10.30am-8pm |
| BTS | Nana |
| Payment | Visa, MasterCard, Amex |
| I was introduced to Bobby at Rajas more than ten years ago by a colleague David from Thai International in London, and have always been impressed by his workmanship.. My partner Bruce sends me to Bangkok with a sample of his shirts or trousers, I pick out materials, and Bobby makes and delivers them to my hotel. Bobby and his family do a lot for the community, and he has an amazing knack of remembering your name, even if you haven’t visited the shop for a year or two. | |
| Queen Thai Silk Ruamchitt Plaza, 199 Sukhumvit Road (near Soi 15) |
|
| Phone/Fax | (662) 651 0083 |
| queenthaisilk@hotmail.com | |
| Hours | Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm |
| BTS | Asoke |
| Payment | Visa, MasterCard, Amex |
| When you walk up the steps, the shop is on your right. The owner Khun Toy is a very good dressmaker who friends and I have been using for the last five years now. She will make up garments in 24 hours, but it’s better to allow a couple of days and have at least one fitting if possible. She will also make up clothes from your own material. | |
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| Postage and Packing | |
| Australia | AUD2.00 |
| UK/USA & Europe | AUD6.50 |
| South Africa | AUD6.50 |
| New Zealand & Asia | AUD4.50 |
All prices are in Australian Dollars and include the GST (if applicable).
Disclaimer: All information in this publication has been provided in good faith, and neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable for any loss, injury or damage alleged to have arisen as a result of following or implementing any information or suggestion provided herein. As is the case in cities throughout the world, changes occur from time to time in relation to commercial outlets and tourist venues. If in doubt, we suggest you either phone first or check with your hotel regarding location, opening hours and availability of credit card facilities.