Pratunam Market
Do a great dress and an expensive price tag always go together? Not in Bangkok, if you know where to shop. In this wonderful and thoroughly confusing city, anything is possible, especially finding cheap clothes. Pratunam Market, open daily from morning until late afternoon, is the place for great clothes at rock bottom prices.

In the heart of the city, the market is easily accessible from Ratchaprarop Road, close to Indra Regent Hotel. Walk along the road until you spot a dusty 'Pratunam Market' sign. Step into any of the small lanes and you are in the middle of a clothes-maze. Lanes bisect each other at random, and all look the same with clothes hanging from every available space. If you become disoriented, don't worry; continue walking and eventually you will walk out of the market. Tiny stalls and even tinier shops are crushed together on both sides displaying everything from T-shirts to formal evening wear, from beach wear to winter jackets, children's clothes and even bizarre outfits.

Designer Wear?
The market also abounds in designer fakes - they look the same but are lot cheaper. Perhaps four, five or more times cheaper. Purchase more than two or three pieces to get the benefit of the wholesale price. Shoppers lugging enormous bags are a common sight. Most can't believe their luck and buy entire wardrobes at one shot. Of course, they never let on back home about 'the Pratunam Market origins' of their designer wear. After you've had enough of the maze and have finally wandered out, check out the Bai Yoke Building. Six storeys, including basement, are devoted to clothes. Again all kinds of clothes, especially business suits for women. Don't be afraid to bargain till you get the price you want.

A bit of advice: wear good walking shoes and light clothing. It's hot business shopping in Pratunam Market and you need to be comfortable when you walk around checking for quality and bargains.