Miles of Malls
Bangkok’s department stores frequently slash 10-80% off designer goods, and some offer VAT refunds for tourists. Malls comprise shops and department stores, which are comfortable to browse around while escaping the heat and rain. The most popular and convenient are: Mahboonkrong, Siam Discovery and Siam Center (Rama 1 Rd), World Trade Center and Gaysorn Plaza (Rajdamri Rd), Central Chidlom and Sogo (Ploenchit Rd), Emporium (Sukhumvit Rd) and Silom Complex and Robinson (Silom Road). Seacon Square (Sri Nakharin Rd) and The Mall Bangkapi (Lad Prao Rd) are also excellent, though farther out. Prices in malls are fixed – no bargaining, please.

Markets
Markets hold bargains galore, especially for skilled negotiators seeking wholesale deals. The giant Weekend Market (Chatuchak) stocks, among other things, clothing, pets, plants, handicrafts, ceramics and food. Good for clothing are Pratunam and Bo Bae markets. Silom, Sukhumvit (Nana), Patpong and Khao Sarn Roads all have street markets selling handicrafts, fake designer clothes, CDs, cassettes, watches etc. Prepare to barter! Pahurat and Chinatown also provide interesting shopping walks.

Handicrafts and Handiwork
Narayanaphand (beside Gaysorn Plaza) and Central Chidlom sell fine handicrafts, and small shops throughout the city have interesting selections of pottery, woodcarvings, textiles and furniture. Thailand is famous for gems and jewelry, and these are available everywhere in Bangkok: ask around for reputable showrooms and avoid touts offering unbelievable deals or promotions. For suits, Bangkok’s innumerable tailors make inexpensive but realistic copies of famous names: shop around for material and workmanship, as you get what you pay for.