Shopping in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok always has the reputation of being one of the busiest shopping center in Asia. Based on what we saw and experienced, it is indeed well deserved of this reputation. We had limited amount of time, so we concentrated our shopping effort on MBK Center, which is located right in the city center and convenient to get to from our hotel. There are many more shopping plazas and night markets we simply didn't have time to visit. However, MBK's got everything you can think of. Inside the mall is eight stories full of shops, and shoppers from all over the world. There is really no need to go anywhere else. Picture seen here is a big billboard of Beckham inside the mall. Oh yeah, Thai people are big on soccer.

If you have time to bargain and has some basic knowledge about jewllery, do explore the dazzling selection of gold, silver, pearls and precious stones. They are readily available at all shopping centers and night markets. Be sure to ask for a certificate if the jeweller didn't provide one. Personally, we found that pearls are great bargains, especially sea pearls, which are considerable more expensive in North America. For people who are looking for an engagement ring or wedding bands, you're at the right place. Also for precious stone lovers, you're in heaven.

If you are looking for clothing and silk, there are plenty to choose from. What we discovered was that their fashion sense is very well up to date, and the price is incredablly affordable. We bought everything from T shirts, jackets, caps, footwear to silk scarves (Ladies, get lots of silk scarves, bed spreads, cushion covers. You're not gonna regret it). One thing you should do is to try on everything before you buy it. We found that clothing size is a bit smaller than North American sizes. Nick goes for large on T shirts and jackets. So you get the idea.

Thai people are very good at making hand crafts. You can find decent quality handycrafts made from such local materials as teakwood, mangowood and bamboo. Do not pass on the opportunities to bring back some hand-made teakwood vases, bamboo serving trays and dinner sets (the ones you only find at Pier 1 Import or Home Sense at imported prices).