Whilst Miracle Thailand may be famous for its beaches in the south, elephant trekking in the North and Vibrant nightlife in Bangkok and on the East coast, you should certainly not leave without taking a shopping trip.
Shopping in Thailand offers an amazing selection of local products and international goods at great prices.
Before you go rushing out to spend your hard-earned money, here is a comparison between shopping in large shopping malls and local markets.
Shopping at Thai markets
One of the most famous markets in miracle Thailand has to be Chatuchak market in Bangkok. This is known by the locals as JJ market- why JJ? Well, it should actually be spelt as “Jadujak” market but as they say, this is miracle Thailand.
Anyway, today JJ market is frequented by literally thousands of people over the weekend and runs from Thursday evening until Sunday night. Over the years, as the market has become more popular, this has driven prices up and it seems the mystery and magic of the market has nearly disappeared. In fact, there is now even a JJ mall which claims to be the same market but in the comfort of air-conditioning; in reality this is just another mall with expensive space leases that are reflected in the price of the goods and products on offer. Also, the main and original part of the market seems to be quite expensive nowadays; whether this is due to inflated rental fees or the locals taking advantage remains a mystery.
So, by now you may by asking why JJ market still remains popular. Well, regardless of the increase in prices, it still is a very cheap place to shop if you compare to the prices we pay at home. Also, the market is absolutely huge and you can find anything you can think of from 6 foot statues made from marble to rattle snakes and other exotic animals. This really is an eye opener for many people coming to miracle Thailand and certainly worth a day trip out.
Aside from the famous markets, the local markets offer something completely different. In places outside of Bangkok and the tourist hot-spots, you will see local markets literally everyday of the week. This is where you can find real bargains and remember, bartering over prices is expected by the locals so have a little fun and try to knock them down. So, what can you find in these markets?
Apart from the amazing and wide array of different foods, shopping for clothes in these little markets can be really fun. You can find great t-shirts and tops for as low as just a few dollars and if you have a bit extra in your pocket, you can literally walk out with a completely new wardrobe. These markets are great fun and certainly recommended.
Shopping Malls in Miracle Thailand
Unbeknown to many, miracle Thailand offers some of the best shopping centers and malls in the whole of South East Asia. This ranges from upper class malls such as Paragon and Emporium- here you will find some of the world’s most famous brands and it is quite common to find local and international stars frequenting these malls.
Lower down the scale but certainly no less interesting includes places such as Siam center. Here you can visit the amazing Imax cinema or do a little deep sea exploration at the Siam underwater world and discovery center. This is a great day out for all the family and offers a day of alternative activities, as well as shopping.
Finally, if it is electronics you are after then why not take a trip over to Pantip plaza. This is multiple floors of nothing but computers, gadgets and everything in between. Prices here are again very competitive and if they don’t have it in this mall, chances are it doesn’t exist. This has been popular for many years and just like the markets, don’t be afraid to barter on prices or ask for a few freebies when making a purchase. Another electronics mall that is worth a visit is Fortune town. This is a great place full of official distributors of the world’s most famous electronic brands and the place to go if your phone or laptop is having problems.
This really is just a little snippet of the shopping you can experience in Miracle Thailand. If you are looking for top brands and don’t mind spending a little then take a trip into Bangkok and have a whale of a time. If you are looking to experience something a little more magical and want to walk away with bags full of clothes then JJ or any one of the local markets are definitely worth your time and it will be an experience you will never forget. Miracle Thailand- amazing shopping hands down!