Travel and Leisure

Bangkok is not only world famous for its heritage sites and breath taking natural reserves, it is also a bustling metropolis that offers several luxurious lodging facilities, as well as entertainment and shopping destinations. Known as the capital of Thailand, Bangkok is also the largest urban area in the country, populated by roughly 12 million people. On the map, it is found on the central and eastern portion of Thailand, and stretches from Nakhon Ratchasima to the industrialized eastern seaboard. It is bordered by Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani. On top of that, it also has a number of leisure spots, open from day until night, which tourists can visit for an enjoyable shopping excursion.

First up, there is Chatuchak market, considered to be the biggest shopping area in Thailand. It can be found in Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, and houses about 8,000 market stalls. According to census, it receives about 200,000 visitors during the weekend. And here, they browse and buy everything from clothing, to household items, religious artifacts, food, books, ceramics, art, handicrafts, and pets. They offer huge mark downs on most of the products and you can even negotiate the prices further down.

And then we have Patpong Night Market, which used to be the red light district of Bangkok. After having been purged of criminal activity, Patpong has become one of the standard night-shopping destinations in the city. It is accessible through Silom and Surawong Road and is open from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM daily. Like Chatuchak, you'll find a lot of small retail stands selling food, drinks, collectibles, and fashion wares. If you are conscious about Patpong's seedy past, you can go to Khao San Road, where you can spend your travel dollars on exotic blouses, vintage outfits and cute accessories.

Now, if you are solely interested in buying wholesale fashion, you could visit Pratunam market, located in the district of Ratchathewi. Here, you'll discover a vast choice of clothing merchandize sold at cheap prices. You can even strike good deals in every transaction as sellers here welcome haggling for bulk orders. No need to worry about transporting goods from the site back to your hotel because most of the businesses will deliver. Delivery is free even to hotels as far away as the Banyan Tree Bangkok.

Finally, if it is food you are craving, you could set your sights on Or Tor Kor market where you get a fresh, clean selection of the country's prized domestic fruits, vegetables, meat, as well as seafood products. You can also buy Thai snacks here and pre-made meals. To reach this destination, all you have to do is ride the Kampaengphet MRT underground. And what's nice is that it is just actually walking distance to Chatuchak.

Complete your trip to Bangkok, Thailand by immersing yourself in their commercial scene. It is a great social experience. And on top of that, you'll get to learn a lot about their culture with the flavors, decors, and apparels you will see and experience in these shopping areas.