Unlike many other cities, Bangkok does not have a special shopping district. There are shopping malls dotted all over the city, tiny lanes housing boutique designer outlets, and side streets, even remote alleys, with a complete range of ready to wear, reuseables and disposables. The sheer size of Bangkok can be quite unnerving, and if you are having problems with finding the right sweater for Auntie Mary, or the right trainers for nephew Joe, then the following markets will help you source them.
Chatuchak Market
The world's biggest flea market and one of the most exciting in which to spend a day. Bargains galore here, so much that tourists need to be careful not to overspend on delightful trinkets like hand-made jewellry, cotton bags, signature pens, ceramics, jeans, DVDs, antique replicas, exotic plants and tee shirts. Locals can buy pets ranging from puppies to baby bears (although the latter are illegal, some are still for sale in the market). Take the skytrain to Monchit Terminal and it's a block away from there.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Not so crowded as Patpong Night Market (off Silom), and offering a wider selection of items. The covered market sells the usual designer rip-offs plus some local offerings. Bartering here seems to give better results.
