Shopping
Anyone who's been to Thailand will know that the
shopping in Bangkok is second to none - you can literally shop till
you drop! Prices are cheap, markets line the streets touting
everything from fake designer wares to cheap leather sandals and
tourist t-shirts, bargains are endless and haggling is a way of
life. Many of the items for sale are the same throughout all the
markets in Thailand so it's best to scout around for some
original-looking buys. Patpong night market is a must and great fun
to wander through on a balmy Bangkok evening, though bear in mind
this market is situated in the red light district of the city so
don't be alarmed at the touts and half naked ladies outside the
bars. Khao San road is also brimming with stalls selling all kinds
of counterfeit clobber. Plenty of snacks and eats can also be found
on the side of the road stalls, but watch out for some of the more
unconventional Thai delicacies, such as deep fried locusts.The MBK
Shopping Centre in Bangkok offers more expensive and better quality
wares than the markets on the sides of the streets and prices here
when converted are not much cheaper than in other countries.
Chatuchak Market is the world's biggest weekend market with over
9,000 stalls selling practically everything under the sun that can
fit inside a tourist's backpack.Many shops are open seven days a
week and 12 hours a day while street markets have longer hours. VAT
in Thailand is 7% and this can be refunded on goods bought to the
value of 2,000 Baht, including VAT, in shops labelled VAT refund
for tourists'. Forms must be completed at the point of purchase and
your passport must be shown. Shoppers can obtain their cash refunds
to the minimum value of 5,000 Baht in the airport departure
hall.
