The few malls in the U.S. that have not been closed down are plagued by conventionality. If you’re looking for some real excitement this holiday season, do your shopping in Thailand! Here we’ll share with you all about the various markets to check out, including the enchanting and iconic floating markets. You’ll also learn how to get the best deals.
The Many Different Markets in Thailand
Choosing where to shop won’t be nearly as difficult as trying to pick out personal gifts for everyone on your list.
Floating markets are a fun, easy, and less crowded way to do your holiday shopping. These markets are exactly how they sound; they are floating vendors on the rivers and canals in Thailand. Thailand’s floating markets are as romantic as they are breathtaking. There are very few places in the world where you can experience anything remotely similar.
Night markets are also a fun attraction to purchase your holiday gifts. Travelers should also keep in mind that some of the markets are only open on weekends or certain nights of the week. Walking these markets is one of the best ways to experience Thailand. The scents, sounds, and sights will give you a unique glimpse into authentic Thailand and give you a deeper appreciation for this majestic land.
Day markets can tend to be busier but are just as fun to shop at. The day markets offer items more frequently than the floating or night markets. The thrill of these markets is exhilarating and makes for a truly extraordinary holiday shopping experience.
All of the markets can be found here, and you can decide for yourself, which sounds the most fun to visit while you’re in Thailand.
How to Purchase the Right Kinds of Souvenirs for Family and Friends
There are so many unique and cultural items to be found in Thailand; some could even become family heirlooms or Christmas traditions someday. By visiting any of the markets mentioned above, you can find a lot of unique souvenirs and presents for every single one of the people on your list.
Some of the best souvenirs to pick up while you’re doing your holiday shopping could include:
- Thai Spa Products
- Thai Silk
- Trinkets
- Silver jewelry
- Snacks like traditional Thai candy
- Handmade Bags
- Handwoven clothes
- Much more
Most importantly, don’t forget to bargain! Vendors expect some negotiation to go down for final prices, so don’t be afraid to ask for a discount, especially if you’re buying multiple items from the same vendor. The more you buy, the more willing vendors will be to negotiate. But be sure to bring plenty of cash- all of these street, weekend, and night markets are in outside stalls and only accept the Thai baht.
Bangkok, the Ultimate Market
The undisputed jewel of shopping in Thailand is Bangkok. With markets that never stop humming, this funky metropolis has everything you’ve ever wanted, even the things that you didn’t know that you wanted.
Here you can find some of the most unique and unexpected things to ever be sold in any market of the world, including Androids running iOS. MBK Center in the center of Bangkok is one of the largest and most innovative shopping malls where you can find everything from traditional souvenirs to the latest gadgets and technology. They even have a whole floor dedicated to tech products like phones and accessories!
If tech fusion doesn’t float your boat, how about some comfy Thai pants? The Chatuchak Weekend Market at the Mo Chit Sky Train station is the largest weekend market in the entire world, with over 15,000 stalls, known for everything from trinkets and street food to the latest fashion trends.
You can find the most unique gifts in the numerous markets of Bangkok. In fact, there isn’t much that you can’t find here if you know where to look. Finding a travel guide at your side will help steer you through the sheer size and variety of Bangkok’s endless markets.
Be sure to plan out your shopping adventure since one could easily spend all of their money before scratching the surface and finding the real treasures of Thailand.
Shopping in Thailand for the Holiday Season
This holiday season you could go anywhere. Whether it’s on the open water, or along moonlit city streets, the mysteries and excitement of Thailand’s markets far surpass anything that a conventional Western mall has to offer.
If you want to experience something completely different this year and have an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life, do your holiday shopping in Thailand.
