Online Travel Guides: Shopping Thai Style

What should a hardcore shopper like you bring on your Thailand vacation? Of course, do not forget your passport and your airline ticket - you will need both to get yourself to Thailand...

But, other than the travel essentials (and your wallet of course), you can bring as little as possible. Forget about bringing a luggage full of clothes and a couple of pairs of shoes. Thailand is popularly known as a shopping paradise. Therefore, you can be sure that you can buy from there anything that you may need - and at a bargain too, no doubt!

There are many shopping malls in Thailand. In Bangkok, some of the well-known shopping places are Central World, Emporium, and Siam Paragon where high-end branded items are for sale. These malls are very accessible from most tourist hotels in the downtown, and you can just take a taxi from the hotel to go there.

To be safe, you may ask the assistance of the hotel front desk in getting a cab and instructing the cab driver to your destination. It's also good to know that Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases made in Thailand (with a minimum amount) may be refunded by tourists, so remember to bring your passport while shopping and request the sales personnel to accomplish the VAT Refund Application Form for tourists.

Another popular shopping destination is the Suan Lum Night Bazaar, where you can combine a shopping spree and entertainment all in one night. Test your taste buds as you sample the wide array of culinary adventures in the area. Enjoy your dinner in the open space while listening to the live music of the bands featured for the night.

Then after dinner, shed those calories as you explore the many treasures of the various stalls in the area. Don't hurry! Don't worry! You can enjoy your shopping at a leisurely pace because the stalls are open until late at night.

Of course, you must not miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market! Be sure to leave your weekend schedule free for a whole day (or two) of bargain shopping. Give in to your materialistic temptations and shop for all that you need and want! Clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs, and a whole lot of other items are up for sale in this large complex maze of booths.

If you must try on something to see if the item fits you, be sure to ask permission from the seller first. Also, bargaining is an acceptable practice in Thailand so brush up your negotiating skills to get the best deals!

If you feel the need to do some last-minute shopping before you leave Thailand, you can be sure that there are sidewalk markets near most hotel areas. While things may not be as cheap as those in Chatuchak, bargain deals are still quite a good find there.

These stands are well within walking distance, so try and have a look around! Lastly, if you're not too sure that your luggage can accommodate all the stuff that you shopped for during your vacation, buy an extra bag as well! Happy shopping!