Bangkok - A shopping paradise

Have not been to bangkok for about 2 yrs. Though the decision to go was a rush one, wif a totally different mentality (trying to get away to avoid reality), but the trip turn out to be rewarding.

I've spent alot, much more than I would like to. I guess tat's the down side of bringing mum travelling together, cos I've got to cover for our common expenses (food & transport) and some of her buying (but no complaints lah, afterall, she's my mum). Plus my own shopping capabilities, it's not surprising that I double my spending.

However, there is no regrets. I've bought many many stuff. Accessories, clothings, shoes, decorations, sourvenirs, toiletories & food stuff. Everyting I bought is cheaper than S'pore by 30% - 70%. Thus, I simply couldn't help not buying.

It was a really tiring trip. I guess I've been walking for 10 hrs a day over the wkn and another 5 hrs on Monday. That was some kind of achievement. Frankly speaking, if I've more money, I would probably be purchasing more. But I've really overspent and need a little self control, otherwise, I wld hv to go on crash diet for the rest of the mth (no $ to eat).

I was so bz shopping that I din take any pic of the places went. The only pic I took were the tings I bought. Hmmm, wld probably upload some for your viewing.. :)

Anyway, for those who wld like to go Bkk for shopping. You may like to consider the following places.

1) Pratunam Mkt - It's a wholesale mkt that sells plenty of clothings. You can find dinner clothes, evening gowns, jeans, cardigans, jackets, skirts, dresses, accessories etc..... (not much for guys but plenty for gals) If you are buying more (usually 3 pcs or more), you get to buy @ whole sale price. Note that this mkt have various buildings (all over the place), jus walk around all the place, you are likely to find someting suitable for you.

2) Chak Tu Chak Mkt - Tis is the famous wkn mkt which most of the local patronise. Tis place sells everything, clothings, accessories, shoes, watches, home funishings, food stuff, army stuff, pets stuff etc. The prob is tat, tis place is a mess. It's very crowded and the lanes are very small. You get being bumped into, being pushed, your feet being stepped on. If you are going with someone else, there is high chance you will lose each other. So, either ensure you are contactable (autoroam) or fixed a time and place to meet (jus in case). I nearly lost my mum here. The prices are very reasonable. But you can still bargain a little. Usually if they can, they would sell to you. Bear in mind tat tis place is hot and stuffy. You may wanna consider wearing light clothings.

3) Suan Lum - Not sure if tis is the correct spelling. This is the nite mkt which is a smaller version of Chak Tu Chak. It's much neater and cleaner. And since it's a nite mkt, it's cooler. But there r much lesser stuff her. & prices can be a little higher. Overall, nt too bad, esp for those who cannot stand Chak Tu Chak due to it's messiness.

4) MBK - I guess every1 knows about tis place. It's the popular shopping area in Bkk. It's at the city centre and sells plenty of stuff too. I din really shop here cos been here few times and still find stuff @ Chak Tu Chak the cheapest. But for those who prefer air conditioned shopping, this is a good option. Similarly, you can find bags, clothings, accessories etc. There r also quite a number of restuarants and fast food here.

For guys, if you r into revamping your car, try a shop at level 4 (the level that sells plenty of mobile phones), from escalator, turn left (jus few stores from esc). I help my Bro bought the speedometre display at S$ 76 (according to my bro, S'pore is selling @ $135). Good bargain. If you are into handphone accessories, try this level oso, it's really cheap.

Also, there is tis "Tokyu" departmental in the bldg. So if u r into getting more quality stuff, u can try here. Esp for ladies, bras r cheap in Bkk. Get it in Tokyu.

If u hv time n r into medicure & pedicure, u may oso do it here. Much cheaper than S'pore. My friend did a normal medi & pedi (painted with pic) at S$16 oni. U can't even do a plain medi in S'pore @ tis price.

5) Siam Square (not sure exactly wat's it's call) - I din go here tis trip cos I run outta time. But I remember during my last visit, there are oso many girlie stuff here. T-shirts, tank top, tube top, dresses, accessories ... etc. I'm not sure if it's the same, but I guess it wld nt be much different. Anyway, it's jus opposite MBK and it's linked with a bridge. So, if u r at MBK, u might as well hop over for a look. The stuff here are for younger crowds though.

Siam Square itself it's very big, it can be linked to many areas, so you jus hv to try ur luck and navigate around.

6) World Trade Centre - I heard it change it's name. I wasn't here tis trip cos usually there isn't anything for me here (expensive stuff). This bldg has 'Zen' and 'Isetan'. Similarly, if u r into branded or quality stuff, try tis place. For those who likes Naraya pdts, try to get it at Isetan, it's much cheaper than Singapore. Worth the buy.

Okie, tat's all I know abt Bkk. If you wanna go pray pray @ the 4 face buddha, it's near to WTC. It's within walking distance.

Hope you hv an enjoyable (if u r going) and bring more luggages (for the gals) cos usually I end up buying those China bag to put my stuff.

:-D