Things to Do in Thailand

Shopping in Thailand

With its multitude of tourist destinations, Thailand has quite a lot to offer to the huge influx of foreign visitors that stream in from all over the world, throughout the year. But Thailand is also a fantastic spot to get some shopping done, without busting your wallet.

Thailand shopping is full of surprises and exciting deals that will get you raring to get into a full-blown retail therapy mode. Here’s a guide to help you figure out what to buy and more importantly where to shop in Thailand.

Clothes

Shopping is fun, especially when it comes to clothes. Nothing spells ‘vacation’ as much as a trendy and cool pair of shorts paired with a funky T-shirt. But Thailand shopping doesn’t always have to be compromising with low-quality items. Even shopping on a budget can yield perfectly good results.

For clothes, handbags, shoes, cosmetics and accessories, there are plenty of places in Bangkok alone where you can shop to your heart’s desire. Malls like Platinum Fashion Mall and Pan Tip Plaza are great choices, but night markets also carry some fantastic clothes. Do make a point to bargain hard though. You can find some excellent shops near major tourist attractions and temples.

Thai Silk

Shopping in Thailand would be incomplete without getting yourself some gorgeous Thai silk. It is renowned the world over and is known for its top-notch quality and affordability along with some interesting designs.

Thai silk is colourful and makes a fantastic gift for the people back home. It can be bought in yards, or as readymade clothing, scarves, ties and even bed covers. However, you do need to be wary of buying synthetic silk. One of the best ways to ensure that you’re buying authentic silk would be to shop at any of the Jim Thompson outlets in Bangkok which are known for their quality products. You can also check out Pahurat Textile Market or even the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Fashion Accessories

You can’t go shopping in Thailand without bringing back some of the funky and stylish accessories that you can buy there. Fashion accessories can be bought in shops, in malls and even by the roadside. And they’ll still be stylish and unique. Shoes are quite affordable here and you can buy all sorts – strappy sandals, high heeled shoes or even flip flops and you can be sure that they’ll last you for quite some time.

Bags, belts and other such accessories can be found in any of the night markets that are there, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. As for jewellery, it’s indeed a shopper’s paradise. From necklaces, earrings, finger rings and bracelets, you can find them all here. Sparkly and irresistible, they make for some great gifts or you could simply keep them all for yourself. Choose from shopping malls such as Siam Paragon if you want some high-end jewellery. Alternatively, you should take a trip to Chinatown if you want to buy intricately designed gold jewellery.

Spices

Thailand shopping would be incomplete if you didn’t come back with some of the fragrant Thai spices that will remind you of the delicious food you’ve had on your trip there. Thai spices are often packed in vacuum-sealed packets and will not present a problem while travelling. Even the chilli pastes and other wet ingredients come in airtight containers.

Gourmet Market and Spice Story, both of which are located in Siam Paragon, offer some of the choicest spices you can take back home. Please note that while these are slightly on the expensive side, their quality cannot be argued with. Other places you can get spices would be Pahurat (Little India) or at the Chatuchak market.

Coconut products

From coconut oil to candy to coconut palm sugar, there are numerous coconut products that you can bring back from Thailand for yourself or as a gift for friends. Local markets are a good place to pick these up.

Even the coconut shells are beautifully decorated and are on sale. There is a dazzling variety on offer. These are available as bowls, candle holders, soap dishes and are even carved into spoons. Being a tropical country, coconut is indeed king here, but what’s interesting is that Thai coconut oil is also considered to be the some of the best in the world.

Thai Alcohol

Take back some of that holiday cheer with you in the form of Thai alcohol. The famed Thai rum Sang Som is an award-winning spirit that will remind you of your fabulous Thailand holiday while Thai whisky and brandy are also good options.

Chilling with a Thai beer is perfect while you’re on holiday, but don’t forget to take a look at some of the exotic alcohol while here. Adventurous souls may not hesitate from taking a sip from a scorpion or snake-infused alcohol to give you that special kick.

Souvenirs

Shopping in Thailand is incomplete without a bunch of souvenirs that you can take back home with you. You can buy some refreshing Thai spa products from supermarkets or even pick up some colourful handicrafts in the street markets. Triangle cushions, local pottery, wooden carvings, batik scarves, trinkets are great choices as souvenirs that you can use to liven up a dull room or light up a loved one’s face when you present it as a gift.

Thailand shopping can be delightful and not expensive at all if you know what to look for and where to buy it. SOTC offers fabulous deals and offers on Thailand tour packages to take you on a memorable trip to Thailand that will be full of fun and some fabulous shopping to take back home.

Top Quirky Things to Do in Thailand

Without a doubt, Thailand is one of the coolest travel destinations in the world. Stunning natural beauty, friendly people, amazing nightlife, scrumptious food and budget travel opportunities are the ingredients that make Thailand tourism so popular. Yet, little known to mainstream tourists, there exists an offbeat side of Thailand that must be experienced. Try these quirky only-in-Thailand experiences to enrich your Thailand Holiday mightily: -

Visit the Elephant Tower

The Elephant tower is a whacky building which is built in the shape of an Elephant since it is the national animal of Thailand. The building comprises of a shopping mall, offices as well as residential apartments

Dine at Condoms & Cabbages

Condoms & Cabbages is unlike any other restaurant in the world. It is a condom-themed restaurant which was established to push the idea that ‘buying condoms should be as easy as buying cabbages’ from the market. Dining at this unusual restaurant is bound to be a unique experience.

Visit the Human Body Museum

Get a dose of macabre at the peculiar Human Body Museum in Bangkok. The Human Body Museum is among the most interesting places to visit in Thailand. The museum features 14 dissected human bodies to showcase various body mechanisms such as nervous system, networks of arteries, bones and muscles etc.

Visit the Snake Farm

Enjoy observing the fascinating snakes up-close at the Bangkok Snake Farm. The farm houses more than 35 species of snakes and conducts snake handling demos on the weekends. The snakes at the farm are bred and maintained to extract their venom for anti-venin treatments.

Enjoy a Meal at The World’s Largest Restaurant

The Royal Dragon in Bangkok is considered to be the world’s largest restaurant which serves as many as 5000 customers. It’s fun to watch the staff moves around on roller skates and serve the thousands of customers with uncanny speed.

Spend a Night at a Tree House

For a truly wild experience in the forest, stay at the beautiful tree houses in Keemala. The treehouses are equipped with private pools and sun terraces so that you can revel in luxury amidst thick jungles.

Eat & Drink from a Plastic Bag

Many of the street food stalls in Thailand will serve you food and drinks in a plastic bag. This a weird custom that you can only experience in Thailand.

Sounds fun doesn’t it? So make sure to squeeze in some these quirky experiences in your Thailand Tour Package itineraries and make your holiday more memorable!