The centre of the backpackers' universe is bursting with fun, tacky and useful things to blow your baht on. Its ubiquitous travel shops can arrange your outward journey, whether it be flights, trains or bus tickets. The many tailors will happily whip you up a sharp suit ready for when you arrive back from the islands. A must for the beach is a gripping read, and fortunately several of the city's best second hand-book shops are here. Modern essentials aren't neglected either: internet cafes, chemists, convenience stores, banks and monetary exchanges abound.
All Sorts of Counterfeit Clobber
More eclectic and exciting are the market stalls. It only takes a few minutes of tricky maneuvering Khao San Road's narrow, obstacle strewn pavements to realise that every last inch of space is dedicated to small commerce. Tightly packed stalls line the walk-ways on either side, and sell pretty much anything that can fit inside a backpack: knock-off t-shirts, sandals, shorts, trainers, fisherman's pants, sunglasses, bikinis, jewellery, textiles, pirate music CDs and DVDs, old Thai movie posters, and more. Colourful street vendors also do the rounds, most of them from Northern Hill Tribes. This friendly but persistent breed traipses up and down, selling things like hammocks, croaking ornamental frogs and ethnic jewellery. As always when buying at markets in Bangkok, remember to bargain. But don't argue over a few measly baht. Meet them somewhere in the middle and you'll both part with your dignity in tact.
night Shopping
And the best time to embark on a Khao San shopping spree? Well, unless you want to end up bad tempered and dripping sweat, we say in the evening. Not only is it cooler, but the range of things on sale also becomes even more intriguing (except on Mondays). From dusk onwards, creative, baby-faced Thais come and sprawl out on the ground everything from funky hair accessories and exotic blouses to one-off T-shirts and vintage clothing. Many of these items are lovingly crafted by their own tender hands.
Learn more about Khao San Road: Where to Stay, What to See & Do, Where to Eat, Nightlife, Getting Around
Learn More about Shopping areas: Sukhumvit, Silom, Chidlom, Siam Square, Ratchaprasong, Sathorn, Riverside, Khao San Road, Old City, Chinatown, Chatuchak, Pratunam, Ratchadapisek
Related Links: Fashion & Clothing, Counterfeit Culture, Jewellery |
