Shopping After Dark

The great thing about shopping in Bangkok is that most malls and department stores stay open until at least 21:00 - and some even as late as 22:00. So there's plenty of time to make the most of the city's attractions during the day, and fit in a bit of retail therapy either before or after dinner. Many markets offer great after dark shopping opportunities too - and incredible bargains in the moonlight. The two most popular after dark markets are undoubtedly the Patpong Night Market and Suan Lum Night Bazaar...

The Patpong Night Market in Soi 1 has always been one of the 'must-do' night shopping destinations for tourists. The place is busy and chaotic from the moment the sun sets with all the commotion from the Go-Go bars nearby and lots of people, locals and visitors. Many stalls are also set up along Silom and Suriwongse Roads.

You can find virtually anything from pirated CD's and DVD's, designer knock-offs, replica watches like 'Rolexes' that should last for at least a few weeks (unless you're going for the pricey 'super-copies') and leather goods stamped with brand name logos, to the usual touristy crafts and souvenirs. Because of its popularity, prices are usually quite inflated.

The good news is that bargaining is the norm, and if you maintain a friendly and assertive approach, you'll be thrilled with the deals you'd be able to clinch. As for the rest of Patpong, it is notorious for good reason. Read all about its sordid heritage and the scene as it stands today. Not too far from the Patpong Market is also one of Bangkok's prime gay areas...

Shopping tip: Don't ever make an offer for something if you're not prepared to pay the price. A good place to start negotiations is for half the asking price (except CD's and DVD's, of which the prices are pretty much fixed - unless you're really stocking up).
How to find it: Take the Skytrain (BTS) to Saladaeng, or the subway (MRT) to Silom.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is the city's first official night bazaar. The market is smaller and easier to navigate than its day counterpart (Chatuchak), and is complemented by an international open food court and lively beer garden, where local bands blast out local and international favorite tunes. The stalls offer the usual tourist-friendly mix of Thai craft, textiles, silverware, jewellery, home decorative items, home furniture and so much more.

The whole place is well worth looking around or you can just sit down, unwind, and watch the world around you go by while sipping on draft beer and trying to avoid chillis in your 'somtam' (spicy papaya salad). While you're there, make the most of your trip by witnessing a Thai traditional small puppet show, Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, which has recently been awarded 'The Best Cultural Performance' at the 10th World Festival of Puppet Art in Prague. Not to be missed! Open daily from 18:00 onwards.

For a more in-depth look at Suan Lum, click here. And don't forget to check out the Big Wheel, 'La Roue de Paris' while you're there!

Suan Lum Night Bazaar will officially close down by the end of April 2007... (READ MORE)

Khao San Road is literally bursting with things for you to spend your precious baht on. Its abundance of travel shops can supply you with all your logistical requirements - flight, train and bus tickets to your next destination - while the area's tailors will give you some much needed sartorial elegance, cutting you a sharp suit ready for when you arrive back from island jumping. Essentials aren't neglected either, with chemists, convenience stores and monetary exchanges dotted around. A big must in Thailand is a compelling read or two for the beach, and there are several of the city's best second hand-book shops scattered around where you can trade in your old books or buy a new one.

Fast becoming a favourite among people who have a penchant for used items, Ratchada-Lad Phrao junction night market is where to find ridiculously-priced trainers, leather bags, shoes, jeans, books, CDs, antiques, furniture, home decorative items, and an assortment of knick-knacks. Although most of the goods are pre-owned, new stuff is also available. Browsing inside the market, you can't miss a long stretch of cute vintage motorbikes and scooters waiting to be taken home. Feeling peckish? No worries, there are many food stalls dotted around the venue. A friendly atmosphere and laid-back crowd make this market an interesting alternative to the city's ubiquitous shopping malls.

Open: Every Saturday from early evening to around 23:30
Where: On the corner of Ratchada-Lad Phrao junction
How to get there: Take the MRT to either Lad Phrao station or Ratchadapisek station
Shopping tip: Due to the lack of proper lighting, make sure you look carefully for flaws or damage. And remember to bargain hard!

Best known for secondhand goods and assorted knick-knacks, Klong Thom Market sees action every Saturday from 17:00 onwards, and continues going until Sunday's early evening. Formerly known as 'Flashlight Market' due to the fact that buyers will need a flashlight to see the goods, this market is especially crowded on late Saturday night.

Covering areas of Luang, Worachak and Charoenkrung, Suar Pa Roads, Klong Thom has everything from car spare parts, DVDs and CDs, electronic devices to clothing items and toys. Besides the roadside stalls, there's also a three-storey Klong Thom Centre (close to Worachak Road) where car accessories and toys are on sale. If you want to avoid the crowd, best time to go is Sunday morning from 8:00 until 11.00.