Shopping has become of the main universal past-times – ‘retail therapy’ must be one of the most clichéd expressions. For those of you, like me, who get a high from finding a bargain, Bangkok is paradise.
Our first port of call was the Pratanum market (near the Amari Watergate hotel), which was recommended to me as less touristy and better value than Patpong. It was after 8:00 when we arrived so unfortunately it was closing up.
On to Patpong. Patpong is a surreal place –strip clubs tripping over stalls of souvenirs, knocked off designer-stuff. It’s a great people-watching place. The ugliness of the Western men seems to be in inverse proportion to the beauty of the go-go girls. Fair play to the girls; they really get their escorts to lighten their wallets at the market. I felt safe in Patpong although it’s so crowded I would say it is a Mecca for pickpockets.
Be prepared to bargain and you will find good value – I got a good quality Ralph Lauren polo shirt for €2, an Oriental dressing gown for €6, a teddy for €2. Avoid the bootlegs CDs – the sound quality is very poor.
Our next port of call was MBK (Mah Boon Kong)mall. It’s a huge shopping centre (seven floors) near the National Stadium Sky Train stop. MBK is a bit like an air-conditioned market. There is a lot of trash but there are a few bargains to be had e.g. a real leather wallet for €2. After all the frenetic activity you can relax by having a facial on the third floor for under €10.
I definitely think you should leave a bit of room in your luggage for shopping in Bangkok but be warned: most of the ware is on the cheap and cheerful end of the spectrum.