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Pratunam Market

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LenR
LenR
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5 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Pratunam Market

  • January 7, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by SeenThat from Tel Aviv, Israel
Pratunam Market

Pratunam Market is an exceptional market; not only for being the largest clothing one in Bangkok but also since few traditional markets have managed to survive at the very center of vibrant metropolises. Surrounded by modern shopping malls and supermarkets, Pratunam retains the looks of a traditional Thai market; moreover, no other place in Bangkok compares in variety and prices.

The narrow and dark alleys - almost collapsing under the unforgiving pressure of the shops - are covered by improvised roofs, which provide protection from the weather and the noisy streets.

Location

Pratunam is north of the Central World Plaza, on the junction with Petchaburi Road and in front of the Fashion Mall. Panthip Plaza is nearby, as well as water canals giving access to water-taxis and emphasizing the closeness to Thai traditions.

Baiyoke Tower

Pratunam is just below the Bayoke Sky Hotel, which is the tallest building in Bangkok; visits should be planned during clear days. There is an observation floor (77th) and a revolving open deck at the 84th; both can be accessed between 10am and 10pm, the entrance costs 200B. The Sky Restaurant completes the tour there.

Around

The market is surrounded by many street stalls - some of them ambulant - selling similar merchandise; actually T-shirts are slightly cheaper just outside the market. The Bayoke Tower low floors are also occupied by clothing shops, as are all the locals in the small streets surrounding the market.

Reaching Pratunam

Every vehicle reaching the Central World Plaza is perfect for getting to Pratunam. See details in my Roaming Bangkok journal.

Variety

Pratunam offers a big variety of basic clothing for men and women, mainly of cotton and silk. Related items are also available, like typical triangle and elephant pillows, backpacks, luggage, belts and others. Everything can be purchased by the unit; however, the market functions mainly as a local wholesale outlet.

Bargaining

Bargaining is the rule while visiting a Thai market. After spotting a worthy item, relax and show your best smile. Point at it and a price would be announced. Now, take your time to show shock and offer twenty percent of the mentioned priced. After enjoying his shock, continue the ritual until an agreement is reached. Forty to fifty percent of the original price can be reached with a bit of patience and humor. A good negotiating tactic is learning the Thai numbers; the sellers would enjoy so much the tones mispronunciations that a better price is guaranteed.

A Gate in Time

By crossing Pratunam gates the traveler is transferred a few centuries back in time. Gone are the Skytrain and the Metro; cars and buses become a distant memory. Yet, anxiety is superfluous; the nearest Starbucks is less than five minutes away.

From journal Shopping in Bangkok

Editor Pick

Pratunam Market Area

  • July 3, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Pratunam Market Area

Pratunam market is situated by the intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetburi roads, between the Amari Watergate and Indra Regent hotels. This is notable as perhaps the best place in Bangkok to buy cheap clothes, fabrics and textiles. The market is not on the main road, you need to look for the entrances that lead to it behind the shops. The market, open daily from morning until late afternoon, proved to be the place for great clothes at rock bottom prices.

Walk along Ratchaprarop Road until you spot a dusty 'Pratunam Market' sign. Step into any of the small lanes and you are in the middle of a clothes-maze. Lanes bisect each other at random, and all look the same with clothes hanging from every available space. Fortunately they all appear to go at right angles to each other so you will eventually walk out to the street. Tiny stalls and even tinier shops are crushed together on both sides displaying everything from T-shirts to formal evening wear, from beach wear to winter jackets, children's clothes, and even bizarre outfits.

The market also abounds in designer fakes - they look similar to the originals but are a lot cheaper. Purchase more than three pieces to get the benefit of the wholesale price. Shoppers lugging enormous bags are a common sight. Don't be afraid to bargain till you get the price you want. It can be fun so don’t become frustrated at the time it takes.

Wear good walking shoes and light clothing. It's hot business shopping in Pratunam Market and you need to be comfortable when you walk around checking for quality and bargains.

But it is not just the Pratunam Market that has appeal. The Bai Yoke market in the same area sells the same sort of thing. Nearby is Indra Square -the best place to look for men’s and women’s fashion clothing and accessories. It also offers silk items, jewelry and Thai crafts. There is a food center on the second floor. Then there is the City Complex. This is one of the most sought after places in this area as it deals in fashionable clothing targeting young ladies. In this complex there are also a few jewelry and crafts shops.

Don’t miss the new Platinum complex across the road. This is an up-market version of the market but with air-conditioning and wider aisles. Platinum Fashion Mall caters especially to wholesale clothing, selling a similar range of clothing to the Pratunam Market. The mall has six floors which are filled with small outlets - most of them specialising in women's clothing and fashion accessories. Since this is a wholesale mall, you can get items at very reasonable prices - provided you buy larger quantities, usually three items and up. The price you pay will be about 30% lower per piece than the retail price. As with most shopping malls in the city, there is also a food court on the fifth floor, along with cafés and fast food chains.

From journal Bangkok - a Shopper's Paradise

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