A travel guide for Shopping in Thailand and Thailand hotel online.
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Shopping in Thailand
What to Buy
Thai silk, cotton, Nielloware, silverware, bronze ware, pottery and
celadon, pewter, precious stones, finished jewellery and a
dazzling range of folk handicrafts make memorable gifts and
souvenirs. International standard ready-made sportswear and
leisurewear is inexpensive and quality tailors and dressmakers
offer reliable 24-hour service in Bangkok and major tourist
destination.
Clothing : Thailand is one of the world's leading manufacturers of
ready-to-wear clothing. Fashion boutiques are found in every
shopping mall, while cheaper clothing such as T-shirts and jeans
are available at bargain prices from street vendors. Custom
tailoring is also very affordable and tailors can produce or
copy most styles in just a few days.
Silk : Probably the most famous of all our kingdom's
handicrafts, silk is available in a range of colours, patterns
and plys, and is sold by the yard, or as ready-made clothing and
souvenir items. A unique style of Thai silk is Mat Mee, a
tie-dye silk traditional to the North-east. The best known
outlet for Thai silk is undoubtedly Jim Thompson's shop at the
top of Surawong Road in Bangkok.
Cotton & Batik : Our Thai cottons have become increasingly
popular and are a good deal. Particularly notable are the
hilltribe cottons woven by the tribal people of the North,
typically displaying bold designs and often lavish embroidery.
Equally distinctive are original batiks crafted at several
studios in Bangkok.
Pewterware : Pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai
craftsmen, and the smooth, silky finish of this attractive alloy
is enhanced by delicate relief decoration. Pewterware items
include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks.
Gem : Bangkok is the coloured gemstone capital of the world.
Rubies and sapphires are indigenous stones, but virtually all
coloured gems, as well as diamonds, are available. Shoppers
should exercise caution and buy from reputable dealers only.
Antiques : Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are
excellent buys. There is an export ban on certain pieces,
particularly Buddha images. Other pieces may require an export
license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advise on
restrictions and any necessary documentation.
Ceramics : Both traditional and contemporary styles of pottery
are available throughout our kingdom. Best known are the
distinctive sea-green celadons from the Sukothai area, and the
central provinces' colourful Benjarong (five color) porcelain,
which are unique to our country.
Nielloware : Practiced in the South for hundreds of years,
nielloware is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects
with delicate etched designs filled with a metal ware.
Nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items are some of our
best buys.
Lacquerware : A specialty of Chiang-Mai and the north, this
craft involves coating split bamboo or wood with lacquer, then
adding intricate hand-painted designs typically gold-on-black
lacquer or yellow and green on a red brown background. Look out
for lacquerware bowls, boxes, trays and other items for
decoration or for souvenirs.
Thai Orchids : We're famous for our huge variety of orchids and
their magnificent colours and durable beauty make them a popular
purchase. Specially packaged flowers, complete with water
supply, are easily transported and can be conveniently purchased
at Bangkok International Airport.
Furniture : Rattan and rosewood furniture items are available in
many designs and styles and can also be made to order. Shops in
Bangkok and Chiang Mai have a wide selection and can arrange
shipment overseas.
Hilltribe Crafts : The tribal groups who live in the hills of
the north make a variety of beautifully embroidered textiles and
silver jewellery. Chiang Mai is the centre for such goods.
