Shopping in Thailand
Thailand has long ago earned the title of a bargain hunter's paradise. Bangkok has impressive shopping grounds with a wealth of modern, multi-layered malls and departments stores. The shopping experience itself appeals to the bargain hunter. It is like an adventure going from the high-end malls to the bustling markets. These stores hold a wide variety of goods Thailand is famous for in very reasonable prices.
The country is world famous for its fabrics, especially its silk, which comes in vibrant colours and patterns. The silk comes in many different weaves, widths, and textures that can be tailored to make gowns, shirts, scarves, quilts, curtains, and cushions. Some Thai tailors can even do orders within 24 hours. Aside from fabrics, Thailand is also famous for its antiques. Some genuine antiques sold in the stores are more than 100 years old. But if an original antique is too expensive, then there are a lot of shops that offer impressive imitations of the original piece. The shopper just needs to have a keen eye to distinguish between a real antique and a fake one to avoid getting scammed. Furthermore, shoppers do not want to miss buying Thai jewellery. The country is one of the world's leading exporters of jewellery due to the skill and craftsmanship of local designers. Thailand prides itself on its distinctive 24-karat gold jewellery traditionally decorated in red and white. Again, bargain hunters should be on the lookout for fake gems and jewels. Other Thai goods worth buying include bags and luggages, ceramics and pottery, metal, lacquer ware, silver and bronze, and wood carvings. These goods always come in designs of Thai's trademark elephant or temple -– a collectible for tourists.
Real estate developers have worked Thailand's shopping capital status to their advantage. The proximity of shopping and trade centres as well as market places is always a major consideration in acquiring real estate property. Condominiums, hotels, and residences are developed to be strategically located near bargain-hunting hubs. Booming communities are those areas which generate more income from trade. This not only benefits the real estate business but also the locals of Thailand.
