For most
items of dress including footwear, Thailand in general and Bangkok
in particular offers great shopping bargains. The savings
in buying clothes in Thailand when compared to what they would
cost in Europe or the US pay part of the Thailand holiday.
Tthe most
convenient places to buy clothes in Thailand are Bangkok's department
stores. Of course, one may find even cheaper clothes in markets,
for example at the Pratunam Market near the Indra Hotel
or at Phrakanong down at Soi 71 Sukhumvit Rd.
However, the
department stores are best prepared for foreign visitors who usually
require larger sizes than the locals (large sizes are difficult
to find in shopping areas which cater exclusively to Thais). Furthermore,
the department stores are a one-stop shopping place where one
can buy clothes, footwear, toiletries and other items for daily
needs, and it's usually a pleasant air-conditioned place where
much of the staff speaks at least some English - enough
for the talk that is needed to buy items of the kind to be found
there.
Those whose
taste for exclusive items cannot be satisfied by the department
stores will find hundreds of boutiques and specialty shops
around Siam Square.
