Shopping: 10 Great Things to Buy in Bangkok

Bangkok may very well be one the best places to shop in the world. Thais go all out when it comes to shopping malls and markets. It's in Thailand that I came to understand that "shopping 'til you drop" is actually possible. With huge outdoor markets and multi-floor malls, it's hard to know where to start. Here are some suggestions of great things to buy and where to buy them in Bangkok.

1) Massage Oils

Thailand is famous for the Thai massage. There are literally hundreds of scents of massage oils that you can get. Choose your favorite or buy a samples of 5 to 10 different scents. I got 5 small bottles for 100 baht ($2.86) at Chatachuk Weekend Market, and I'm sure you can get them cheaper. Many are attractively packaged and can make a nice gift. Put on a dab of massage oil instead of expensive perfume and you'll have a long lasting, natural scent the whole day through.

2) Belts

Belts are totally trendy right now in Thailand. Skinny belts around the waist, large chunky beaded belts worn at the hips, or simple leather belts can all be purchased in Bangkok. I got three trendy leather belts for 50 baht ($1.43) each at Baiyoke Markets, and there were hundreds of belts on sale from different wholesalers in that area. In other areas expect to pay 100 baht ($2.86) and up for a nice belt.

3) Purses and Bags

Thai women love to accessorize, and in any mall or market you'll find your fill of different styles of large bags and smaller hand bags. Get a Thai handmade silk purse or a wooden cluth, or go for a new leather professional bag. I got a cute wooden clutch for 120 baht ($3.43) and a beautiful large brown leather purse for 2,000 baht ($57).

4) Underwear and Lingerie

Not only do Thai women love to add trendy accessories to their outfits, it seems they also really like to look great under their clothes too! If you are a small to medium in US sizes (up to 36 B in bra sizes), you can find all sorts of panties, lacy bras, and sexy lingerie. For more exotic options, check out Baiyoke Markets to find belly dancer outfits and Las Vegas style halter tops. Buy three or more to get a wholesale price at Baiyoke, or browse shopping malls for great deals. Keep in mind that it is much more difficult to find larger sizes, and most bras will be generously padded. In many street stalls, you can get four pairs of cute underwear for 100 baht ($2.86).

5) Shoes

For both men and women, Bangkok is a good place to pick up a new pair of shoes...or 10! Browse small markets outside shopping malls for the best prices. I actually found a great variety of styles that I really liked at the Tesco Lotus shopping mall near On Nut BTS Station. MBK and Siam Square are other good places to buy shoes.

6) Suits

You can get ready-made or custom-made suits for much less than back home in Bangkok. Find a tailor along Charoen Krung Road or on the ground floor of MBK mall (near National Stadium BTS). Women can visit uniform shops to get suits for less than $60.

7) Cocktail Dresses

I have never seen so many fancy dresses, suitable for proms and fancy parties, than I have in Bangkok. For cheaper prices, check out shopping malls such as MBK. For a virtually unlimited selection, walk around Siam Square and browse the racks of Thai designers. Get something custom-made in Thai silk with a tailor if you can't find anything that strikes your fancy.

8) Accessories

Aside from shoes and purses, make sure you pick up some earrings, necklaces and other accessories while in Bangkok. You'll need them to match all the new clothes, suits, and cocktail dresses you're buying. Near the riverfront, on Charoen Krung Rd, you can custom design gorgeous beaded necklaces. You can also buy designer beaded necklaces at Night Light (near Nana BTS) and support women coming out of the sex trade.

9) Thai Cooking Ingredients

If you love Thai food, be sure to visit a local market or supermarket to stock up on essential Thai ingredients before you go. Grab some red chili paste, Tom Yam packets, red and green curries, and be sure to stock up on glass noodles and other Thai noodles.

10) Suitcases

You can easily double or triple the amount of stuff that you have while shopping in Thailand. If you're in need of a suitcase, have no fear because Bangkok is a good place to buy one. Head to MBK's 3rd floor market area and pick out a suitcase for your style and budget. Lesser known brands, as well as brands like Samsonite, are all available. I got a medium sized lesser known brand suitcase for just 1000 baht ($29). You can also get suitcases in most shopping mall anchor stores like Big C or Tesco Lotus.