Market Fun: What should I expect from a Successful Shopping Trip in Thailand?

Wherever you go in Thailand, there will always be a plethora of markets waiting for you. Here are some ideas for some of their best buys.

While there may not be a "must-buy" product that you need to obtain from a trip out to Thailand, the weekend markets are full of exciting products that you may not be able to obtain in a Western Shopping Mall. Whether you decide to go to the Chatuchak Weekend Market for its exotic pets, herbs and clothing, or the Night Rod Fai Market for its colorful bazaar of fabrics, polish up on your haggling skills and get ready to find some exciting treats within the City Streets.

Buying some knock-off Products

According to The Telegraph, some of the biggest markets in Thailand have over "1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants, and (are) open until midnight." Therefore, it is very common to see fake designer gear floating around the different stalls. Whilst you may know it is fake, back in the West it does look very authentic and costs practically nothing compared to their original prices. These designer goods can include:

• Sunglasses

• Hats (or traditional bamboo hats)

• Suits that can come in an array of colors

• Embroidered Furniture Covers, for instance for Cushions

• Licensed Merchandise, such as from the Hello Kitty Company.

You can even find cheap software shops in Thailand where you can download the latest applications from Microsoft, Photoshop or Adobe. This is great for small businesses who cannot yet afford the professional packages. The only downside is that you cannot update your package once a new brand appears on the market.

Market Soaps and Beauty Products

Should you trip to the market involve taking out a beauty lady or Ladyboy, such as those from our Agency Absolute Angels Bangkok on a shopping date, then they may want to go and look at the traditional beauty products that are on sale.

Due to an ageing population, it is not surprising that beauty products, like Coconut Oil Bath Products and Organic face scrubs, are readily available. ExportGov has even said that "In 2017, Thailand's beauty and personal care products market was valued at around $4.7 billion."

These products are for both men and women and can come in multiple-bottled packages. For the family back at home, you can even look into carved soaps that come in the shape of animals and objects, though the most common find is in the shape of Elephants.

Lighting and Home Decor

Nothing can beat the feeling when you enter a Thai market and see stringed lights covering the streets. If you spend a long time in Thailand, you can grow to miss this sight when you return home.  Should you think that you may miss this sight too much, then you can find a plethora of lighting products waiting in the stalls in the market. Whether you want paper lanterns, carved paper lights or woodwork carving lights to place upon your walls, the marketplace is a great area to find a deal with these.

You can even get them in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as carved bird heads, fair lights or as footballs. The selection is diverse enough to be placed in any bedroom and make great holiday gifts.

Things to Avoid

Overall, although Thailand markets can present you with an endless array of choice on all sorts of trinkets and home decor, there are a number of things that you should avoid. Food can be a fun gift to bring back home, but be aware that you may not be able to get it over the border control should you fly back home. Avoid jams or any liquid objects that have not been fully sealed.

You should also be aware of the rules of Haggling in Thailand. Whilst you may think getting the lowest price may mean that you get a great bargain, it can make you look very bad to the other vendors and, thusly, offend them. In order to avoid this, be sure to always go at around 50% of the original offered price. That way you won't feel a loss if you start too low.