Buying Bags in Bangkok

With the opening of the shopping orgy otherwise known as Siam Paragon, Bangkok has finally sealed itself as an honest competitor with the other shopping go to cities in the region. As cool as that may be to some it's somewhat preferable to find and experience something different than the same old over priced brands in a mall largely indistinguishable from all the others. If you are shopping specifically for a new bag, any type of bag, you really must check out the various markets located through out the city.

The picture above was taken near Soi Patpong on Silom road which has a famous market as part of that whole seedy red light district. In this market you will find a lot of knock-offs at tourist prices. Adequate quality but far below what you would pay for the original. If that doesn't suit you there are a number of fine leather shops in this area where you can find high quality original product - I assume original, as it seems impossible to tell the difference. One thing to keep in mind, this is a tourist area and you are farang - negotiate price accordingly. More pictures of this area on the flickr set. Coming from BTS Siam station, depart at Saladaeng station and exit down one of the right-hand stairs. Follow the increasing trail of vendors along the sidewalk, and after five minutes, you'll know you're there.

Patpong might be fine for an evening but my favourite place to spend far more considerable time is Jatujak or JJ Weekend Market. JJ Market is one of the world's largest weekend markets covering an area of 70 rai with more than 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. The market is full of handmade bags made by local artists - you won't be disappointed. You should plan on spending 4-6 hours here exploring and sampling some wonderful food. Fresh brewed Thai coffee is abundant and may be a necessary aid to covering the considerable space. It's close to the intersection of Phahonyothin and Ladprao, on Phahonyothin Road near the northern bus station. It's advisable to take the bts or mrt as the traffic can be unreal. The market is adjacent to the Kamphaengphet station (MRT) of the Bangkok Metro, or about a 5-minute walk from the Mo Chit (หมอชิต) Skytrain (BTS) station and Suan Chatuchak(Chatuchak Park) station(MRT). Hours: 8:00am - 6:00pm on weekends and Fridays (wholesale day).

Jatujak Guide
Bangkok Markets (wikipedia)
Markets in Bangkok

Buying Bags in Bangkok

With the opening of the shopping orgy otherwise known as Siam Paragon, Bangkok has finally sealed itself as an honest competitor with the other shopping go to cities in the region. As cool as that may be to some it's somewhat preferable to find and experience something different than the same old over priced brands in a mall largely indistinguishable from all the others. If you are shopping specifically for a new bag, any type of bag, you really must check out the various markets located through out the city. The picture above was taken near Soi Patpong on Silom road which has a famous market as part of that whole seedy red light district. In this market you will find a lot of knock-offs at tourist prices. Adequate quality but far below what you would pay for the original. If that doesn't suit you there are a number of fine leather shops in this area where you can find high quality original product - I assume original, as it seems impossible to tell the difference. One thing to keep in mind, this is a tourist area and you are farang - negotiate price accordingly. More pictures of this area on the flickr set. Coming from BTS Siam station, depart at Saladaeng station and exit down one of the right-hand stairs. Follow the increasing trail of vendors along the sidewalk, and after five minutes, you'll know you're there. Patpong might be fine for an evening but my favourite place to spend far more considerable time is Jatujak or JJ Weekend Market. JJ Market is one of the world's largest weekend markets covering an area of 70 rai with more than 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. The market is full of handmade bags made by local artists - you won't be disappointed. You should plan on spending 4-6 hours here exploring and sampling some wonderful food. Fresh brewed Thai coffee is abundant and may be a necessary aid to covering the considerable space. It's close to the intersection of Phahonyothin and Ladprao, on Phahonyothin Road near the northern bus station. It's advisable to take the bts or mrt as the traffic can be unreal. The market is adjacent to the Kamphaengphet station (MRT) of the Bangkok Metro, or about a 5-minute walk from the Mo Chit (หมอชิต) Skytrain (BTS) station and Suan Chatuchak(Chatuchak Park) station(MRT). Hours: 8:00am - 6:00pm on weekends and Fridays (wholesale day). Jatujak Guide Bangkok Markets (wikipedia) Markets in Bangkok