There's so much on sale -- clothes, jewelry,
handicrafts, "antiques," orchids, pets and even army
surplus -- that you could spend all day here and still not hope
to have explored everything the market offers. As for those who
aren't that keen on bargain- hunting, gawking at the mayhem and
jostling with the locals is reason enough to visit.
All the goods come at low prices that could go much lower, provided
you bargain hard and prepare yourself for the claustrophobic sauna
that the tiny inner alleys typically become after noon. Arrive
early -- ideally before 10 a.m. -- to avoid the heat and crowds.
And just remember to keep an eye on your handbag or wallet, as
you would in any crowded urban setting.
To go, take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station, go down the
stairs at Exit 1, walk straight ahead for about 5 minutes and
you'll arrive at the market's main gate after going under a footbridge.
Chatuchak is a nightmare to navigate, so don't plunge in without
looking at a map of the market first. Animal-lovers should steer
clear of the central section where they keep puppies and squirrels
for sale in shabby conditions.
Food stalls selling cheap Thai food and refreshments are everywhere
in the market, open all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
And here's a tip for good quality clothes and fashion accessories.
Turn immediately left from the main gate. Heading farther left
will take you to the corner of the market and the new Kamphaemg
Phet MRT station. From there you should see central stalls labeled
Sections 24 to 26, which offer silks, fabrics and lots of other
home decoration choices.
If you can't make it to Chatuchak, the new Suan Lum Night Bazaar
is another shopper's paradise and a good place for a leisurely
post- dinner stroll. This market is more touristy and prices are
slightly higher than what Chatuchak offers, but it's cleaner and
easier to navigate, and you don't come away as sweaty.
Like Chatuchak, the Night Bazaar is a grid of stalls selling
local artists' paintings, souvenirs galore, plenty of home decor,
and decent quality T-shirts from just $2.65 each. There's also
a beer garden and plenty of food stalls.
The market is right outside the MRT (underground) station Lumpini,
open 6 p.m. to midnight daily.
Haven't had enough and ready to venture out farther? You might
like to check out the Jim Thompson factory outlet, which sells
discounted Thai silk and fabrics manufactured under the name of
Bangkok's best-known American.
The building's first three floors offer fabrics for curtains,
couches and other upholstery, while the top two are filled with
ready-made cushion covers, bed linen and gift items such as sarongs,
tote bags, silk ties and scarves.
It's at 153 Sukhumvit Soi 93. To get there, take the BTS Skytrain's
Sukhumvit Line to the terminal On Nut, then flag down a taxi.
It's useful to get your hotel concierge to write down the address
in Thai on a slip and show the driver.
Shopping aside, Bangkok is one of the world's best places to
be pampered with a relaxing massage and top-quality service --
and it won't burn a hole in your wallet.
Massage parlors and day spas are a dime a dozen here, but locals
and travel guides alike gush about Ruen Nuad, a homely, unpretentious
two-story shack tucked away in a quiet courtyard in the busy Silom
area.
If you're sweaty from shopping, hop back to the hotel for a quick
shower before heading here -- there are minimal amenities and
rooms are as spartan as a monk's quarters, though everything is
sparkly clean.
Enjoy an aromatherapy oil massage that costs as little as $17
an hour amid the soothing white interior, or go for the Thai massage
if you're up for stronger healing hands.
Ruen Nuad is at 42 Convent Road -- exit BTS Skytrain Sala Daeng
station toward Patpong, then turn left away from the main Silom
Road into Convent Road when you see the California Fitness Center.
The spa is five minutes down the road, across from the BNH Hospital.
They do not appear to accept credit cards so remember to bring
cash.
The Divana Spa is a more luxurious choice but just as good value.
A 10-minute walk from the BTS Asok station, it's a haven tastefully
decked out in chocolate wood, rustic Thai furniture, and dimmed
lighting.
Guest rooms are large, soothingly dimmed and fitted with a steam
room for one, as well as a small bath tub. It's immaculate, and
service is immaculate. Guests are welcomed with a scented cold
towel and lemongrass tea upon arrival.
Try the 90-minute traditional Thai herbal compress treatment
for under $53 or splurge on the three-hour steam, scrub, massage
and bath packages at about $92. You'll feel terrific and ready
for your next shopping spree.
Divana Spa is at 7 Sukhumvit 25. |
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