Name: Kati Curtis
City: New York
State: NY
Country: USA
Comment:
Vicente, i am another designer here in Manhattan, and I know you’re known for your extensive travels and the wonderful things you bring back to your showroom, VW Home. I’m traveling to Thailand this winter and I’d love it if you wouldn’t mind sharing some of your favorite places to shop for your clients. ?? Thank you!
Vicente Responds:
Hi Kati – Chatuchak Weekend Market is the best for shopping, but get there early on Friday – that’s when they set up and the crowds are less crazy. I suggest taking the new Skytrain to the end terminal called Morchit, which is exactly where the market is located. If you have to go on Saturday, get there at 8am. Many of the places are still closed then, but you’ll be there as the shops open up.
Chatuchak offers clothes, animals, books, plants, artifacts, unusual things, wooden workings, material, ceramics, baskets, antiques, plastic fruit, silk flowers, antiques, shoes, silverwear, jewelry and housewares, to name only a few. I have in the past brought items of clothing or bags that I wanted to have copied as the tailors are excellent at copying existing fashions. But keep checking it to be sure that it will fit correctly as they do sometimes screw up.
#1 by Jaime @ DOXA on December 11, 2009 - 9:42 am
Oh, I love you Kati for asking this!! Vicente, I would LOVE to hear more about the markets you shop in your travels. Fabulous, thanks!
Best,
Jaime
#2 by Faith Sheridan on December 11, 2009 - 12:47 pm
Kati, my friend, lucky you to travel to Thailand! I’m with Jaime, please share more about shopping and favorite places in your travels.
Thanks.
Faith
#3 by Kati Curtis on December 11, 2009 - 3:16 pm
This is great Vicente thanks! Any other places you like to go in the surrounding environs? We’re also heading to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Thanks again!
#4 by Kimberly J on December 12, 2009 - 1:03 pm
Chatuchak Market is an overwhelming shopping experience to say the least! You can pretty much get anything you can think of at this market. The pathways that connect all the stalls are quite narrow, and there are people everwhere! So, be sure to leave that lovely bulky purse of yours at home or else you will find it hard, as well as irritating, to maneuvor through the crowds. If you want some higher end, better quality garmets and bags I would point you in the direction of the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. It’s right across the street from the Lumpini Stadium so it’s super easy to find. This is one of the shopping areas where you can get real asian designer bags on the cheap! I got a designer bag there and been stopped by woman on several streets in Southeast Asia, admiring my bag, with a look of envy in their eyes;) Chiang Mai is home to the best night bazaar in Thailand, so save some money and room in your suitcase for purchases made here! Having said that, this year I found their choice of bags rather slim. If you find that everything is looking the same just ask them if you can see the other bags that aren’t on display (they keep them in the bottom of the stall), or just tell them what you’re after. They have some really beautiful jewllery here as well. It seems the knock off designer bag capitol of Thailand has moved out of Chiang Mai and into the south. If you are headed south, by far the best selection of bags is in the not so charming Patong Beach in Phuket. Hope this helps you with your shopping plans! Happy spending:)
#5 by Kimberly J on December 12, 2009 - 1:27 pm
If it’s fabric you’re after, you need to check out the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company in Bangkok. This is the best place to buy Thai silk. If it’s home furnishings you’re after, I think Chiang Mai is your best bet. They beautiful handicrafts, wood furiture and sculptures, stunning painting, and lovely pottery. When I move into my new place I am planning on buying everything in Chiang Mai and shipping it home!