Happy Acuarium Pearls 2010

Thailand Travel Council. 3: A year already Clothing

Many things are very cheap in Thailand ... Among the bargains you can do in Bangkok, there are the clothes.

Shops, markets and "malls" offer all styles and prices, the more expensive (the same brands at home ...) to the ridiculously cheap.

Tips, so for maximum enjoyment.

1. Where to buy?

As I said, places are many. However, after a thorough investigation (for purposes of this Blog, of course), there are some places worth visiting, especially because of the high concentration of stores. Necessarily more convenient for the traveler planning a little tight.

• MBK: station BTS National Stadium. A multi-storey mall, filled with small shops selling everything from t-shirts to evening dresses through the computer, leather goods and cosmetics. We get lost a bit easily, but there really good deals, especially for souvenirs.
  
  
• Platinum station BTS Ratchatewi "then take a tuk-tuk and said" Platinum "(easy). Only 5 floors of clothes, bags and shoes. Frenzied buyers: providing a Valium beforehand.
  
  
• Siam Square: Siam BTS Station (a contrast to Siam Paragon). A network of small streets which is what comes closest here to our "shopping". Clothes better than MBK and Platinum. More "fashion designers". The prices are really lower than at home.
  
  
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• Chatuchak (JJ) Station BTS Morchit. The "weekend market" (ie open only on weekends. Outside, the tiny covered walkways, it is better aprentas early morning to cool. Immense, labyrinthine, everything ... Is JJ just take time, because the organization is medium followed by section. Good place to buy clothes "relax" ...

2. What to Buy?

Here, it depends a lot of You, however, some tips: Do not take a ton of t-shirts and light clothing in your luggage. Allow room for just bring back and buy them on-site as and when needed. It is a good way to renew that part of the wardrobe on the cheap.

The girls here also find shoes and evening dresses for a good price. Not necessarily finish "indestructible" but we found pairs at 10 € which will bear very casual use.

What's great is the choice offered in this price range.

For men, it is unfortunately a bit more difficult. The men here are not big fans of fashion (and the warm climate offers fewer opportunities clothing). So we find here t-shirts, shorts, and shirts.

In fact, for men, I would recommend the solution "tailor" (see below)

WARNING: Thailand is also the kingdom of the copy. Know that our customs are particularly sensitive about this, and even more when it comes to French brand. In addition to the forfeiture, there is the risk of fines rather heavy. Do not buy "fake" (Dior, Louis Vuitton and others). It is sometimes frustrating, we would have bought the product if there was the horrible gold Chanel logo added to "do gender." It remains highly seller for many other nationalities. For us, it is avoided.

3. Negotiate?

Yes ... The price of clothes can be traded here. Less if you're a tourist, but a bit anyway. In general, Paut happen to have at least 10% discount, especially if you take several items.

To request a reduction ', say' Mai dai Lott? ".

4. The other solution: tailor-made.

As in most Asian countries, Indian tailors are dozens of shops on the main streets of major cities. In Bangkok, there are mainly surrounding neighborhood of Nana, Silom and Sathorn.

As a tourist, difficult to choose the good among the multitude. The best tailors are actually a bit hidden and focused on local customers. It will be almost impossible to find. Nevertheless, some tricks can make better use of cutters for tourists ", and get something very good for a good price, generally less than the ready to wear home.

• Think about what you want before you come. They are very good when it comes to copy an existing design. Dresses, jackets, pants, blouses. Anything is possible, and if you come with a photo, the result will be better. "Worse" if the store that sells the dress of your dreams (at an astronomical price) will return. Take this, make a copy and return it to the store after your trip ....
  
  
• For men, take your "favorite shirt". You can easily make duplicate, with the "bonus" of custom finishing.
  
  
• Visit several shops before you decide. Ask lots of questions, make sure they are attentive to details that you provide. This is a sign that they will really you ask. In short, play competition between the many tailors around.
  
  
• For shirts and suits, are, again, insistent. The first tissue that will be shown are the cheapest. Where they will do most of margins. Even if you like, do it hard. They keep their finest fabrics deeper into the store. That's where the matter becomes interesting for you, because in general they will not change the price of the shirt, even if the fabric is better. FYI, a man's shirt should be less than 1000 Baht (20 € ... yes yes ...)
  
  
• level timing, they can work very quickly, if necessary, but we must always count as an intermediate step of "fitting" (fitting). Or 2 "fitting" for the more complicated things like suits or dresses. Look in your travel schedule if it sticks.

The problem of the custom is that once you've "tasted" is hard to find clothes ready to wear suit you. Especially if, like me, you're not quite "standard".

short, a little preparation and reflection corresponding to a prior to travel can really be paying.