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Bag a Bargain in Bangkok

May 31, 2013 By Guest Blogger

Thailand is well known as a country to bag a bargain. The markets of Bangkok are a fascinating and exciting experience, where you can wander through the maze of stalls and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the city. If you are planning to fly to Bangkok, then schedule in plenty of time for shopping.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must visit, while others such as those in Patpong and Khlong Thom offer exciting night-time shopping experiences. For gifts you won’t find anywhere else, try one of the unique floating markets.

Chatuchak

Chatuchak Weekend Market is enormous and will challenge even the most seasoned shoppers. It is home to more than 8000 market stalls and you can expect it to be exciting and bustling as more than 20,000 visitors descend on the market to buy just about everything. To help you navigate your way through the maze there is a number system. Alleyways are labelled and the market is grouped into 27 sections. This can be a huge help when you want to remember a stall when shopping around and comparing prices.
Chatuchak sells pretty much anything you could ever want…ceramic pots, spices, shoes, lamps, jeans, paintings to name but a few, so you are bound to return with a stack of goods.

Pratunam
Pratunam clothes market is the best clothes and textile market in Thailand. Standing opposite the giant Baiyoke Tower, you will find a labyrinth of alleyways with clothes hanging all around the narrow lanes. You can pick up bargains that are being sold for much more in the department stores, but sizing is Thai rather different than western so it might not be easy to get the right fit.

Floating market

Bangkok had many floating markets because of the easy access of water transport, but due to development many of the waterways have disappeared. Two of the main floating markets still worth visiting are Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa market. Both are within two hours of the city and can easily be accessed on an organised trip or independently. It is a memorable experience to buy goods from a boat while you walk along the banks of a river.

Asiatique

Asiatique combines a night bazaar with a shopping mall. This busy complex has been created around a restored pier in what was once a bustling international trade port. It has now been developed to hold over 1500 boutiques and 40 restaurants as well as offering entertainment. It’s easier and much faster to arrive by boat as traffic can be hectic in the district. Most of the shopping is in large open buildings that have been designed to replicate enormous warehouses. It may be a little over the top, but as you will find a mixture of locals and tourists there it doesn’t feel too much like a tourist attraction.

Mini-guide to shopping in Thailand

If you are looking to explore Thailand’s markets, here are some top tips:

Smile and be friendly when haggling; it’s likely to get you further.
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be on your feet shopping for a long time.
Travel to Bangkok with a half empty case so that you have room for your purchases.
Check your goods thoroughly before purchasing to make sure there is no damage, especially with furniture and antiques.
Don’t assume that anything in the market is genuine.
Make a list of things you’re looking for before you hit the shops. Just be prepared to be lured into buying more than you bargained for!
Take a bottle of water as it can get hot while you’re shopping.
Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Bring your own backpack with you to carry your purchases, although it is recommended that you either wear this on your front or you lock it so that it is kept secure.
Don’t assume everything for sale in the market is being sold at a good price. You still need to do your research.
Bring cash as many vendors don’t accept cards, although don’t store a large quantity of cash in one place on your person.
Don’t take valuables with you like laptops or expensive cameras while out shopping.
Go early and get your shopping out of the way before the crowds descend, or go late when it is cooler.
Pick up a free map if one is available so you can mark where you see stalls you’d like to go back to when you’ve figured out what price is best.
If you want to buy a number of items from one seller then you can usually get a special price.

Thailand has so many markets to explore. Whether you are looking for high end shopping malls or traditional bazaars, Bangkok is a fantastic shopping destination.

Editors Note: Today’s article was written and brought to you by Karen Bleakley. Karen enjoys travel in South East Asia and especially Bangkok’s many markets and shopping malls.

Photo Credit: Floating Market courtesy of flickr user jscoke via a creative commons license.

Drinking Tea in Egypt

May 22, 2013 By Jillian

There comes a point in every trip when a traveler needs a moment to themselves. A moment to just sit back and take it all in. This happens to me whether I’m sitting beside a busy pool on a family vacation or in the middle of a crazy market trying to negotiate my way into buying some ridiculous souvenir I’ll probably wish I hadn’t bought when I return home. (Editor’s Note: Ok, so I am still in love with everything I buy overseas – I just don’t know what to DO with it when I get home!)

One of the nicest things about traveling in the Middle East, especially Egypt is the tradition of tea drinking. Egypt holidays wouldn’t be the same without the hustle and bustle of a local market, nor the busy streets and shouting vendors, nor would they be the same without the brief break for a few sips of tea with a shopkeeper. It’s like stepping away from the world for a few moments.

I’ll never forget the moment when we stepped off the busy street in the Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo. We had just entered the area with souvenir shops and night had fallen on the market. Vendors had their stalls lit up like Christmas enticing passersby with welcoming gestures and good natured heckling. We stopped to look at a drum in a stall across the street, careful not to approach until we knew we were really interested. As we approached the vendor, who had other customers in his shop welcomed us with a hearty greeting and pulled out a cushion for me to sit on. Immediately a cup of tea was thrust into my hand as he invited me to sit while he continued with the other customers. We sat there for a moment discussing the drum in Spanish (another market buying technique- avoid speaking English if you can!) before he came over to join us. Then of course the negotiations began, but for that brief moment before he returned I remember looking out onto the bustling, noisy, bright as daylight street and feeling cocooned in his little shop.

Sip, smile, repeat. Take a break from the bustling market outside.

Then walk out with something that if you’re like me, you’ll cherish, but not know what to do with when you get home. Onyx candle holder anyone?

Photo Credit: Flickr user AG Gilmore via creative commons licensing.

Photo: Glass Soda Bottles

June 29, 2011 By Jillian

You never know what you’ll come across in a market. These colorful glass soda or seltzer bottles stood out from the knick knacks and antiques in Buenos Aires’ San Telmo market. A collection of bric a brac and items hauled from grandma’s closet, with some interesting crafts (a zebra T-shirt?), plenty of cheap ‘made in china’ stuff and artisans thrown in, the market is a delight for your senses.

The overcrowded market does have some more interesting booths, especially for those of us not interested in antiques. When we were there several jewlery artists lined the road, each with a uniquely designed collection made of unusual materials- bone, silverware, shells. I’m a bit of a market jewlery junkie, so it was hard for me to break away!

To see more of our favorite photos from around the world check out our travel photo page. Let us know your favorites and we’ll include them in our photo of the day series.

IF YOU GO: Although crowded, Sunday is the best day for the market and if you’re looking you’ll find something unique. Watch your pockets and dress comfortably– its easy to spend hours walking down the side streets. We were surprised by the number of immigrant artisans on the streets- a unique collection of people from all over the world, from africa, asia and europe. I wonder if you’d see those same crafts in Senegal or on a malta holidays?

Adorning Ourselves for the Afterlife

November 11, 2010 By Jillian

A couple of months ago, another traveler asked us what we were planning to do in our afterlife, you know, when we return to something that resembles normalcy. The name stuck and ever since then we’ve been discussing this theoretical post-trip existence as our afterlife.

For us the afterlife is going to require a few adjustments, not least of which is our wardrobe. It may sound ridiculous, but I’ve been living in cargo capri’s, stretchy black pants and wicking shirts for almost 2 years. Look at our pictures, you’ll see its the same rotation of shirts and bottoms in every photo almost since the beginning. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, that probably won’t remain the daily wardrobe in the afterlife. It just so happens that the ancient city of Hoi An, Vietnam is also the center of inexpensive custom tailoring in Southeast Asia, so we decided to take full advantage.

There are hundreds of tailors in Hoi An and as you can imagine the quality spectrum ranges. We read reviews, advice and all sorts of tips on buying clothes in Hoi An, but when it came down to it we relied on our instinct and headed right to the Cloth Market. Although there are tons of really nice tailor shops lining the major streets we were most comfortable in the chaos of the market. We went by a few stalls, looked at some samples and fabrics and then spoke with a few vendors.

Hiding in a back corner for a moment to check a price tip on the Internet, we were literally accosted by a bright eyed and bubbly vendor. Pulling us towards her shop we immediately liked her style of sale.
Energetic but not pushy, we checked out her samples, fabrics and nailed down the details. We made a number of changes to the suit and shirts Danny ordered and by that afternoon we started with the fittings.

We ordered a whole variety of stuff from several shops. As Danny said later that night, “I appreciate that my wife decided to spread her business all over town.” That pretty much summed up our next day, running from fitting appointment to fitting appointment. In the end we had a duffel bag filled with 16 shirts, 4 pairs of shoes, 2 suits, 1 dress and a new winter coat…all made exclusively for us, with fabrics of our choosing, and cut to fit our bodies as they exist now; hopefully our afterlife will be kind to us.

Standing in the Cloth Market at 6pm the evening before we left, watching the tailor mark Danny’s jacket to make minor adjustments I had to run to my own final fitting. Waiting and waiting at the shop, they told me the skirt was on the way. Forty-five minutes later who should arrive? The same tailor. He and I shared a secret laugh and shook hands before he drove off into the night. From what I can tell he was probably working with several shops in town.

Was it worth it? We think so, but only time will tell. It certainly was a bit frustrating, but having read all the tips and advice online certainly helped. We had to be picky, assertive and very specific, but in the end I think it all worked out well. Maybe you’ll be the best judge…

IF YOU GO: Plan to spend at least two days in Hoi An if you want to have clothes made, order early on your first day and you’ll have plenty of time for fittings. Ask around for recommendations, but be careful, many hotels get kickbacks or own their own tailor shop so you might not get an objective opinion or recommendation. Be specific, even about the small things when you order. Be clear on when you should expect to see the garment, but be realistic. We were very happy with our clothes from ‘My’ Tailor Shop inside the Cloth Market as well as the shoes we purchased from Tan Loc just outside the cloth market. To travel to or from Hoi An you will need to first go to Danang as that is the closest airport and rail station.

Nairobi: A small series of unfortunate events….

April 14, 2010 By Jillian

After too few days in Lamu, we returned to Nairobi to drop Nikki off for her return to the US. Nairobi is the opposite of Lamu. Loud, chaotic and cosmopolitan we were immediately caught in the middle of the biggest city in East Africa. Awful traffic, drizzling weather and finding a place to stay well after dark, our initial impressions of Nairobi were awful. Nairobbery it’s often called, and on that first night we were on guard against everyone and everything.

Things are always better the next morning, especially in a city where there’s the opportunity for some retail therapy. You may remember in Zimbabwe we purchased some beautiful stone sculptures. Shipping them home, we were devastated to find out that not only had they broken but in fact they were “pulverized.” Unable to console ourselves, we’ve made it our mission to figure out how to get back to Zimbabwe on this trip and purchase more- suggestions are always welcome! In the mean time, we’ve looked for similar art everywhere and although it’s mostly copycat stuff made from soapstone here in East Africa, we took a chance and headed to the City Market in Nairobi to have a look around.

If you hate hard bargaining, stay away from this place. Seriously. It was a nightmare of pushy salesmen, vendors and hawkers who not only shouted at you, but also tried to physically pull you into their stores. Prices started at nearly 10 times a reasonable price and after just an hour we could hardly stand it anymore. Fortunately a year of practice has given us the ability to sniff out a fair deal and a genuine tradesman, so although it was a harrowing experience, we came out loaded with crafts, paintings and even a stone sculpture or two. Thankfully we had a very willing courier and a very large plastic duffel bag to transport everything safely home.

Feeling better about Nairobi and a series of small unfortunate events that have been plaguing us the last few weeks, we put Nikki on her plane and returned to the city. Only to find our room key missing. Astonishingly, this is the first time in more than a year of travel that we’ve lost a room key. Unable to find a working spare, we spent the night in another room and waiting to break in until the morning. The hostel people were wonderful about the key, and had a working spare made for us so we didn’t have to destroy anything to get to our toothbrushes. Twenty minutes later we realized that we had made a costly mistake in our travel planning- Ethiopia does not give visas at its land borders. Gathering our passports, we rushed to the Ethiopian embassy to try and get our visas processed before the weekend. Of course, they were closed for an extended weekend…until Tuesday which meant we’d have to wait at least five more days in Nairobbery.

It seems as though everyone comes through Nairobi, so although we were stuck for five days waiting for the embassy to open, we had plans nearly every day with other travelers, ex-pats, friends of friends and colleagues who happened to be in Nairobi the same time. It’s weird to realize that we’re nearly half way around the world and we know a bevy of people here. On top of that we have half decent internet here for the first time since leaving a continent with the word “America” in it and have enjoyed walking around town a bit.

The manager of the hostel we’re at told Danny that he’s been here for 23 years and that 10 years ago travelers like us were mugged on a daily basis. Now however, he hasn’t had a single mugging amongst his clientèle in the last 8 years. Maybe Nairobi is getting better after all.

Bag a Bargain in Bangkok

Drinking Tea in Egypt

Photo: Glass Soda Bottles

Adorning Ourselves for the Afterlife

Nairobi: A small series of unfortunate events….

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