Bangkok City lights.
I did not take much photos while shopping (duh) BUT I can give you some tips to get reallly cheap prices in Bangkok. By shopping in Bangkok, I do mean the morning and night markets. If you were thinking of shopping centers then I suggest you just stay in your hometown and shop (the prices do not differ much) During my short time in Bangkok, I walked down quite a number of markets and wholesale centers, and Terminal 21 (for the fun of it).
Here are some tips:
1) ALWAYS Haggle.
Don't be afraid or shy to ask for a lower price even when the item is already so damn cheap. Why? Because the stallholders give in really easily. No kidding.
One example: I wanted to buy a pair of flip flops, and they cost 150 Baht (est 6 SG Dollars)
Stallholder: "Come cheap cheap 150 Baht! What size you what size?"
Me: "100 Baht I buy."
Stallholder: "Cannot, 130 Baht last price!"
Me: Discusses with mom
Stallholder: "Okay la okay I give you 120 Baht."
Me: "Never mind uncle." *Walks away*
Stallholder: "Okay la you first customer I give you 100 Baht you what size I give you."
So that's how I saved 2 SG Dollars. (Sorry for the weird English, that's really how they speak.)
Second reason to ALWAYS Haggle. They have their tactics. They will say they already give you discount, but its obvious its just to make you want to buy from them.
Example:
Me: "This one how much?"
Stallholder: "This one 220 Baht, but I give you discount, I give you 180 Baht, cheap cheap."
So this is to make you THINK they've given you a big discount, but in actual fact the item was already 180 Baht.
Remember, ALWAYS Haggle.
2) Don't make rash purchases.
When you see something the first stall is selling and you really like it, don't buy it without thinking, because there are another 10+ stalls selling the EXACT same thing. Seriously.
3) Some wholesale centers like Platinum Fashion Mall might sell items that you THINK are cheap, but morning and night markets, trust me, sell the items waaayyy cheaper.
I went to Platinum Mall and saw this really pretty bag that cost 450 Baht (18 SG Dollars) and I wanted to get it but my mom was like telling me that markets sell it waaaayy cheaper. Okay, so I have this issue, if I don't get something I like, I'll keep thinking of it till I get it. So I was really upset. BUT Let me tell you you won't be upset for long! I went to the night markets and found really beautiful bags for 200 Baht (8 SG Dollars) and under!
I know its hard to believe, but the markets do sell very very cheap things. The cheapest items are bought from morning markets, they are cheaper than night markets, and night markets are very cheap to begin with. I could buy 3 crop shirts for 100 Baht (4 SG Dollars) from morning markets.
4) Contain yourself.
Absolutely DO NOT look interested when buying from markets. If you look interested, they will know that you will definitely buy it, so no matter how much you haggle, they won't listen to you. You must make them believe you are interested in cheap prices, not the item.
5) Last but my no means least, aim low.
What I mean is, if an item is 200 Baht, for example, and you will buy it if its 150 Baht, ask the stallholder to sell it to you for 100 Baht. In the end he will voluntarily suggest the cheapest price he can give.
So there are all my tips! Also, you should go to Terminal 21 just to walk around, its really exquisite. The decorations, the airport theme, the toilet (must experience it yourself!)
Here are photos of some my favorite buys:
I got these pullovers at 3.20 SG Dollars each at a morning market!
Bags from night markets. All below 10 SG Dollars each!
By the way, I saw the protesters live! They're not threatening at all, if you don't disturb them, they won't disturb you. Plus they're against the prime minister, I doubt they'll disturb tourists. So those who plan to visit BKK soon, you don't have to worry!
That's all for now! I still have a lot to blog about from my trip, will do that soon!
Photos from: http://instagram.com/ruitothefung
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