The resorts of Thailand attract travelers from all over the world with its picturesque nature, the azure coast and snow-white sandy beaches. Everyone who comes to the territory of this wonderful state remains in full satisfaction. But do not forget that a trip abroad is not only a beach holiday with a tour of local attractions, but also high-quality shopping.
Thailand has always been famous for its excellent shopping centers, and, consequently, for the products that can be found there. And there really is something to see.
Mostly shopping in Thailand can be divided into several territorial zones: Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Every year, a huge stream of tourists flock to these cities, and store shelves are empty in a week.
In today's article, we will talk about the most relevant shopping centers in the country, the right purchases and the main nuances, as well as share some reviews of tourists about shopping in Thailand.
Sales
Traditionally, the topic of shopping should start to be revealed from the period of sales. What a shopaholic doesn’t like to indulge in with promotional items in the style of “two things for the price of one” or “discounts up to 50%” for all the products presented.
The largest sale in Thailand usually takes place between June and August. This event even has its own name, Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, which means “Thailand's Grand Discounts”. Many tourists come specifically during this period in order to get to such an event. The uniqueness of Thailand's Grand Discounts is that many price tags are down 70 percent. Absolutely all major shopping centers and branded stores take part in this event.
No less popular time for discounts is considered Christmas Eve. During this period, quite large discounts often fall and many tourists have a unique opportunity to purchase branded items at an adequate cost.
Shopping centers
As practice shows, the popular shopping centers in Thailand are located in tourist areas, so usually travelers do not have any special problems finding shopping sites.
In the territory of this country, full-fledged shopping centers are in great demand, where visitors can find absolutely everything: from simple trinkets to accessories of famous brands.
Let's look at popular outlets in big cities and popular resorts.
Bangkok
According to numerous reviews of shopping in Thailand, the best shopping centers in Bangkok are considered Support, Terminal 21. Siam Paragon and MBK.
The first applicant specializes in selling handicrafts, handicrafts and much more. In addition, the Support shopping center is considered one of the oldest sites. The uniqueness of “Terminal 21” lies in its structure and similarity with the airport building. Each floor here represents a specific country and sells goods inherent in this people.
Siam Paragon and MBK centers also complement the list of the largest trading floors.
Phuket Thailand Shopping Reviews
It also has its own shopping centers, which are very popular among tourists. These include Big C, Tesco Lotus and Central Festival. They concentrated a huge number of small shops for every taste, offering a wide range of products. If you went for quality shopping to Phuket (Thailand), then you should also pay attention to JungCeylon. This shopping center is considered one of the best selling sporting goods, clothing and shoes. According to tourists, shopping in Phuket (Thailand) is the most attractive.
Pattaya
The resort area offers its visitors no less high-quality shopping. In Pattaya, there are two huge trading platforms - Mike Shopping Mall and Central Festival, in which the assortment of goods will surprise even the most devoted shopaholics. All visitors and locals go to Outlet Mall because of the acceptable cost of most goods, and Royal Garden Plaza is one of the best resort sites. People come here not only for quality shopping in Pattaya (Thailand), but also for a busy time. Great movie theaters, food courts, and more.
Chiang mai
Of course, this city was not left without attention. Kad Suan Kaew and Central Airport Plaza are very popular among tourists at this place. The first five-story applicant is located in the city itself and is filled from top to bottom with boutiques for every taste and color. There is also a separate entertainment area, a cinema, a food court and even a hotel. The noble location of the shopping center explains the large flow of visitors throughout the day.
The name of the second shopping center speaks for itself. Since Central Airport Plaza is located within walking distance from the airport, the flow of visitors here is almost never interrupted. In this shopping center you can find a wide range of goods, as well as products from both local factories and global brands.
What to buy?
Having a good understanding of the topic of the best shopping centers in Thailand and studying each of them individually, many tourists ask themselves the question: “But what to buy amid a large abundance of goods?” It is not surprising that the assortment of Thai products can amaze each of us. And to make it easier for our readers to navigate while shopping, this section will focus on the main popular products in this wonderful country. Well, let's go!
Gemstones such as sapphires or rubies are in great demand in Thailand. The fact is that the price tag for jewelry here is much lower than in other countries, and the workmanship is many times better.
Thai silk is the country's golden niche. The largest profit to Thailand comes from the export of local silk. Not only is it amazingly executed, it is also valued around the world. Thai silk can only be bought cheaply in the country itself, keep this in mind.
Souvenirs are an integral part of all tourists. Not a single trip is complete without buying something for memory. So, it is best to buy souvenirs in Changmai. Here is a wide range of various trinkets at low prices. As practice shows, travelers mainly buy products from silver, bronze or copper. Also in the Thai markets you can find various souvenirs made of ceramics, wood or porcelain in the form of figurines of deities and local idols.
VAT
All visitors should take into account the fact that in Thailand the tax on all products is 7 percent of the cost of goods or services. Any tourist can return their put money given to the treasury of the country at the border. Unfortunately, this rule does not apply to purchases made in local markets, since the Tax Free system involves the return of funds for purchases in specialized shopping centers and stores. In which at the time of purchase one of the company employees draws up the corresponding form for you in a specialized room, usually marked with the VAT Refund sticker.
Basic rules when applying for Tax Free:
- The buyer must be a citizen of another country.
- The duration of his stay in the country does not exceed 180 days.
- The purchase term does not exceed the mark of 60 days.
- Departure from the country through the international airport.
- Buying on one check exceeds 2,000 baht (3,700 rubles), for several checks - 5,000 baht (9,200 rubles).
- The purchased product must have its original appearance.
- Checks, tags, price tags are kept and there are documents for the return written out in the store.
The basics of good shopping
Sometimes the knowledge of the main trading floors and the rules of Tax Free is not enough for the right shopping. Let's check out some tips.
- Any product can be returned within 90 days in the presence of tags and a check.
- Jewelry and jewelry should be purchased in specialized stores in order to avoid a collision with fakes.
- All local markets and stores without a fixed price imply reasonable bargaining, therefore one should not blindly accept the original declared value of the goods. Reasonable bargaining is the key to successful shopping.
- It is not worth carrying all your money and documents in bundles in Thailand. It is better to play it safe and take only as much as you plan to spend.
Conclusion
Thailand is a rather colorful country that can surprise with its gorgeous beaches, traditions and picturesque nature. According to the numerous reviews of tourists about shopping in Thailand, we can draw a corresponding conclusion: this country definitely knows a lot about fashion. Many tourists often have a financial question: "How much money do I need to bring with me?" First of all, it all depends on your desires and needs. A typical day in Thailand will cost a family 2,000 baht (3,500 rubles), but if your goal is shopping, then be prepared to give over 4,000 baht (7,000 rubles) to buy quality items. Have a nice rest and new discoveries!