Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BARGAINING 101
Many of your purchases in Bangkok will involve an ancient skill that has long been abandoned in the West: bar-
gaining. Contrary to what you'll see on a daily basis on Th Khao San, bargaining (in Thai
, dòr rahkah
) is not a
terse exchange of numbers and animosity. Rather, bargaining Thai style is a generally friendly transaction where
two people try to agree on a price that is fair to both of them.
The first rule of bargaining is to have a general idea of the price. Ask around at a few vendors to get a rough
notion. When you're ready to buy, it's generally a good strategy to start at 50% of the asking price and work up
from there. If you're buying several of an item, you have much more leverage to request and receive a lower
price. If the seller immediately agrees to your first price you're probably paying too much, but it's bad form to
bargain further at this point.
In general, keeping a friendly, flexible demeanour throughout the transaction will almost always work in your
favour. And remember, only begin bargaining if you're really planning on buying the item. Most importantly,
there's simply no point in getting angry or upset over a few baht. The locals, who probably have less money than
you do, never do this.
Fashion & Textiles
In recent years Bangkok has become something of a fashion-conscious and, increasingly,
fashion-generating city. Local designers such as senada*, Flynow and Tango have shown
that the city harbours a style scene that can compete on the international catwalk. More af-
fordable looks are exhibited by the city's trendy teens who strut their distinctive
'Bangkok' look in the various shopping areas.
Siam Square
SHOPPING CENTRE
(Th Phra Ram I; 11am-9pm; Siam exits 2, 4 & 6)
This open-air shopping zone is ground zero
for teenage culture in Bangkok. Pop music blares out of tinny speakers, and gangs of hip-
sters in various costumes ricochet between fast-food restaurant and closet-sized boutiques.
It's a great place to pick up designs you're guaranteed not to find anywhere else, though
most outfits require a barely there waist.
CLOTHING
It's Happened To Be A Closet
(1st fl, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Th Phra Ram I; 10am-10pm; Siam exits 3 & 5)
Garbled grammar aside,
this is a brilliant place to stock up on locally designed and made togs with a Th Khao San-
meets-Siam Paragon vibe.
Flynow
CLOTHING
