Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sop Moei Arts
(
www.sopmoeiarts.com
; Soi 49/9, Th Sukhumvit; 9.30am-5pm Tue-Sat; Phrom Phong exit 3 & taxi)
The
Bangkok showroom of this non-profit organisation features the vibrant cloth creations of
Karen weavers in Mae Hong Son, northern Thailand. It's near the end of Soi 49/9, in the
large Racquet Club complex.
HANDICRAFTS
Thai Home Industries
(35 Soi 40, Th Charoen Krung; 9am-6.30pm Mon-Sat; Tha Oriental)
A visit to this temple-like
building, a former monks' quarters, is like discovering an abandoned attic of Asian booty.
Despite the odd assortment of items (our last visit revealed items ranging from elegant
handmade flatware to wooden model ships) and lack of order, it's heaps more fun than the
typically faceless Bangkok handicraft shop.
HANDICRAFTS
Taekee Taekon
(118 Th Phra Athit; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat; Tha Phra Athit (Banglamphu))
Representing Thailand's
main silk-producing regions, this charming store has a beautiful selection of table runners
and wall hangings. Alongside silk products, you will also find small examples of celadon
pottery and a vast selection of postcards.
HANDICRAFTS
Narai Phand
SOUVENIRS
(
www.naraiphand.com
;
ground fl, President Tower, 973 Th Ploenchit; 10am-8pm; Chit Lom exit 7)
Souvenir-quality handicrafts are given fixed prices and comfortable air-con at this
government-run facility. You won't find anything here that you haven't already seen at all
of the tourist street markets, but it is a good stop if you're pressed for time or spooked by
haggling.
Markets
Although air-conditioned malls have better PR departments, open-air markets are the true
face of commercial Bangkok, and are where you'll find the best bargains.
Markets are best approached as sights rather than shopping destinations (see the boxed
text for our suggestions).
