Shopping in Thailand
Doing the TESOL course can be the best possible excuse for the ardent
shoppers to be in Thailand which is a shoppers’ paradise with a tremendous
variety of goods on offer that delight the most discerning of the shoppers
with its share of thrill and excitement.
All you TEFL trainees can shop for designer goods in the Malls or browse for
handicrafts and knick-knacks in the many markets. There is something for
everyone, no matter how deep or shallow your pocket may be. But whatever you
buy and from where you buy it is important that you apply your cleverest
bargaining tools to get he best price. Shopping in Bangkok is a major
attraction for enrolling for the TESOL Course here. Make sure that in your
spare time from the TESOL classes you purchase Thai silk and cottons, modern
and traditional jewellery featuring precious gemstones, semi-precious
gemstones, silverware, nielloware, pewterware, ceramics, celadon,
woodcarvings, paintings, and clothing. Bangkok is one of the most
competitively priced cities in Asia. Friendly bargaining in most stores and
markets ensure favorable prices and service.
Below are given a brief shopping guide:
1) Markets – to get the real Thai experience the TESOL candidates must visit
the Bangkok markets. You can rummage through the second hand goods at
Chatuchak Weekend Market; counterfeit DVDs’ at Patpong or you can even visit
the local market where you can get everything including a pet python!
2) Shopping Malls – Siam Paragon and MBK are the better options when it
comes to shopping at Malls. You get everything here and the food at the food
courts is simply awesome. Sukhumvit Road Area is a must visit place for the
TESOL trainees and here you would come across several shops, shopping
centers and department stores which offer a broad range of Thai and imported
items. The luxurious Emporium Shopping Center is a famous for attracting
tourists from all over the world. Pratunam/Phetchaburi Road Area should be
visited by the TEFL trainees as it is best known for its inexpensive
readymade clothing, which is sold partly in a street market, where
determined bargaining is required for best prices. Bangkok’s China Town is
an old business centre where the TESOL enrollees would find many small
streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods. The area is
always lively and market stalls abound.
3) Shopping Promotions – A great reason to be in Bangkok for the TESOL
course is that it does not tire of discounts, annual sales, must have
membership cards and VAT refunds. So you should utilize these opportunities
to get the best bargain for your baht.
4) Mobile Phones – In case the TESOL candidates are looking for electronic
items and mobile phones head for the Prantip Plaza which is haven for
shoppers who are inclined towards gadgets.
5) Thai Crafts – The purpose of being in Thailand beside taking the TEFL
course, will be unsuccessful if the TESOL trainees leave Thailand without an
article of Thai craft. Thai crafts are celebrated world over. You can get
Thai crafts in local markets and the celebrated night bazaars.
