Thai markets - a unique shopping experience

If you are looking for a bargain or two on your next trip to Thailand, a must-see is one of their many markets. Vast collections of stalls selling anything and everything, some have over 1000 stalls for you to browse through, these busy markets provide an unforgettable shopping experience.

Visiting the Thai markets is a fun way to get to see the real Thailand. Local people use the markets rather than supermarkets for their shopping needs, and its fun to watch them haggle with the sellers. Although tourists do flock to some of the larger markets, they are so vast that you will never feel that you are stuck in a tourist trap.

Chatuchak Market is by far the largest market that you will come across in Thailand, and it could well be the largest on earth. Absolutely vast and bustling with stalls selling food, clothing, electronics, traditional handicrafts, fresh local produce, and a lot more besides, the market was recently reorganised into shopping zones to help make it easier for you to find what you are looking for.

If a day shopping in the intense Thai heat does not sound appealing, try the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai. A vast and incredibly popular market, it opens every evening and sells everything from local handicrafts to CDs and DVDs. You will also find some of the finest street food in Thailand here, so tuck in, and be ready to haggle!

If you are looking for clothing in particular on your trip, then Pratunam Market is the one for you. Located in Bangkok, it is a specialist clothing market where you will find basics, second hand and traditional garments at miniscule prices. As with all Thai markets, be prepared to haggle for the best bargains.

Around Thailand you cannot fail to notice the many canals and waterways that are still bustling with life. Used by traders for centuries, the canals are still home to the famed Floating Markets. A fantastic sight, the traders line up their boats, jostling for position along the banks of the canal where they try to sell their wares.

Damnoen Saduak is definitely the most popular of the floating markets among tourists. For a more authentic floating market experience, with more natural surroundings, head for the less touristy Tha Kha Market. It takes place only 6 times a month from 6am until 12pm.

For those of you visiting the Phuket area, it will be hard for you to miss the huge Talad Nad Chaofa Variety Market, with its thousand stalls. It is the largest market in the area and sells everything from household items, music, fabrics, electronics and delicious hot and cold food and local produce.

Pearlie Merlo wrote this article while on a holiday booked with Dialaflight who provide great deals on Thailand flights.

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