Reader’s E-mail:
I am going to Bangkok for the first time and I have heard a lot about being able to buy fake watches and bags and other stuff. Where is a good place to go to buy this stuff?
Reply from Thailand Info
They sell this stuff all over Bangkok. However, if you want a wide range of products in one place try Patpong Night Market.
Patpong Night Market
Patpong Night Market happens every night from around 18.00 to around 22.00 to 23.00 when the traders start to pack up. It is located in the Silom area of Bangkok on a side road between the Silom Road and the Surawong Road.
Entrance to Patpong night marketTo get there take the Skytrain (BTS) to Sala Daeng and it’s a 5 minute walk from there.
No Fixed Prices
There is no such thing as a fixed price at this night market and you will be charged whatever they thing they can get away with. I took my Dad here a few years ago and he paid 5 times the price for the same product from the same stall 5 minutes earlier than I managed to get it for. I spoke Thai to the trader and the opening price was much much lower. We recommend you shop around, haggle hard, and don’t be pressurised by seller trying to appear offended or being slightly threatening. They do this all night 365 days a year and most people haggle for stuff – it is all a show.
Ping Pong Shows
Before you take your children here or other people who might be offended be aware that on either side of the street there are bars where girls dance on stage in bikinis. There are also people touting for ‘Ping Pong’ shows. It is all behind close doors and you won’t see it. It is a little bit ‘seedy’ but most people find the signs for clubs like SUPER PUSSY mildly amusing and come here to take holiday photographs. This said, there are good pubs and restaurants here as well. All in all it is a good night out and Patpong is somewhere where most tourists to Bangkok venture sooner or later.