Dining and Shopping DINING out
in Bangkok can be an experience in itself.
If
you have never tasted Thai Cuisine before it owes much of it's appeal
to the exotic spices, herbs and seasonings from China, India, Java
and Portugal. The final art of the country's cuisine comes from
the skill and ingenuity of cooks.
Some
visitors have heard that all Thai food is extremely hot. Although
some Thai dishes are quite spicy, far more dishes are completely
mild. Much of the heat of the spicy dishes comes from red or green
peppers, commonly referred to as chillies. If you don't want spicy
food, it's a good idea to learn the words "Mai Phet" meaning,
NOT HOT!
Fast
food is a big business in Bangkok. Some of them, such as McDonald's,
Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Burger King, are popular and
can be found in almost every shopping mall.
SHOPPING
Shopping
in Bangkok for many is an exciting and pleasurable experience. Whether
you are shopping for a suit or bargain hunting, looking for that
extra special 'something' for someone special back home whatever
it is, shopping in Thailand can be fun.
Street
vendors often seem to be on every street corner showing you their
goods (with a calculator in one hand) from silk scarves, hammocks
and sarongs to laser pens etc. If you are interested in any of the
wares you find, then it is time to start bargaining, If you are
not interested in what is on offer, simply smile and continue on
your way.
TIP:
The art of haggling is to never drop your guard. The first price
is there only for show and has no real meaning. There is always
room for negotiation. The starting price can often come down to
half or less, depending on your haggling skills and those of the
vendor. All the time, remember to smile. This is a game, it should
be fun. Don’t take it too seriously. The price agreed for the
transaction is always a “win-win” price. Both sides benefit.
You get a product much reduced in price from the “decoration”
price and feel happy with your newly acquired bargaining skills
and the vendor sells their product and still makes a handsome profit.
Remember that they will never sell for a loss.
Whether
you are looking for luxury buys, such as silks and gems, fashion
items, artworks, handicrafts or attractive souvenirs and gifts,
you'll discover an exceptional range of quality buys offering excellent
value.
The
variety of what to buy is fully matched by an exciting choice of
where to buy. From the ease of modern air conditioned shopping plazas
and department stores to the fascination of traditional markets
and street stalls, there is every scope for both the browser and
the dedicated bargain-hunter.
Silk
and other fabrics Among items available are exquisite hand-woven
silks, including the famous tie-dyed mat mee silks of the Northeast
; elegant yan liphao woven handbags, Thai cottons and many other
reasonably-priced souvenirs. These crafts may be purchased from
exclusive outlets throughout Bangkok. Many of which, known as Chitrlada
Shops, aid the poorer tribal peoples who manufacture the crafts
the proceeds of which go to the on-going development of the project.
Chitrlada Shops in Bangkok can be found at the Decorations Pavilion
in the Grand Palace : the Oriental Plaza shopping centre; the Hilton
International Bangkok Hotel; in the compound of Wimanmek Mansion
and at the Bangkok International Airport.
Rattan
and Wicker Work Thailand's reputation for fine wickerwork and rattan
is world renowned. Both elegant and durable, items are available
in a wide variety of designs and styles from the smallest basket
to furniture and Bangkok has a vast selection.
It
is advised though that if you are travelling to Thailand's northern
reaches that you save purchasing products made there, till you get
there, as the prices are far cheaper.
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