0 THAILAND: BARGAIN SHOPPING AT THE PLATINUM MALL

The Platinum Fashion Mall.

We are near to end our five-day vacation in Thailand so the fourth and last day would be allotted in buying souvenir items and of course something for yourself. I heard that Platinum Fashion Mall offers cheap prices of clothes and other accessories. Therefore after our Terminal 21 tour, we jumped out back in Petchaburi area where we actually staying.

Instead of taking the Sky Train we decided to ride cab which is much faster and convenient for us. We passed by the Central World Mall which is another place to consider buying souvenir items but prices are higher than in Platinum. After nearly 15 minutes ride, we arrived in the area. I forgot how much we paid for the taxi but I’m telling you using meter here is not common especially for foreign commuters so make sure that both of you and cab driver should settled the charge.

And here's the Central World Mall.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Again for budget travelers I don’t recommend taking cab but instead used the BTS Sky Train because it will take you around BKK. If you are already familiar with this transpo, you can get off at Chidlom or Ratchathewi Station. Unfortunately there is no train station near the Platinum Mall so you’ll have to walk for about 15 – 20 minutes.  If you are coming from Chidlom station you will pass by the Central World Mall and if Ratchathewi you will pass by the the Pantip Plaza. I think better to alight at Ratchathewi because from there, you will already see the Platinum fall from afar and you won’t get lost.

THE FOOD CENTER:

We arrived around past noon and before going into shopping spree we decided to have lunch first. Their big food court center is located at the 6th floor. Please take note that food outlets do not accept cash, but no worries they don’t require you to bring credit card. First you will have to line up at the coupon window to get the card. This card is you will be using when buying your foods, you will just load it depend on how much you want. Afterwards you can go to the food stalls and just hand them the card they will swipe it and done. Just in case you have more balance left on your card, then don’t worry you can line up at the refund both and they will give you back how much money you left from the card. Isn’t a good idea? 

  

The Coupon Window.

Here's your card to be used buying food at the stalls.

The refund booth.

The Food Court Center.

So here’s what I got. I deserved huge meal, plus Thailand cuisine really soothes my type of taste. I grew up in Southern Luzon so expect that I preferred spicy foods.  I’m really glad that Thai offers these flavors. I dunno what you call it but likewise in Manila they also serve meal package. I ordered two types of viand plus side dish. I also ordered this soup with crispy chips. And again by the looks of it, these are all spicy all mixed with powdered pepper. XD

Now let’s start to look what is inside the Platinum Fashion Mall. If you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories and backpacks, this place is really for you. In fact prices in Chatuchak are somehow the same as here and advantage would be the comfort. Worry no more with the heat and the sweat. It is an indoor full air-conditioned wholesale and retail shopping mall. There are thousands of shopping boutiques to choose. 

Although you would noticed from the directory below, all floors are dominated by the ladies wear yet menswear got only one floor at the fourth level. Well you would really and just assumed that girls do perish for shopping. It’s their hobby and pastime. They would die without it so this mall is really catered for our lovely ladies. But don’t worry I heard that more stalls sells male fashion.  

Floor Directory of the Platinum Fashion Mall.

More and More and More Options to Choose!

You gonna love the designs here.

This mall is divided into two wings. Wing 1 is the largest and the older building; it is divided into two zones while Wing 2 is the new building yet the smallest. And again all of the shopping stalls are dominated by the girls. However for our lovely gentlemen, fourth level is enough for us. Though limited choices yet I think it is enough for us. 

REMINDERS:

The more you buy the cheaper it gets. This mall does not really comply with standard price, it depends on how you haggle. Although there are stalls that don’t really give out discounted prices but keep in mind,  there are other stalls offer the same quality or yet the same design at a cheaper price. Here are some of the reminder:

● Please bring cash! Almost or I should say stalls do not accept credit card swipe.

● There are ATM machines all over the place so don't worry if you are running out of money.

● They don't have the fitting rooms. And they don't allow you to try wearing it.

● Most clothes are free size or standard size.

● Again purchase 2 or more items, you'll get discounted price.

● Don't be shy to haggle, the more you talk the more they give you the discounted price.

● There are more stalls to check out. Never stay in one place unless the price is right.

Have a picture ops in front of the Platinum Mall.

Half day is enough for me, I bought enough shirts for me and souvenirs for family back home. Since Platinum Mall is just along Petchaburi where we staying we decided to ride Tuktuk back in hotel. Again this mall worth to visit.  

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

4 THAILAND: CHATUCHAK, THE BIGGEST WEEKEND MARKET IN BANGKOK

Shoppers outside the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

We arrived just in time back in downtown Bangkok straight from Pattaya.  And since we still have time to go around the city we decided to go straight to Chatuchak Weekend Market rather than going back to hotel to check in. Also bus terminal is at Ekkamai Station that lies in Sukhumvit Line or Bearing-Mochit Line, it means it’ll just a straight ride going to Chatuchak via Mochit Station. 

Chatuchak is the largest market in Thailand that is only open every Saturday and Sunday (obviously it’s a weekend market). The correct pronunciation will be “Jatujak” (จตุจักร), operation hours starting at 9AM until 6:00 in the evening.  This market is divided into 27 sections that sell all kind of items. And yes you heard it right “ALL KINDS OF ITEMS” at a cheapest price. That's why this place should pay a visit to buy souvenir items for your family and friends back home.

HOW TO GET THERE:

I would always recommend taking BTS Sky Train. Chatuchak Market is located in Mochit Station (N9), end station of Sukhumvit Line. If you have the BTS Train Map, just follow the yellow green line.

Another option is via Mass Rapid Transit Route or (MRT) started in Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue Station. Alight at Chatuchak Park station that is connected to this line. Again if you got the map, take a look at the blue line.

Arriving at Mochit Station, we have to walk few meters going to the market itself. And before you make it there, it's kinda troublesome. You'll have to kick into the crowd all coming from a different direction. You can see picture above. In addition, there are also different vendors that are selling variety of souvenir items right at the footpath. I’m sure you can’t stop checking it or even asking for a price. Though I would recommend to take a little patience and then start your bargaining skills at the center of Chatuchak.

Young Coconut for Sale for 40Baht to freshen up from a humid weather.

STREET FOOD

Your choice if you want to take something first to your stomach before heading to your extravagant shopping experience. There are street vendors piling outside the entrance.  I love their authentic street food, mostly are grilled and fried covered with spicy sauce. The taste never disappoints me, though I’m a guy that loves eating spicy food but the preparation itself is delicious. Must try! 

I don't know what they call it, the crisp makes you like the taste.

This one is my favorite, it's like meatballs.

You have plenty of options, all in grilled.

AT THE MARKET

This marketplace has a wide selection of products. When I get there I really don’t know where to start or what to buy. Let’s start from furniture to handicrafts, from garments to accessories, and of course clothing. Thailand is known for a good quality of garments used for making apparels. In fact in the Philippines, if its Thailand made, should have the complacent of quality wise.

You can also buy Thai artifacts as your own souvenir. You can also find live animals there. Yikes, I don’t know if there are other words to use rather than anything and everything. Name it, we have it!

This is just an ideal place for your spending spree, prices are affordable and really worth your money. And also it depends on how you trim down the price; just show your bargaining power.

Artifacts at Chatuchak Market.

Some souvenir items. I bought coin purse detailed with an embossed elephant.

One of the Busy Street inside Chatuchak Market.

T-Shirt is my interests so I bought a lot here. Though price is little pricy at 250Baht but keep in mind there are stores selling the same size and design at a lower price. If in case they really insist with the price, then try buying two at a lower price then give them a charming smile. :D I’m sure, they’ll give it to you. Just be friendly and consider them as your friend. 

When you are inside it will really give you a kind of experience. Have to expect of a little sizzling feeling because of the crowd. Honestly when I was there, I was so wet because of overflowing perspiration.

HERE ARE FEW TIPS:

• Just wear comfortable clothing, shorts and shoes maybe. I don't recommend wearing slippers, because of the crowd might accidentally ruin your feet.
• Have a bottle of water. I'm telling you it's really hot there especially in noon time where crowd starting to arrive.
• Wear your bag in front of you, better safe than sorry. Our pickpocket friends are always there.
• Be there as early as you can. Just to avoid getting fry
• Bring sufficient money, there are no ATM machines there.
• If you have one, bring a stroller bag.

In and out crowd inside Chatuchak Market.

Some Thailand Artifacts at Chatuchak Market.

Your Mexican Chef! Caramba.

Have some drinks first at one of these bars in the middle of Chatuchak Market.

If you feel really tired, then you have a choice if you want to have some drink once you’re done. It’s legal there. There’s a bar opened for you to accommodate patrons coming from a tiresome shopping spree. In fact, there are foreign and local shoppers dancing at the street to the beat of hard rock music while holding a bottle of beer. Or if you just want to take rest then you can go outside the complex and rest at Chatuchak Park. 

Chatuchak Park

MRT Chatuchak Park Station

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.