by Ishtar

Bayside, New York

December 31, 2002

Our first exposure was the day we visited Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. We started walking toward Wat Pho , as we learned that this was the site of Thai massage, in addition to housing the famed reclining Buddha. On our way, we spotted sidewalk vendors across the street from the temple, with their wares neatly arranged on colorful blankets. How could we resist? Actually, we were helped, or shall I say, fell for, a common "trap" when someone told us that the Wat Pho temple was closed, hoping to lure us into something more lucrative he had in mind. We were only half stupid in this instance, and turned away from him and the temple and gave out attention to the sidewalk vendors.

. The snapshot of this experience remains one of a woman, and undoubtedly, there are hundreds just like her: minding her merchandise on the sidewalk, which she hopes to sell for a few bahts a piece, while chatting away on her miniscule cell phone. Most of the merchandise being sold is new, while a couple of vendors bring used clothing and kitchen ware. What is distressing is that some mothers feel that exhibiting deformed children will attract business.

The food displays were tantalizing, not only in their color, but the odors will flirt with your nose long after you’ve gone past the area. I found the making of tiny fried eggs absolutely precious as I had never seen the die cut forms for them which can accommodate up to 50 eggs! Mounds of fresh fruits and vegetables were very colorful and looked healthy. One particular fruit caught my attention, as it looked like an overfed strawberry with spikes on it. All signage is in Thai, which is a very graceful and rounded script; you might get lucky and catch an English phrase once in a while, such as one I caught, that reads "cookwith chaoaol" (sic).

There is something very real and tangible about street markets which you may not sense when in a more controlled or manicured environment. People are going about the business of everyday living, and should you care to participate, you may do so at your own risk. When we ventured further into narrow streets that led to hundreds of stalls selling talismans on wood or stone, vendors were more curious about us than we were about them. Most times, we were the only Westerners, but we knew we were really in Bangkok.

by Jenn966

Hamilton Square, New Jersey

October 22, 2002

Some of the things I particularly liked were sets of chopsticks, chopstick rests and soy sauce bowls all made of wood in Thai silk boxes (I didn't see anything like them during 2 weeks in China). I found some really beautiful Thai silk Barbie outfits for my 4 and 5 year old nieces -- those Barbie outfits were the most expensive things I bought!

I picked up a few illicit DVDs -- some of which work here and some of which don't (different television systems seems to be the problem, not regional coding). However, for about $1 each, I didn't mind that I only watched them once while travelling in Asia.

You can buy knock-off American and European designer T-shirts and casual shirts like DKNY and Ralph Lauren, if you're into that stuff (I wasn't, but one of my friends was). It didn't strike me as anything you couldn't buy in a factory outlet.

We bought some beautiful Thai silk table linens, and I bought a few silk sarongs for about $4 each that I made into pillows for my couch when I got home.

Do you like black velvet paintings -- there are lots, as well as statues (large and small) and glasswork.

There are some antique shops and stores selling fine jewelry, but "buyer beware" are watchwords to live by. If you either know what you're buying or if you love something so much that you don't care if you pay too much -- go for it. But don't be upset if you get burned.

Bargain with the vendors. They expect it, and you will often end up paying about 25 - 30% of the original asking price (a 70-75% discount). Once you hit the most you'll pay for something, stick to it even if it means you walk away empty-handed. The vendors will sell to you at any price that makes them a profit, and they have no qualms about quoting a price that's triple the price they gave the last customer.

Have fun!