7 Places to Buy Thai Crafts in Bangkok

Baan Baht is last existing artisans village in Bangkok that still hammers out – by hand – the brass bowl that Buddhist monks often carry during the morning alms round. The Baan Bat community has been producing these bowls since the late 18th century. Today, only a handful of households still make a living selling their craft.

The Bangkok Doll Factory and Museum houses an interesting collection of Thai and foreign dolls made by the local factory, making it fun for Thai culture enthusiasts and children alike. Both modern and antique items are on display, and you can see for yourself the ancient practice of doll making that has been passed down over the decades. There's also a shop where you can purchase your favourite doll.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must-visit place for bargain hunters in Bangkok. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees. The 14-ha area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. 

On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. Veteran shoppers would agree that just about everything is on sale here, although not all at the best bargain rates. But if you have a weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed.

Koh Kret, a manmade island just north of Bangkok, is home to the ethnic Mon people, who are renowned for their exceptional pottery skills. But unlike northern Thailand's celadon ware or stoneware, Koh Kret's earthenware pottery has simple forms and a rather down-to-earth appeal, which goes very well as a decorative piece in the garden.

On Koh Kret, you can watch the craftsmen at work or try to make your own pottery at one of the many studios around the island. The best way to explore Koh Kret, though, is by joining a cycling tour. You'll find yourself in another world, and it'll be difficult to imagine Bangkok is just 20 minutes away by boat.

The multi-storey MBK is one of Bangkok's most legendary shopping malls. There are 8 floors packed with 2,000 shops selling everything from clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, leather products and luggage to furniture, mobile phones, electric appliances, cameras, stationery and DVDs. 

MBK is a beehive of activity, especially on weekends, when half of Bangkok converges to shop for bargains. It's not as up-market or stylish as neighbouring Siam Discovery, Siam Center and the glitzy Siam Paragon, but it offers a mind-boggling range of goods spread over 89,000 sq m.

Silom Village captures the spirit of old Bangkok through a compound of 17 well-preserved antique houses dating back to the glorious era of King Rama V. Set among lush tropical greenery, the complex features a hotel (Silom Village Inn) and a shopping arcade selling fine antiques, handicrafts, lacquer-finished products, jewellery, Thai silk, and furniture. Besides the shopping arcade, you can enjoy authentic Thai and international cuisine at the Silom Village Restaurant, which also hosts a Thai classical dance show.