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In the wake of unprecedented economic growth, Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia's most popular shopping paradise. With commodities as well as markets becoming more sophisticated, the serious shopper can expect to find not only Thailand's well-known host of unique handicrafts, but also a superb choice of luxury buys. All items are distinguished by fine Thai workmanship, the result of both time-honored crafts and of modern technological skills. Where to shop... Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets and there are many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. One such area, for example, is along Silom and Suriwongse Roads in the vicinity of the Dusit Thani, Montien, and Tawana Hotels. This includes Robinson's Department Store, Central Department Stores, the Charn Issara Shopping Centre, dozens of silk shops, antique and decorative reproduction shops, boutiques of ready-to-wear women's clothes, men's tailors, and shops selling leatherwear and other goods. Outside Bangkok, the main city for shopping is Chiang Mai, the unquestioned center of traditional Thai handicrafts. The Night Bazaar, is a good place to sample the full range of local products such as cotton, lacquerware, silver, hilltribe clothing, Burmese tapestries, painted umbrellas, and woodcarvings. While in Chiang Mai, make a point to go to some of the factories that offer demonstrations of how these goods, particularly lacquer, silk, silver, and paper umbrellas are actually made. Pattaya also has many shops selling Thai goods and wide selections of precious stones since the popular resort lies near Chanthaburi, where numerous gems are located.
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