Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [98]
HOUSE OF CHAO
Map Antiques
0 2635 7188; 9/1 Th Decho, Silom; 9am-7pm; air-con 76, 77, 177, 504, 514, 547 & MB12, ordinary 77, 162, 163 & 164; Chong Nonsi exit 3
This three-storey antique shop, appropriately housed in an antique house, has everything necessary to deck out your fantasy colonial-era mansion. Particularly interesting are the various weatherworn doors, doorways, gateways and trellises that can be found in the covered area behind the showroom.
ORCHID PRESS
Map Books
0 2231 3300; www.orchidbooks.com; 4th fl, Silom Complex, 191 Th Silom; 11am-7pm Mon-Sat; Si Lom exit 2; Sala Daeng exit 4
The venerable Asiana publisher Orchid Press now has a Bangkok showroom. Titles span the region from academic to glossy art books, as well as a few out-of-print or rare titles.
NIKS/NAVA IMPORT EXPORT
Map Camera Equipment
0 2235 2929; www.niksthailand.co.th; 166 Th Silom; 8.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri; air-con 76, 77, 177, 504, 514, 547 & MB12, ordinary 77, 162, 163 & 164; Chong Nonsi exit 3
On the northwest corner of Soi 12, Thailand’s biggest camera importer sells all types of professional equipment, including Nikon, Mamiya and Rollei. It’s also the best place to bring your sick Nikon for a check-up.
SUNNY CAMERA
Map Camera Equipment
0 2236 8365; 144/23 Th Silom; 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; Chong Nonsi exit 4
Dedicated Nikon-heads should head directly to Sunny Camera to satisfy their gear addiction. There are other branches on the 3rd floor of Mahboonkrong (Map; 0 2620 9293) and on Th Charoen Krung (Map; 0 2235 2123; 1267 Th Charoen Krung; 9.30am-6.30pm Mon-Sat).
MAISON DES ARTS
Map Handicrafts
0 2233 6297; 1334 Th Charoen Krung; 11am-6pm Mon-Sat; air-con 504, 544 & 547, ordinary 1, 15, 35 & 163; Tha Oriental (N1)
Hand-hammered, stainless steel tableware haphazardly occupies this warehouse retail shop. The bold style of the flatware dates back centuries and the staff applies no pressure to indecisive shoppers.
TAMNAN MINGMUANG
Map Handicrafts
0 2231 2170; 3rd fl, Thaniya Plaza, Th Silom; 11am-8pm; Si Lom exit 2; Sala Daeng exit 1
As soon as you step through the doors of this museum-like shop, the earthy smell of dried grass and stained wood rushes to meet you. Rattan, yahn lí·pow (a fern-like vine), water hyacinth woven into silk-like patterns, and coconut shells carved into delicate bowls are among the exquisite pieces that will outlast flashier souvenirs available on the streets.
THAI HOME INDUSTRIES
Map Handicrafts
0 2234 1736; 35 Soi Oriental, Th Charoen Krung; 9am-6.30pm Mon-Sat; air-con 504, 544 & 547, ordinary 1, 15, 35 & 163; Tha Oriental (N1)
A visit to this temple-like building and former monks’ quarters is like discovering an abandoned attic of Asian booty. On a recent visit, the display cases absentmindedly held cotton farmer shirts, handsome stainless steel flatware, and delicate mother-of-pearl spoons. Despite the odd assortment of items and lack of order (not to mention the dust), it’s heaps more fun than the typically faceless Bangkok handicraft shop.
CHIANG HENG
Map Homewares
0 2234 7237; 1466 Th Charoen Krung; 10.30am-7pm; Saphan Taksin exit 3
In need of a handmade stainless steel wok, old-school enamel-coated crockery, or a manually operated coconut milk strainer? Then we suggest you stop by this third-generation family-run kitchen supply store. Even if your cabinets are already stocked, a visit here is a glance into the type of specialised, cramped but atmospheric shops that have all but disappeared from Bangkok.
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FROM NYMPH TO JUMBO
In your home town you may be considered average or even petite but, based on the Thai measuring stick, you’re an extra large, clearly marked in the tag as ‘LL’ or, worse still, ‘XL’. If that batters the body image, then skip the street markets, where you’ll bust the seams from the waist up