Shopping in Bangkok is a true treat. For those who can afford authentic designer purses, clothes and shoes, there are many different shopping malls located throughout the city that sell this merchandise at costs lower than in the West. But if you really want "designer" items without paying a high price, shop some of the Thai markets that feature a vast array of counterfeit items. Counterfeit items in Bangkok are found in virtually every outdoor market and many of these items look quite a bit like the real thing.
If you want a pair of Birkenstock sandals but do not want to pay the exorbitant price, go to one of the markets and pick up a pair of fake Birkenstock sandals at a fraction of the cost. Are you looking for a Gucci purse? You will find Gucci, Coach and other designer name purses at the outdoor markets. Many of these items are difficult to tell from the authentic pieces. This usually has the real designers up in arms as they discourage counterfeit merchandise, for obvious reasons. But if you are not concerned with having the authentic Coach purse, you can easily pick up a quality fake Coach purse at the night market in Patpong, or several other outdoor markets located throughout the city.
Just about everything coveted in the West is available in counterfeit items in Bangkok. In addition to designer purses and clothing, there are also "Cartier" watches that look exactly like a real Cartier watch. Football shirts, polo shirts and blue jeans are also counterfeited. If you have been wishing for a pair of Diesel jeans but cannot afford the hefty price tag, you will find an impressive knock-off in Bangkok.
Other Bangkok counterfeit items include music CDs, DVDs and electronic equipment. Many of the music an viewing materials are bootlegs or counterfeits. As long as you are aware as to the nature of these items, you can protect yourself and be certain not to pay full price for counterfeit items in Bangkok.
Many of the counterfeit items in Bangkok arrive from China and Burma. In some countries, it is illegal to sell such items, however it is not illegal to own them. You do not have to worry about your Louis Vuitton purse being confiscated at the airport because it is a counterfeit. This is a popular part of Thai culture and most people from the West go home with several counterfeit items when visiting Bangkok.
In addition to the many different counterfeit items, most of the open markets sell food, snacks and treats. Be wary of purchasing anything with ice while visiting these markets and the Thai water can cause problems for visitors. If you are shopping for counterfeit items in Bangkok, be sure to drink only bottled water or soft drinks.
Shopping for counterfeit items in Bangkok can be educational and fun. Make sure that you realize that you usually get what you pay for, so be certain to bargain appropriately when purchasing counterfeit items in Bangkok.
Click here to leave your comments
"Use the menu below for more travel articles on Bangkok shopping"
