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How to Haggle Like a Pro at Bangkok's Markets – Shop Till You Drop!


Ratchada Rod Fai Night Market in Bangkok, Thailand | Image by via flickr
Bangkok is a city filled with vibrant markets that offer a wide variety of goods at affordable prices. If you are looking for a great shopping experience in Bangkok, haggling is a skill that will come in handy. Haggling is the art of negotiating the price of an item with the seller. In Bangkok's markets, you can haggle for everything from souvenirs and clothing to food and electronics.

Do Your Research

Before heading out to the markets, do your research. Find out what the going rate is for the item you are interested in. Check online and guidebooks to get an idea of what you should expect to pay. This will help you to have a better understanding of what a fair price is.
Walk Away
If the seller is not willing to negotiate, don't be afraid to walk away. This can be a powerful tool in the negotiation process. If the seller thinks they are about to lose the sale, they may be more willing to come down in price. If they don't, you can always come back later or try another seller.
You should also consider staying at a place like Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok so that you can get to shopping areas whenever you want to. Staying at a serviced apartment in Sukhumvit is a great way to save money as well as explore Bangkok’s main attractions.

Know When to Start

When you approach a seller, it's important to start the negotiation at the right price. If you start too high, you risk insulting the seller and losing the chance to get a good deal. If you start too low, the seller may refuse to negotiate with you. The key is to start at a price that is reasonable but still leaves room for negotiation.

Be Confident and Friendly

Haggling can be intimidating, but it's important to be confident and friendly. Smile and engage the seller in conversation. This will help to build rapport and make the negotiation more enjoyable for both parties. If the seller likes you, they may be more willing to negotiate.

Bundle Items

One way to get a better deal is to bundle items. If you are interested in multiple items from the same seller, try to negotiate a better price for all of them. Sellers may be more willing to give you a discount if you are buying more than one item.

Best Markets to Visit

Now that you know how to haggle, it’s time to spice up your itinerary with these top street markets in Bangkok.
Chatuchak Weekend Market:
One of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak is a must-visit for any shopper in Bangkok. With over 8,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to furniture and home decor, there's something for everyone here. The market is open on weekends, and you can easily get here using public transportation.
Khlong Toei Market:
Khlong Toei is the largest fresh food market in Bangkok and is a great place to experience local Thai culture. You can find all sorts of fresh produce, meat, and seafood here. The market is open every day and is located near the Khlong Toei MRT station.
Pratunam Market:
If you are looking for clothing and fashion accessories, Pratunam Market is the place to go. It's one of the best places in Bangkok to buy wholesale clothing at a great price. The market is located in the Pratunam area, near the Ratchaprarop Airport Rail Link station.
Talad Rot Fai Night Market:
Talad Rot Fai, also known as the Train Market, is a night market located in the Srinakarin area of Bangkok. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with hundreds of vendors selling vintage clothing, antiques, and street food. The market is open on weekends, and you can easily get here by public transportation and tuk-tuk.