Admittedly, there have been better times to go to Thailand than now. With protesters from the north occupying the streets of Bangkok and the State Department warning against non-essential travel, it's understandable why folks would shy away from a visit. However, some of my favorite sources in the world for textiles and craft are here. Items that can't fit into your bag can be shipped for a reasonable price. Below are a few sources I always recommend:
Suan Lum Night Bazaar (Wireless Road, Bangkok): Why put up with the midday heat and crowds of JJ Market, when you can wait to shop more comfortably in the evening? Here in the center of Bangkok, you'll join savvy collectors of craft and antiques. Grab a beer, a plate of ก๋วยเตี๋ยวผัด and enjoy the band in the beer garden before you map out which of the hundreds of stalls you'll visit.
Vila Cini Silk (30 Charoenrat Road, Chiang Mai): Located in an elegant townhouse just across the river from the center of Chiang Mai is the best source for contemporary Thai silk. This isn't a place to find prints, Vila Cini weaves textural patterns out of raw silk. There are a wide range of timeless, elegant and modern home accessories, apparel and bulk fabric… and all for a fraction of prices you'd see at Gump's.
Siam Paragon (Siam MRT Station, Bangkok): The fifth floor of this otherwise ordinary luxury mall is a wonderland of contemporary Asian design. If your time in Thailand is limited or you forgot to get souvenirs until the last day, Paragon's fifth floor is a one-stop chock full of top notch art & craft, furniture and accessories. Authentic craft is the key here, you won't find any of the disposable tchotchkes sold on every Bangkok street corner.
Jim Thompson Silk (Multiple Locations): No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to the home and store of Jim Thompson, who is widely credited with revitalizing the Thai silk industry in the 1940s. His brightly colored fabrics were made famous in the film version of The King and I. While some of products and designs are a bit stale looking, there is still much to love: block printed linens, screened printed silks and elaborately embroidered pillows.
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