MBK, Bangkok

What to buy here: Fishermen Pants | Silk and Cotton Scarf | Elephant Patterned Ties

- Fishermen Pants are super comfortable free size wrap around pants come with various colors and patterns. The ultimate pants for Thais to wear on their beach vacation or when relaxing at home thanks to their light and breezy quality. These pants are also popular among foreign backpackers. The name “fishermen pants" comes from the fact that the fishermen in the south of Thailand wear them on a daily basis, assumedly because the fabric gets dry easily. However, the story of how these pants became so popular is unknown. You wear them by wrapping the pants around your waist, the pants come with 2 strings so you tie them around your waist over the fabric (basically they act as a belt). You can easily find them at MBK (National Stadium BTS station Exit 4,) on 4th floor Zone AA in front of Tokyu department store (supermarket section.) The prices are 199 baht for standard fishermen pants at MBK.

- Silk and Cotton Scarf – Beautiful handmade scarves, delicately soft to the touch. Comes with many colors and patterns, it can be a fashion statement and keeps both the body and the memory of Thailand warm. Although you rarely ever need a scarf in Thailand’s all-year-round tropical weather, there is an abundant sale of good quality scarves everywhere. Prices range from 150-2,000 baht, depending on quality and design. Find the scarves at MBK 6th floor Zone C.

- Elephant Patterned Ties – No other ties say “Thailand” more than a silk elephant pattern tie. A charming and sophisticated gift that are known to be quite the “lucky charm.” A good place to get quality ties are from major department stores around Bangkok. When you go to MBK (National Stadium BTS station exit 4,) you will find Tokyu, a small department store there. The neck tie section is on the 3rd floor by the escalator. There you will find many ties, and of course many elephant pattern ties with different designs and colors. Prices range from 950-1,590 baht, depending on the material. More expensive than the usual street vendors, but you can expect higher quality.