Ratchawong (N 5)

Get off at one of the oldest piers in Bangkok and you’ll be within walking distance of Yaowarat and the always-bustling Sampeng Market. Head there for wholesale prices on small gifts, accessories and even some ready-to-wear options. Opens around 10am and closes early before the sunset around 5pm—get there early!

Saphan Phut (N 6)

Deserted during day time, the road under the Saphan Phut and Rama 7 bridges becomes a bustling market with more than a hundred stalls selling secondhand clothes, washed-out jeans, old shoes and silver accessories attracting lost of van boys and skoi girls. Not interested? Get a ten-minute portrait sketch or try the fried squid eggs.

Wanglang (N 10)

Where: Get off at Wanglang Pier (all boats)
Who: Dek naew dig up vintage gems hidden in piles of old junk while neighboring hospital employees fill their tummies.
When: Open from 8am for food and 10am for shopping till 6pm, but avoid noon-1pm when the market is packed with lunching office workers.
Hot Shops:
(10) 59/1 (087-693-1559. Open 9:30am-6:30pm). Named after the shop’s address and enshrined in dazzling purple walls, 59/1 sells ready-to-wear not unlike what’s in Siam Square. (Hope you like floral prints.) Except here, it’s around 30% cheaper, starting from around B290 for a dress and around B300 for a pair of high heels.
(11)Ma Ha Eng (080-979-9794. Open 10am-6pm). Not far from 59/1 you’ll find handmade earrings, hair pins, and necklaces studded with glittering crystal. Prices vary, depending on how bling it is, but nothing more than B280.
(12)So Pah (Wanglang Plaza, 080-946-8383. Open 11am–6pm) So Pah is a unisex fashion shop in Wanglang Plaza. Shirts (B199-B590) are relatively colorful and neatly cut but the trendy designs mean they get last season even faster.
(13) Almost Famous (Wanglang Plaza, 083-783-0303. 11am-6pm). Enough of this no-name stuff. Let’s get you some brand names. Almost Famous, in Wanglang Plaza next to the Top Charoen eyeglasses store, is a brand name that can only be found in Wanglang and Jatujak Market. This is a family run business so they are extra careful with the quality of their materials. The blouses are self-designed and handmade, but the T-shirts are from elsewhere, so make sure to check the tag. Prices of the shirts start at B290, and B700 for dresses. You can also buy jeans for B690.
The Vintage Market. A plot of around 50 shops selling different kinds of secondhand products. Our picks include a shop that sells shorts at B60 a pair and (14) a shop where you can find leather jackets (around B790) and (15) boots (B350 a pair) for your next winter holiday.
Market meal: Follow the queues and head to the popular (16) Wanglang Bakery, a favorite for its bread stuffed with floss and chili paste (B30). An old, open-air eatery, (17) Chuan Aroi (9:30am-10pm) whips up Thai dishes like pla samli ma muang (B70) and khua gaeng koong (B70).

Thewet (N15)

Where: Get off at Thewet Pier (all boats).
Who: Garden lovers go for their horticultural and floral needs.
When: The market opens 6:30am-6:30pm but we recommend you go between 10am-3pm to avoid the jams caused by parents dropping their little darlings at one of at least five schools in the area.
Hot Shops:
(18) Pis Prom (081-905-0917. Open daily 6:30am-6pm). Despite the small size of the shop Pis Prom is packed high with cactus and bonsai in a wide range of types and sizes. Prices start from as low as B20 but can rise to more than B10,000 if the owner needs to import a plant from Japan to meet your specific needs. She even flies there herself to pick out the best ones, too.
(19) Chor Prayong (02-282-6425. Open daily 7:30am-6:30pm). While the freshness and quality of the flowers found at the market is pretty standard across the board we have a soft spot for Chor Prayong thanks to their super friendly vendors. We love the bright yellow marigolds (B20 each) and the big pot of gypsy flowers (B180).
(20) Napaporn (02-282-7482). Located at the mouth of the street, this is where you get the hardcore gardening stuff, from trowels and trellises to fertilizers.
Market meals: There are two riverside restaurants located at the far end of the street to choose between.(21) In Love (02-281-2900) offers Thai dishes and seafood and a more upscale ambiance and is popular among locals and well-off NGO employees. For a more fun vibe, head to (22) Khao Tha Pub and Restaurant (089-450-3958, www.khaotha.com), which is located right next door to the pier in an old school house and serves up hot and spicy dishes alongside booze and live music.

Phra Athit (13)

Where: Get off at Phra Athit Pier if you the take slow boat or an orange-flag boat. Get off at Phra Pinklao Pier if you take yellow-flag or green-flag boat, and take a ferry.
Who: Indie kids meet backpackers, thanks to its location between tourist central Khaosan and Thammasat and Silpakorn universities.
When: No actual market but shops open from around 11-1am but go after 4pm once the sun starts to set.
Hot Shops:
(23) The Trapeze Swinger (081-908-1381. Open daily 1-9pm). Hidden in a small alley that connects Phra Arthit and Ram Butri roads, this is undoubtedly the coolest shop in the soi. A couple who fell in love with vintage fashion and music share their passion with others by selling their exclusive collections of retro fashion items, rock-band t-shirts, old CDs and cassettes, even vinyl discs.
(24) The Chonabod (089-494-5669, siamruaymidi.blogspot.com). If you know Siam Ruay, a famous t-shirt store in Chatuchak Market, then you already know what they sell here. If you don’t, then these guys take their design inspiration from popular Thai culture (think famous phrases and funny images) and apply it to everything from screen print tees to notebooks and mugs.
Market meal: Grab seats at  (26) Aquatini (02-280-9955) or (27) The Old Phra Arthit Pier (02-2812-9202) for a superb river view and touristy tastes. For a more local fare, try food at  (28) Take a Seat (02-766-6102) that serves favorite Thai dishes and  (29) Saffron (02-281-4228) for its famed cheesecake.

If you still got some energy left after all that market hopping, check out Ratchawong and Saphan Phut, two market giants you shouldn't miss out on.

Getting There

Tourist boat: Stops at Central Pier (BTS Saphan Taksin), N1, N3, N5, Wat Kanlayanamit Pier, N8, Maharat Pier, N10, N13. Daily 9:30am-7:30pm.
No flag: Stops every pier. Mon-Fri 6:20-8:05am, 3-5:30pm.
Orange flag: Stops at Central Pier, N1, N3-6, N8-10, N12-13, N15-16, N18, N21-22, N24, N29/1-30. Daily 6am-7pm.
Yellow & Green flag. Stops at Central Pier, N3, N5, N9, N10, N12, N15-16, N24, N30, N32-33. Mon-Fri 6:15-8:10am, 3:30-6:05pm.
Yellow flag. Stops at Central Pier, N3, N5, N10, N12, N15, N22, N24, N30. Mon-Fri 6:15-8:30am, 3:30-8pm.

Klongsan (N3)

Where: Get off the express boat at Si Phraya pier (N3) and take a cross-river ferry.
Who: Thonburi residents picking up bargain outfits on the way home.
When: Daily from 10am-9:30pm but go from 2pm onwards.
Hot Shops:
(1) Donman Shoe (089-146-0645). Although very last season (or even three seasons ago), Gladiator sandals are still a street fashion must-have thanks to their perfect fit with Bangkok weather. Pairs of shoes at Donman are made from genuine leather and are affordably priced at B150-450. Can’t find your size? Place your order and come back a day later to pick them up.

(2) Bung Bag Shop (089-130-3889). This vintage-bag heaven is where indie kids rummage through hundreds of pieces the owner brings back from Rong Kleua Market every week. Ranging from faux-retro to authentic luxe brand names, their prices are just as eclectic: B400-4,500.
(3) Sakda Karnwaen (02-437-4834). In love with nerdy glasses? Can’t afford Chanel or Oliver Peoples? Well how does B190-250 a pair sound? Since it’s also a proper optical shop, you can get your lenses done here, too.
Market meals: The one and only, the famous, the irresistibly sweet (4) Bua Loy Khai Wan Klongsan (081-697-5971) serves up a perfect combination of mochi-like balls and sweetened coconut milk. B12 or B18 with egg.

Prachan (N10)

Where: Get off at Wanglang Pier and take a ferry or get off at Ta Chang Pier and walk.
Who: Oldies and monks go for amulets while Thammasat and Silapakorn kid, grab bohemian finds and have their fortune told.
When: The amulet market is open from around 9am-7pm but for the other stuff, it’s better to head there after the uni kids finish class, from 3-6pm.
Hot Shops:
(5) Leum Mai Long (087-702-2188. Open daily 11am-7pm). Repeatedly featured in magazines, this shop is packed with dek naew searching for ironic luk thung t-shirts or nostalgic Ts with vintage prints and ancient Thai typography. Prices are between B150- B350.
(6) @Means (087-323-9136. Open daily 11am-7:30pm). Stylish and easy to wear, @Means is a one-stop shop for girls on a tight budget (B200-450) and schedule. With cute shoes, bags and even cosmetics, the shop can have your new look sorted within minutes.
(7) Passion (084-676-6813. Open daily 12pm-7pm). By the wall of a famous music store, Nong Ta Prachan, lies a large collection of gypsy fashion accessories. This colorful stall is enchanting. It has everything from feather earrings to rings with mysterious stones. Our pick? The dream catcher necklace (B159). Most of the products are handmade, with a few imports from Vietnam and Nepal. We sometimes get the feeling a few have magical properties—well, if only the ability to turn heads.
(8) Rodsaniyom (086-565-9517. Open daily 12pm-5pm) Located out in the open, right on the street, Rodsaniyom has two parts to it: glasses and women’s clothes. The clothes (B390-B790) are self-designed and are handmade—mostly brand copies with a pattern or detail added for good measure. The other stall sells fashionable glasses and sunglasses (B199-B290), but please make sure to change the lenses.
(9) Nong (www.nongtaprachan.com). Before there was Thai Ticketmaster, Nong Tha Prachan was where you lined up for tickets to P’Bird and other hot artist concerts. Even though its glory days have gone, this tiny shop is still one of the first places you can get the newest CD singles from Thai and international artists.
(10) A secondhand book shop (Open daily 10am-6pm). The uncle sells old Thai and international magazines with a variety of selections from fashion like Vogue to home decoration magazines. Prices can be as low as B20-35 for Thai magazines and B75 up for international issues.
Market meals: Ignore the grumpy stall vendor’s dirty nails and just try the yummy (11) grilled bananas stall that has beeb at Tha Prachan for as long as we could remember.

Next

Alila Luang Prabang (NEW)

Luang Prabang, Laos
Local It architect Duangrit Bunnag loses the stones and bare cement with this brand new Alila property, his quietest, most meditative yet. One could argue that he did little more than repaint an old colonial-era prison, tile the floors and drop in some well-crafted furniture. But we like to think that this marks a return to elegance in the world of minimal design hotels. With private gardens and pools, the retrofit packs the latest accommodation trends into a deceptively simple design.
Trippin’: The outdoor sandpits to light a little fire in your suite’s private garden during the cool months.
Rates start from US$170 (B5,135). +856-7126-0777, www.alilahotels.com/luangprabang

East Hotel (NEW)

Hong Kong
Enough with the countryside. Let’s head to the skies, kick back in a suspended bubble seat and enjoy dizzying views of Hong Kong harbor. East pitches itself as a business hotel—and is in a very business-focused district—but with a few sexy friends and some bottles of bubbly, we’re pretty sure we could become oblivious to the surrounding suits and have a swinging time in a Harbour Corner room.
Trippin’: The 32/F Sugar “Bar.Deck.Lounge” is a pretty sweet spot to watch the sunset with cocktail in hand.
Rates start from HK$1,250 (B4,865). +852-3968-3968, www.east-hongkong.com

W Retreat Koh Samui (NEW)

Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Speaking of bubble seats and real-life moments lifted straight from a Hed Kandi album cover, W has finally landed in our fair kingdom, starting with Samui (the place by the old Russian embassy, on Sathorn, is still under construction). This waterside property manages to be modern without being boring thanks to its use of bright colors and futuristic shapes.
Trippin’: A submerged sofa in an infinity pool with a panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand.
Rates start from B19,000. www.whotelkohsamui.com

LIT Bangkok (JAN, 2011)

Pathumwan, Bangkok
We’re longtime fans of architectural firm Vaslab. But the bold showroom they designed for Honda, near the Crystal Design Center, was never opened to the public; so we’ve been left to hunger for a chance to experience their deconstructivist architecture in the flesh. With its detached façade and series of terraces, LIT won’t just be a cool hotel: it’ll be a great new hangout in a part of town that has plenty of art (BACC, Jim Thompson) but not many exciting places to chill.
Trippin’: Bathtubs with views of central Bangkok.
Rates TBA. Behind Bangkok Art and Cultural Center, opposite MBK and Siam Discovery Center.

Can’t afford the flights to Morocco, Tuscany or Greece? Get the vibe without leaving Thailand.

Villa Maroc

Pranburi, Prachuab Khirikhan
Though not the pioneer in the Moroccan/Middle Eastern market, it is probably the most authentic. Villa Maroc is not just another hotel painted in vivid colors; everything is seriously attended to—all the decoration pieces were imported from Morocco after all, promising an authentic ambience right on Pranburi beach.
Trippin’: Slip into the blood-red Moroccan robe in your room and then head to the Shisha bar and pretend that you’re chilling out in Morocco.
Rates for a two-night package featuring daily breakfast, one candlelit dinner and 45-min spa treatment for two start at B20,000 for a Pool Court room. 032-630-771, www.villamarocresort.com

Al Medina

Chantaburi
Probably Thailand’s first resort to go for an Arabian Nights vibe, the pure white building of Al Medina sits at the end of the beach road promising you first-class privacy. Skip the beach in favor of the exquisite details found in each of the nine rooms with furniture and decor hand picked by the owners.
Trippin’: Dip into an infinity black mosaic-tiled pool a la Cleopatra while you enjoy the sunset.
Rates are from B3,900-9,000. 085-334-3555, 085-155-3333, www.almedinabeach.com

Swiss Valley

Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi
Despite its name, the interiors evoke the feminine, elegant renditions of what Thais call British (or French) country home styles. Outside, the blocky white houses could be Greek. With a giant lawn space, each of the 11 villas has its own area and private rooftop balcony where you can enjoy sipping a glass of wine at sunset.
Trippin’: Sheep here are exclusively for hotel guests (so they are cleaner) and the views are serene.
Rates are B7,500-8,500 till Jan 15. 032-711-109. www.swissvalleyhipresort.com

The Scenery Resort

Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi
Ratchaburi province must thank The Scenery for introducing the Santorini-style rooms, green farm and cute sheep, which have now become the signature of Suan Phueng district. Lovely villas sit at a scenic farm and close to a small canal, which means rooms are often fully booked during weekends. Nevertheless, you can just drop by to feed their sheep as they are open to the public.
Trippin’: Honey Scene restaurant serves nice steaks, with cuts of beef, pork and yes, lamb.
Rates are B4,000-7,000. 081-000-6677, 081-000-7070. www.sceneryresort.com

La Toscana

Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi
While people are crazy about Tuscan styles in Khao Yai and Santorini styles in Ratchaburi, La Toscana combines the two hot trends, bringing Tuscany to the quiet town of Suan Phueng. Find yourself dining surrounded by European country-style brick walls, bathing in a Victorian-style tub and sleeping on a four-poster bad. Blessed with a scenic landscape just like the province in central Italy, together with a Tuscan architectural style, this is an idyllic if slightly surreal experience.
Trippin’: The spacious verandahs great spots to chill and drink in the scenery.
Rates are B4,000-7,500. Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi, 084-456-2008, 081-937-5001. www.latoscana-resort.com.

Palio Inn

Khaoyai
Palio has opened its own boutique accommodation right by the most famous walking street in Khao Yai. Palio Inn features only 12 small guestrooms decked out in a European country style—think marble top counters, vintage faucets and flower-print bed sheets. In the evenings, sit on the second floor and watch the busy shopping streets below.
Trippin’: The room’s terrace is a perfect spot for a cozy breakfast or a chill glass of pre-bedtime wine.
Rates start from B2,500. 044-365-905. www.palio-khaoyai.com

Want more? Check out these new hotels with cutting-edge designs around the region. Or if you prefer a slower side of life, take a look at our picks for upcountry city escapes.

1. You’re a beginner to this stuff so don’t opt for the 8-man canvas mansion with bar and flushing toilet. Keep things small and simple with this tent for two from Karana. B2,100 from Equinox.

2. Don’t forget your Spork. That’s a spoon-cum-fork-cum-knife to you and me, and it comes in several colors (B100 each) or even a glow-in-the-dark option (B450). From Outdoor Unlimited.

3. Need to photograph yourself to prove you’re really out there roughing it alone? Get this kooky mini camera stand from Quirk. B599 from Gadgetrend.

4. You probably don’t know this but it gets light really early in the morning outside. Get your full beauty sleep with these eye shades. B79 each from Zeen Zone.

5. Strap on this khaki backpack for a rugged outdoor look. B1,290 from Muji

6. It can get hot out in the real world, so keep this cute little fan on hand. B150 from Zeen Zone.

7. If you want to make sure you keep hydrated, the filter on the Nano pH Filter water bottle (B2,100) makes tap water drinkable. But if you’re lost in the jungle then opt for this Life Straw (B790), which lets you suck water directly from rivers or ponds with its special filter. Both from Equinox.

8. Keep all your pre-packed sandwiches safe in this small set of lunch boxes (B900/set) in pretty colors, too. All from Pro Cam-Fis.

9. If you can’t do it with your teeth then a bottle opener is always needed. Get this colorful parrot to fit your natural surroundings. B295 from Zeen Zone.

10. Travel a little lighter by portioning your toiletry amenities into these small vials. B135 from Zeen Zone.

11. Power and the sockets needed to charge up all your precious gadgets are at a minimum out here which is where this charger hub from Blue Lounge comes in handy. Small B2,990, large B4,500 from Gadgetrend.

12. Let there be light in the darkness and no batteries required with a mini LED crank torch & lamp by Karana. B399 from Equinox

Essentials

Equinox, Gadgetrend, Pro Cam-Fis. Amarin Outdoor Unlimited, Amarin Plaza, 2/F, 02-256-9118. BTS Chit Lom. www.amarinplaza.com
Muji. 3/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777. BTS Chit Lom.
Zeen Zone. 7/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777. BTS Chit Lom

Toyota Prius

Buzz: Thailand makes its own Toyota Camry Hybrid but tree-huggers are still holding their breath for the arrival of Toyota’s very original hybrid car, the Prius. Officially launched last month, this is the third generation of the Prius, which comes with a bigger engine (1.8-liter instead of 1.6) and a more aerodynamic design.
Type: 5-door sedan
Highlight: The best Toyota hybrid car so far is pretty sporty despite its green street cred.
Best for: Eco-friendly drivers who put in enough kilometers to justify the higher price but smaller fuel consumption.
Price: B1,190,000-1,270,000

Volvo S60

Buzz: The 2011 version of Volvo S60 actually first appeared during the October fashion shows. The point? This car offers modern European elegance and aims to compete with BMW and Mercedes.
Type: 4-door sedan
Highlight: The pedestrian detection with auto break system that stops the car automatically. Too bad it failed during a demonstration in Sweden early this year and the video went viral.
Best for: Executives typing on their BB while driving.
Price: B2,990,000

Chery A1

Buzz: If price is your first priority and you don’t mind driving a Chinese car, Chery is the cheapest of the bunch and actually sports a rather cute look for a small city car.
Type: 5-door hatchback
Highlight: At this price, don’t expect any highlights other than the price tag.
Best for: A couple or family needing a second car.
Price: from B398,000

Chevrolet Cruze

Buzz: First launched in the USA early this year, the Cruze will be replacing Optra in Chevrolet’s compact-sedan car category. The engine is more economical to fit America’s depressed economy but the bold exterior and sporty interior fittings should lift your mood.
Type: 4-door sedan
Highlight: The interior is pretty luxurious for this category
Best for: Those who want an American car but know that a compact Japanese car is the reasonable thing to get.
Price: B729,000-1,149,000

Citroen DS3

Buzz: A year after its introduction in Europe, the DS3 finally drives into. The car is segmented in the same class as Mini One so you can expect sporty designs and flashy colors that come with a sport 1.6cc engine.
Type: 3-door hatchback
Highlight: The French design is pretty exotic here—although in France, Citroen is closer to Chery than to Mini.
Best for: Hipsters who think even the Fiat is too mainstream.
Price: B1,490,000

Minor Revamps

Ford Focus

After introducing the all-new Fiesta, Ford performs a minor revamp of their long-running Focus. B809,000-1,169,000

Honda Accord

We’re still waiting for the new all-new Accord that just launched in the USA but this tweak does offer better fuel efficiency for those who just can’t wait. B1,265,000-2,940,000

Essentials

The 27th Thailand International Motor Expo runs through Dec 12 at IMPACT Challenger 2, Muang Thong Thani.