When the sun goes down, tourists and bargain hunters alike know there’s only one place to head to: the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Built on the 120 rai grounds of an old military academy, it is a celebrated shopping hub for thousands of racks of hip clothing, stylish furniture, handicrafts and numerous restaurants. Despite the rumors that the market is about to close in April, it continues to attract many tourists and local passersby everyday.

The market has two main sections named after two well-known provinces—Ayudhya and Lopburi. Strolling along the Lopburi side first, we find a heap of classic leather bags at Good Old Days (No. 462 Lopburi Soi 7, 08-6064-3141. Open daily 4-11:30pm). If you are looking for a prop to complete your James Bond image, look no further. From handbags to briefcases, the shop has it all on offer at B2,900 to B6,500. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted.

After walking in and out of a lot of clothing shops, trying real hard to keep our banknotes in place, we almost give in to a super-glamorous shop called His Story (No. 116 Lopburi Soi 8, 08-9000-2999. Open daily 6-11pm. www.hisstorybkk.com). The place offers shirts, jackets, pants and shoes with prices starting from B1,290. The classy white lace jacket (B4,500) is particularly hard to resist. However, if neat and clean is not your style, check Rock Bitch Mafia Sound (Lopburi Soi 4, Open daily 5-11pm). This rastafarian shop focuses only on colorful T-shirts (B300-500), big loose jeans and rainbow ski hats. If you prefer vintage clothes, drop by Siscily’s Me (Lopburi Soi 4, 08-6307-3497. Open daily 6:30-11:30pm) and try on one of its dresses. Prices range from B490 to B590, with a 10% discount for BK readers.

Moving on to the rear of the Lopburi zone, there are numerous furniture options for you to choose from, including modern, retro and oriental styles. Hiding in Zone C, away from the other furniture shops is a wide warehouse-like store called Retro Chairs (Zone C7, 08-1503-4172. Open daily 4-11pm), which sells imported and handmade sitting pieces, tables, lamps and chandeliers. Prices range from B1,000 to B100,000.

Moving into Ayudhya, we found one interesting CD shop with a very friendly shopkeeper. Though he may not be as cool as the famed Doreme auntie, the trader at The Garage Record (Ayudhya Soi 5, 08-1838-8212. Open daily 5pm-midnight) has racks of jazz, bossa nova, blues and soul CDs. Vinyl records (starting at B4,000) from the owner’s collection are also available.

Wandering through the innumerable rows and junctions for half an hour, we happened upon a little wooden shop in the middle of Ayudhya Soi 5. Vintage violins on display drew our attention. The old shopkeeper there says he “only sells imported ones, all secondhand.” At The Violin Shop (Ayudhya Soi 5, Open daily 5-11pm), you can find fiddles from Italy, France and Germany. The shop also offers repair and tuning services.

As in the Lopburi zone, most of the area in Ayudhya is occupied by women’s wear. Out of the numerous stalls, Moulage (Ayudhya Soi 4, 08-1985-6186. Open daily 6pm-midnight) is one shop that stands out with trendy tomboy items and can save you money at the same time. Shirts cost just B490, ties are B200 and bibs start at B280. So it’s affordable too.

Last but not least, if you are looking for a souvenir for a farang friend, take a minute to check out Ex-Planning (Ayudhya Soi 4, 02-978-6896. Open daily 4-11:30pm. www.zakkathailand.com). There are hundreds of tiny wooden dolls for you to choose from. Magnets, mobile straps or name card stands: everything is only B60 a piece.

Essentials

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is on the corner of Rama 4 and Wireless Road. Open daily 3pm-midnight (but most shops open around 6pm).
Buses no. 13, 14, 17, 22, 45, 46, 47, 50, 62, 74, 76, 106, 109, 115, 116,
MRT Lumpini