We were recently burgled, amonst other items I lost a watch. I have decided to visit Thailand for a break in May and wondered if watches are cheaper in Bangkok than UK and where best to go and buy one. No sadly not a Rolex, was thinking more Seiko.
Any thoughts also on where to go. I am staying Bangkok for 3 nights, and then 7 days- well not sure. Thought about Chiang Mai I do like it there, but not certain there is enough to do.
I am travellng solo this timee and am male 55+, don%26#39;t want to be viewed as sad old prvrtt chasing women so maybe best I avoid the beach resorts. I always enjoy being in Thailand, love the food and the people are just refreshingly kind and warm.
Best wishes
David
Watches- Not Copies-- and where to for for 7 days
major department stores in Thailand carry %26#39;Seiko%26#39; %26#39;Citizen%26#39; %26#39;Casio-G-shock%26#39; and many more Japanese brand watches. They usually has a 15-20% disscount from time to time.
Watches- Not Copies-- and where to for for 7 days
Do your research before you leave UK and then scan the department stores.
Most central stores have really good watch section, all real.
If you do buy and it costs more than 5000 Baht then you can claim VAT refund for tourist refund. Only 7%, not 15% like UK, but at least a bit off. You will need to ask for it and you will need your passport with you to fill in the forms.
Pick up the leaflet when you claim it to find out how to collect your refund at the airport.
There are many branded names available as well as the well known Seiko citizen etc. I bought a nice DKNY in Central Chit Lom. This store connects with a bridge to the BTS station Chit Lom.
Enjoy your trip and shopping.
I%26#39;d include Robinson%26#39;s dept store, as well as the Emporium and Siam Paragon for real watches. You might want to consider one of the quieter beaches on Koh Samui or on Phuket if you%26#39;re wanting to avoid the more boisterous beach areas like Patong or Pattaya. No need to give up a nice beach holiday just for appearances sake!
Central department store also carries Seiko. It really depends on the model you are searching for - being Thailand (and most of Asia) if the model is old it will be difficult to find a replacement. You may have to settle for something close but not exact. With Central, Siam Paragon and Emporium - don%26#39;t forget to obtain your tourist card - it will allow you a discount of 5% off the marked price of regular goods. This will be useful in the case of finding the watch you want and it is not on sale in the store. Whilst it is only 5% when you add it to the VAT 7% it means that you will end up with a discount of around 10%. However as others have said, check the prices in the UK First.
Bangkok, or for that matter, Thailand is not really the place to purchase electronics or watches as the import taxes on these goods are high. If you are going to visit another place, like Hong Kong or Singapore it will be a fair bit cheaper there - especially Hong Kong.
If you really enjoy the beach there is nothing wrong with going solo - the aim of any vacation is to have a good time so if you enjoy that you should go. Thais don%26#39;t care if you%26#39;re on your own or with someone so long as you%26#39;re not overly exposing yourself or being obscene or drunk in public. There are many things to do at the beach resorts depending on the location such as have a relaxing Thai massage, scuba diving, lazing around the hotel pool etc.
Chiang Mai is a different landscape to the beaches and Bangkok city (as is the weather too - a bit cooler!). Famous things to see in Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai (a bit further up from Chiang Mai) are the Golden Triangle (just don%26#39;t go looking for the drugs!!) and the Hill Tribes. If you also enjoy nature it is great for a wander around but best to go with a guide. You can also see all of the handicrafts that the tribes make (great souvenirs) as well as purchase mudmee - a more ';tribal'; type of silk.
Other sights include Doi Suthep (another Temple), the Queen Sirikit botanical gardens, Mae Sa valley and the elephant training centre, Anusarn Night Market and Chiang Mai Zoo.
The norther Thai dishes are also quite different and the staple there inlcudes sticky rice in deference to normal rice - sticky rice has a high glutinous content which makes it stick together and is then dipped into sauces or spices to add flavour. Alternatively you can also try Jasmine rice which has a nice fragrance as it is being cooked. If you like your food with a bit of a kick then try the Tom Yam in Chiang Mai which is different again to that of the south which is a much thicker soup. If you can get past the smell (and I can%26#39;t) try Durians in Chiang Mai and try Longans (known as Lam yai) which are like Lychees but have a better flavour and are covered with a brown shell instead of the red shell of lychees.
Have a great time in Thailand!
Many thanks to you all, as always quality advice from members. I really appreciate the opinions and guidence.
Best wishes
David
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