There are few places in the world that rival the Bangkok shopping experience. With massive shopping malls, bustling night bazaars and the biggest weekend market of its kind in the world, it's easy to see why Bangkok is considered a shopper's paradise.

Thailand is known for its wonderful handicrafts, gorgeous silks and contemporary fashion. Counterfeit goods are sold in the most popular tourist areas, such as Khaosan Road (also known for its cheap guest houses and bars) and Pat Pong Market. Chinatown is excellent for household goods, while in Pratunam you'll find really great prices on unique items of clothing you won't find anywhere else. As well as great bargains, wholesale buys and one-off finds, Bangkok markets provide a fantastic opportunity to sample authentic Thai food - the kind you won't find in most hotels. Try the Floating Markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market and Suan Lum Night Bazaar.

Bangkok shopping malls are very popular with tourists who are after the real thing - genuine designer brands, high quality electrical goods, book shops and specialty stores. CentralWorld Shopping Complex is the biggest lifestyle shopping mall in Southeast Asia, with 500,000 square metres of retail space. Mah Boon Krong (or MBK as it is better known) is probably the best known shopping mall in Bangkok. Its eight floors comprise 2,000 stores selling clothing, accessories, leather goods, perfumes, electrical equipment, media and much more. The upmarket Siam Paragon Shopping Centre is unrivalled in Southeast Asia when it comes to luxury shopping in Bangkok.