Walking through the bustling streets of Bangkok it is hard to ignore the sights and sounds of one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations. Although the city’s historic Buddhist temples and Floating Market often take centre-stage, Bangkok has a thriving Antique Market that lures hundreds of ‘treasure seekers’ to the city each year. With streets lined with shops laden with priceless antiques, it is impossible to resist the desire step out of the luxurious Bangkok Resorts and embark on your own treasure hunt.
Thailand’s rich history and Buddhist heritage is evident in Thai antiques making them some of the finest in Asia. Experienced ‘treasure hunters’ will avoid the pitfalls of shopping for antiques in Bangkok but if this is your first time, be cautious of overpriced antiquities and replicas being sold in many of the city’s antique shops. Begin your journey at Bangkok’s National Museum situated near Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa and admire its collection of breathtaking Thai antiquities. Thailand is the cradle of Buddhism and its impact on the local crafts is remarkable with the country’s most prized antiquities being the hand-crafted Buddha statues. As religious artefacts are not permitted for export, remember to obtain a government issued certificate of approval when buying Buddhist antiques.
If you are on a short visit to the city and wish to purchase a souvenir before you leave, visit the multi-storey malls of River City Complex, Oriental Plaza Place Asian Heritage Shopping Centre and The Silom Galleria and find yourself in antique heaven. Here among the hundreds of antique shops, shoppers will find ancient maps alongside traditional Thai, Tibetan, Chinese, Indonesian and Burmese antiques. Make your choice among ornate Thai Benjarong porcelain wares, ornaments and intricate wood carvings and witness the lively auction held each month at River City Complex. If you have time to spare, why not explore Bangkok’s lesser-known Antique Markets? Wander through Sukhumvit Road and discover vintage Thai furniture at Paul’s Antiques and beautiful Thai traditional dresses and rare collectibles at Old Siam Trading Company and be assured that you will not leave empty handed!

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+