Our most favorite place to shop in BKK

I think people always know Bangkok as a shopping heaven, and JJ market (Jatujak weekend market) probably the place that most people go. But for us JJ is not really represented product that Thailand can offer. So, today we will tell you where we shop for local products ranging from fresh fruit, processed food, Thai snack, craft work, hand woven fabric, jewelry etc. We consider it as the biggest pop up market (in air-con too).

The event call OTOP fair, normally it runs 3 times per year (OTOP mid year - May/June, OTOP celebration -  August, OTOP city - December) and we do go every time for the past 3-4 years. Really never have enough of it. 

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At this market, you will get to meet with real producers. We always have good conversation with them. It’s such a good moment to hear the local dialect because we feel like we are traveling throughout Thailand in few hours.
At this market we don’t really bargain because we think the price is quite good already. Sometimes, we do get discount like 10% when we buy a lot. We like to go shopping here because we know that money really goes to the community. 

OTOP or One Tambon One Product is a program supported by the government. They try to promote economy outside of Bangkok. Originally, each Tambon (equivalent to sub-district) will pick a local produce and then try to find a way to add value to the product. But now, it can be more than one product from one Tambon. It’s also possible that the product will look similar to other Tambon, so now the government tries to help these producers to create brands and design to differentiate. Sometimes you can walk pass 10 stalls with the same products even if they come from different provinces.  
Also, there is a grading on product as well from 1 star to 5 star. Normally, the product that participate in the fair are more than 3 star grading. By visiting this event, you can taste food from all area from the north to the south. Also for any handicraft fan, this is the place to be. The down side for this event is the location of the event is quite inconvenient for people without own transport because the OTOP event always locate at IMPACT exhibition in Nontaburi and no skytrain or subway connected. For anyone who stay in Sukhumvit area, this will be 40 mins drive.

Normally, we spend at least 4 hours to cover every row. We even have our own cart to carry stuff. The highly recommend items are as follows; 

1. Cotton and indigo clothing and fabric: we found this event has the largest variety of indigo technique work. It may be pricey but very well worth it. The cotton mostly comes from North and North-East, whereas the indigo is from North-East province. You can also find organic cotton from this event. 
2. Wickerwork : many good items at a very decent price. We personally like the wickerwork from the South - Phatthalung and Narathiwas province. The material are mainly bulrush (Krachut) and a kind of pandanus (Toey Panun). The color and design are modernised and creative. 
3. Hand woven fabric: this is more like an art work, quite expensive but popular. Some work will take at least 3 months to finish. Each area has their own technique and style. 
4. Food - fresh, cooked, or processed: the biggest collection of local produce and style food. For example certain vegetables can buy at certain province/ area only but they will have it at the event. Don’t miss Northern style sausage, dried seafood from the South, rice from North-East. Sun dried fresh water fish from central. Seasonal fruit can be very interesting especially durian and mangoesteen during OTOP mid year because you will find GI (geographical indication) products here too. Kate always stock up her saucing and ingredient from the event. 

Due to the large area with around 1,000 stalls, there is a Thai massage zone for people to take a break from the shopping workout. 

Oh! Lastly, please be cautious that you may be haunted by the OTOP song!! (we pretty hate it :D  )

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