First things first, let’s be real, buying fake anything is technically illegal. Importing that kinda stuff back home *could* get you in hot water, so just keep that in mind. I’m not saying don’t do it, just, y’know, be smart about it. I mean, are you REALLY gonna declare a Rolex that cost you 50 bucks? (Don’t answer that.)
Now, where to find these uh… “homages”? Well, the undisputed king of fake stuff in Bangkok, apparently, is MBK Center. I’ve heard it described as a “temple of shopping for designer fakes.” Sounds pretty epic, right? But be warned, it’s gonna be a LOT of stuff, a LOT of people, and you’ll need your haggling game on point. Don’t accept the first price they give you, that’s amateur hour.
Then there’s the infamous Patpong Night Market. This place is…well, it’s Patpong. Think neon lights, ladyboys, and a whole lotta stuff being sold on the street. You’ll definitely find fake watches there, but quality? Probably a bit more hit-or-miss than MBK. Think more “bargain basement” and less “convincing replica.” Just, uh, be aware of your surroundings, alright?
Now, I saw someone mention getting watches for around 2k THB. That’s like, what, 60 bucks? Not exactly “cheap” cheap, but supposedly the quality was decent. So don’t expect to find a *good* fake for like, 5 bucks. You get what you pay for, even in the world of knock-offs. In my opinion, spending a little more might be worth it, less chance of the thing falling apart on your wrist before you even make it back to your hotel room.
One thing I gotta say, though – and this is just my opinion – be careful with the jewelry too. Fake watches, okay, maybe. But fake jewelry? You might end up with something that turns your skin green. Nobody wants that, especially on vacation.
